The IRISH RUGBY thread

[From the Bunker]

Four years is along time in the career of a player at the beginning or at the end of their careers.

The 6 Nations is there to be won every year and should be when ever we have a chance.

The only caveat is World Cup year. All preparation that year should be geared toward that tournament. Peaking at the right time, tending to injuries, avoiding injuries, etc. If this mean having an average 6N, then so be it that year. 

[dec]

All time 6 nations table

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fhv7z014ir2pa1.png

[Mikhail Prokhorov]

All time 6 nations table

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fhv7z014ir2pa1.png

  ffs this is like the soccer heads who think it only started in 1992

[thewobbler]

My take.

It shouldn't take 4 years to build a team. It shouldn't take even close to that amount of time.

But Ireland has spent the past 20 years getting it wrong, every time.

And it always starts out the same way, with the game plan and leadership being built around 6-8 players now in the autumn of their careers, and for who all logic dictates will be unable to endure the physical demands of a RWC four years from now.

Then watch as the media make the autumnal warriors into their new darlings, pundits begin to describe them as irreplaceable figures, and coaches convince themselves that their defensive plan requires, above all else, experience for it to work.

By year 3, some of these players are reduced to bench spots, yet they turn up dutifully for every international game, putting in the hefty 20 minute cameos their bodies are still capable of, and booking their spots on the plane. That they no longer have 80 minutes in them seems to become irrelevant. That they would be thoroughly incapable of playing 3 games in 3 weeks should a starter get hurt, seems to become irrelevant. That they've spent years blocking the path of players who might still have 80 mins in them is overlooked. Indeed it's actually celebrated that the team of us stays together through thick and thin, before their inglorious departure. RTE then put on hour long documentaries that show them playing peak rugby from 8 years previous.

Then it starts over again.

[thewobbler]

(Or in summary, why in holy f**k is Conor Murray still playing for Ireland now when his performances have been below par for 5 years)

[Wildweasel74]

Ireland have had 2 very strong U-20 teams over the past 3 yrs and this year's team is strong. There be enough there come 4 yrs time.

[gallsman]

Scotland probably robbed of a try and the death there but agree that there was no conclusive evidence that it was grounded. No last day grand slam decider, albeit that would have required the Scots not to shit themselves for two more straight matches after today.

[Armagh18]

Far from a rugby expert but seemed like a try should have been given there.

[screenexile]

Far from a rugby expert but seemed like a try should have been given there.

Once the ref said it was held up you needed to see the bottom of the ball on the ground. Anything else had doubt so that was that.

Scotland shit themselves again.

This game here is interesting!

[Milltown Row2]

Just because it had to land on the line, they couldn't see it with the multiple plays..

It's like when the full back in the first league game of the year gobs the full forward behind the referees back, as he's no umpires with him.

You know what happened but can do feck all about it

[From the Bunker]

Jez, I definitely don't know what a forward pass is anymore?

[manfromdelmonte]

Jez, I definitely don't know what a forward pass is anymore?

more kicking in rugby than Gaelic football

[screenexile]

If Ireland don't win this Grand Slam it'll be a massive failure. England/Scotland and Wales are shite!

[Tony Baloney]

If Ireland don't win this Grand Slam it'll be a massive failure. England/Scotland and Wales are shite!

After the first 5 games it's hard to find a scenario where they don't win it.

[An Watcher]

They were shite in the world cup as well but got favourable draws.  Semi final aside when England almost pulled off a massive shock