The 2014 Six Nations Thread

AZOffaly · February 06, 2014, 04:11:02 PM

That's the line alright, but he also turned down a 'one year extension'. The question might be why was he not offered a 2 or 3 year deal? Obviously a 1 year extension, versus a multi year deal from Japan is an entirely different kettle of fish to a 3 year deal offer.

easytiger95 · February 06, 2014, 05:52:32 PM

I'd say Japan's relative closeness to NZ made a difference as well. What's the problem with Axel lads? There was a lot of grumbling when Penney was appointed that they weren't giving him a chance. Has his stock fallen in thomond? Will they give O'Sullivan an interview this time?

Hoof Hearted · February 06, 2014, 08:22:03 PM

Leaderboard after last week, only a couple of tries between top and bottom

David O'Connor - Capt Pat 71
Shane Gavin - Kick Ahead 70
Enda Finn - The Ruckin Lilies 70
Liam Connolly - Space Monkeys 66
Eamonn Reid - Try Hards 66
SHANE ONEILL - roofers 57
andoireabu worldbeaters - andoireabu 57
Niall Naughton - The elms 53
Gerard McErlean - Hoof Hearted 50
Arch Stanton - Dinny's Demise 49
Cathal Harkin - Only Amhran na bfhain 48

Syferus · February 06, 2014, 09:48:50 PM

Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 06, 2014, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 06, 2014, 03:20:33 PM
Unrelated, but Munster have confirmed that Rob Penney and Simon Mannix are leaving at the end of the year. Whatever about Mannix, who did seem to be a bit unpopular with the team, I thought Penney had really turned the corner and was starting to merge his ideas with the traditional Munster approach, without throwing either out the window. I was hopeful going forward with him.

Disappointed now, and I hope it's not Axel Foley that gets the job.

He was really starting to produce good players for Ireland as well. Big blow for Munster rugby, Foley is too ingrained in percentage rugby to bring Munster on imho.

This could all be as result of the ERC/Rabo/AP/Welsh Regions cluster f**k though. Uncertainty means the IRFU can't commit beyond one year.

When has winning Munster rugby anything than other than that?

Foley has been groomed for the job for years and Penney was just a (decent) holding patern coach to guide Munster over the transition from the EC winning sides to the current team. Foley deserves his shot, Munster have went about giving him the time to develop as a coach in a way few organisations have the patience to do and it could pay dividends.

grounded · February 08, 2014, 03:42:17 PM

O Mahoney is a feckin animal

Syferus · February 08, 2014, 04:10:13 PM

Part two of the farewell tour complete. Maybe, just maybe.

armaghniac · February 08, 2014, 04:20:31 PM

Welsh mauled.
Give me manna!

seafoid · February 08, 2014, 04:24:56 PM

Ar fheabhas ar fad. Bring on the Tans.

screenexile · February 08, 2014, 04:38:34 PM

Didn't see that coming... Everyone involved in that performance deserves credit!

Outstanding!!!!!

J OGorman · February 08, 2014, 04:52:36 PM

Quote from: screenexile on February 08, 2014, 04:38:34 PM
Didn't see that coming... Everyone involved in that performance deserves credit!

Outstanding!!!!!

Bigtime...what a performance from every man. The Welsh packed destroyed. Big Pauly off after 55 mins such was the dominance.

Dinny Breen · February 08, 2014, 04:58:25 PM

Coaching master class executed to a tee by the players O'Mahony coming of age but Sexton was my motm - the game control he exhibited was outstanding

Capt Pat · February 08, 2014, 07:18:37 PM

A good performance from Ireland today. We need to bring that level of performance into the England game. They beat the Scots 20 to zero in murrayfield.

There were no injuries for us today at least but we will still be missing Bowe, O'Brien, Ryan and Ferris.

Syferus · February 08, 2014, 07:29:04 PM

Quote from: Capt Pat on February 08, 2014, 07:18:37 PM
A good performance from Ireland today. We need to bring that level of performance into the England game. They beat the Scots 20 to zero in murrayfield.

There were no injuries for us today at least but we will still be missing Bowe, O'Brien, Ryan and Ferris.

To be fair Ferris is perennially injured so we've moved far past relying on him or expecting him to be fit. It's lads like Henry, O'Mahony, Trimble, Toner, Dave Kearney along with some very solid youngsters that come in as subs for the pack that have impressed me the most. Suddenly we've lots of options even with some big injuries. Bodes well for the future.

Walter Cronc · February 08, 2014, 07:34:50 PM

I've been critical of O'Mahony in the past but Jesus he was powerful today. Trimble also!

moysider · February 09, 2014, 12:02:58 AM

I remember Irish teams as far back Willie John and Mike Gibson and this display ranks as one of the great Ireland performances. We used always get an odd blood and guts performance - usually against England - but this was more structured and more encouraging.

Missing a few injured players. O Brien's ball carrying a loss but Chris Henry is a cracking player too and a more natural 7. Ferris a loss but O Mahoney is a man possessed.

Ulster s surge has added a lot. Trimble is now a top player. Best with his throwing sorted is world class. Henry is up there with McKinney, Carr, Matthews, Ferris as a backrower.
The half backs are arguably the best in the N Hemisphere. Rob Kearney is the best full back we ve ever produced imo.

The Slam is something this squad is going to burst themselves for now. It s very doable as long as injuries dont scupper us. We re now favourites to win the championship anyway.
This is a team we can be proud of.