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That was as forward as the one in the other game

Forward passes seems to be okay now.

I get the ball going slightly forwards if you are running and pass it back but holy Jesus, these aren't even close.


For me Prendergast had a mare, best that he sits Twickenham out but Crowley isn't pulling up trees either.

Any sign of Keenan?

Unlikely to see Keenan in 6N. He's having an unlucky run. When it gets to the Wales game Farrell would be as well sitting out Prendergast and start Crowley with Byrne on the bench for a 2nd half run out.

Read an article during the week in the UK Times about Scotland doing themselves a disservice by going all in v England every time and being shite the rest of the 6N. A lot of truth to it I suppose but I bet he's fuming

Let them at it every year! They'll beat Wales and are due to give Ireland a proper game.

Thought Italy were the better team for most of that game. Twickenham could be ugly.

They will get beaten by 30 points if they don't find a way to improve significantly. England will have serious options off the bench so it could get messy.

That's better lads. Everyone relax 

Time for Crowley

At least Brian Kerr has a set of balls

https://www.balls.ie/football/brian-kerr-calls-out-baloney-with-passionate-explanation-why-ireland-to-boycott-israel-fixtures-649594

I don't know what I've done wrong.

Would he call it out if he was still manager?

Are they the politicians we deserve? The US shows that an intellectual deficit is no barrier to serving in government.

Yes he should, he bigger than most previous flyhalfs for Ireland.at about 6ft 2in, but a basic of rubgy is knowing how to tackle. The fact that its common knowledge he missed so many, means he actually invites more players to run down his channel trying to force breaks.

I think he's closer to 6'4" and he's about 95kg so he's not going to bully many boys off the ball but he should be able to make a tackle.

Ireland team v Italy:
15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Craig Casey; 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 7 Caelan Doris (capt.), 8 Jack Conan

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Tom O'Toole, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Tadhg Beirne, 21 Nick Timoney, 22 Jamison Gibson-Park, 23 Jack Crowley

A few changes in the Ireland team and panel from the trimming at the hands of the French.

Italy are a decent team and it will be tight enough on Saturday, but not to win will leave Ireland in a bit of a dead season, might mean more new blood which wouldn't be a bad thing long term.

Good to see Farrell firing a few shots. The were criticised for lack of pace and not fronting up physically against France so Baloucoune and Conan are obvious responses to that. Big Edogbo coming off the bench will do no harm either.

Is there a party that hasn't public school politicians?

Sinn Fein?

Had been looking forward to These Sacred Vows on RTE.

Pure dung.

Saw it referred to as The Shite Lotus somewhere.

Sad his widow is looking for financial support.

You would think a guy who was face of a major tv show would be comfortable enough. No doubt screwed by studios like so many others. RIP

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-van-der-beeks-family

Couple of years medical bills over there wouldn't be long cleaning out someone even with a few quid in the bank.

James Van Der Beek. RIP  Dawson in Dawsons Creek.

Life can be very cruel. No age at all.

You'll see some of Winker's contribution on the Smaller Fish account on Twitter.

If ya didn't have a hurling scar by the age of ten, did you hurl at all?

I drive through Ballymena every morning and its great seeing all the boys and girls with the hurls

Great to see, every morning too and more have hurls than dont! 4g pitch covered in bodies in the morning time

Is that going into St. Louis? Do they wear helmets?
I think it's great bringing in hurls. Some primary schools don't allow it I hink. 'Insurance issues' is the problem.
Anybody know of schools allowed to bring in hurls?

Helmets are only required at the ball wall at St Louis.

No requirement for pucing about on the pitch, but I see where you are coming from.

And a good mix of boys and girls bringing their sticks in.

As MR2 said, it is a great sight.

Hopefully some busybody doesn't comment on it and put a stop to it!

In my day, you only brought your stick if you had a match or training.

One, it wouldn't have been popular enough and two, you wouldn't have walked about the town with one as plenty would have objected and you would be inviting trouble.

I'd say it was spicy enough around the old State Cinema bus stop and up at the station back in the 80s and 90s.