Rugby World Cup 2011

[INDIANA]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/worldcup/2011/0903/ireland_smalg.html

Gert Smal says Ireland have something special. FOr what its worth I agree and think we will beat the Aussies. After that who knows.

You think so with Tom Court at loose-head. Remember who said it first. I dont think anybody realises how knackered we are with injuries. Its far worse then they are saying.

[Capt Pat]

I see that James O Connor will not start for the Aussies against the Gino Ginellis on saturday. Is he in the coaches bad books?  I thought he was their main man,  best bacl, goal kicker etc.

[AZOffaly]

Fecking hell. Why not?

[anglocelt39]

I see that James O Connor will not start for the Aussies against the Gino Ginellis on saturday. Is he in the coaches bad books?  I thought he was their main man,  best bacl, goal kicker etc.

Disciplinary issues going AWOL around the time WC squad was announced. Ashley Cooper ended up taking his place against the sheep shaggers and turned in a big performance so young  James has a challenge to get back in, just as Rocky does to hold his place.

[Capt Pat]

Well yes but I hope they aren't taking the Itialians too lughtlyn They have already beaten France this year.

[anglocelt39]

Well yes but I hope they aren't taking the Itialians too lughtlyn They have already beaten France this year.

think it's pretty much the team that beat the Kiwi's so don't think they're taking it lightly

[Hoof Hearted]

Kidney throws Murray surprise


The 22-year-old Murray, the youngest member of the Irish squad, has made just two appearances for Ireland, both off the bench in World Cup warm-up games.


Despite his inexperience at international and domestic level (he has never played in the Heineken Cup), Murray gets the nod over more senior campaigners, Issac Boss and Eoin Reddan.


Ireland coach Declan Kidney admits it's a bit of a gamble starting with Murray but it's a necessary one.


"Conor's been going well in training and we said we'd judge it off that. If we're to know more about him, now's the time to know," said Kidney.


"He deserves a go and we think he's good enough to start. It's a big call given it's our first game in the World Cup, but what he's been doing merits his inclusion."


Murray will be partnered by Jonathan Sexton at fly-half, with Ronan O'Gara named amongst the substitutes.


Despite being passed fit earlier in the week, flanker Sean O'Brien and full-back Rob Kearney will take no part in the clash, with the duo rested as a precaution.


Shane Jennings and Geordan Murphy are the men to benefit from the decision.


Having recovered from a calf injury, Gordon D'Arcy regains his place at inside centre.


Despite a handful of strong performances during Ireland's warm-up games, Andrew Trimble has to make do with a place on the bench with Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls named on the wings.


Rugby World Cup betting odds


Ireland: 15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordan D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip,7 Shane Jennings, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court
Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Andrew Trimble.


Date: Sunday, September 11
Venue: New Plymouth
Kick-off: 18:00 (06:00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Carlo Damasco (Italy)
Television match official: Graham Hughes (England

[Tony Baloney]

Can't abide ITV sports coverage but they've some lineup of pundits - Pienaar, Fitzpatrick, Dallaglio and Lynagh.

[thewobbler]

I can't understand Keith Earl's inclusion but the rest of it is good.

[Capt Pat]

The Kiwis didn't try and they appear to be resting their best player for an important game. The All Blacks beat Italy by 90 points at the last world cup but the Italians didn't try. When the Italians get their act together their true level is a lot closer to the effort of beating France. This Aussie team will be tops in four years. However right now they are just another contender like Ireland and England with a punchers chance.

 

Well yes but I hope they aren't taking the Itialians too lughtlyn They have already beaten France this year.

think it's pretty much the team that beat the Kiwi's so don't think they're taking it lightly

[Capt Pat]

Opening ceremonies why bother. Just gove Toti Te Kanawa a microphone to blast out the more operatic version of World in Unison a couple of times and be done with it in five minutes.

[mc_grens]

Can't abide ITV sports coverage but they've some lineup of pundits - Pienaar, Fitzpatrick, Dallaglio and Lynagh.

Fitzpatrick in particular is a cracking pundit I think.

[Capt Pat]

I can't understand Keith Earl's inclusion but the rest of it is good.

Keith will do ok against the US. Trimble might come in for the Aussie game. I am getting worried about Rob Kearney is he fit at all?

[Dinny Breen]

I can't understand Keith Earl's inclusion but the rest of it is good.

Agree with that expect would like McFadden in for D'arcy and would have hoped O'Brien was fit enough for the bench, assuming Trimble is been rested for next week as he played in the 4 warm-up games.

[AZOffaly]

Any streams for this lads? I can't seem to get RTE at work because our proxy is based in fecking Texas.