D'arcy could be out of the RWC - Out of warm ups atleast

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0731/darcyg_injury.html

Didnt hear about this, thought id post it just in case anyone else was in the blue. Shame as i thought he was one of our form backs for once and we really could of used him in the RWC, we need our flanker/backs to slow down the Aussies.

DaDubs1 wrote:http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0731/darcyg_injury.html

Didnt hear about this, thought id post it just in case anyone else was in the blue. Shame as i thought he was one of our form backs for once and we really could of used him in the RWC, we need our flanker/backs to slow down the Aussies.

Targeting a return for the England game on the 26th. Up in the air until then. Hope he travels. Hope McFadden travels either way.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

DaDubs1 wrote:http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0731/darcyg_injury.html

Didnt hear about this, thought id post it just in case anyone else was in the blue. Shame as i thought he was one of our form backs for once and we really could of used him in the RWC, we need our flanker/backs to slow down the Aussies.

Targeting a return for the England game on the 26th. Up in the air until then. Hope he travels. Hope McFadden travels either way.

Its a plus in the sense now that McFadden has increased chances of getting a spot. The downside now is that Kidney has an arguement and ammunition for picking Paddy Wallace

DaDubs1 wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

DaDubs1 wrote:http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0731/darcyg_injury.html

Didnt hear about this, thought id post it just in case anyone else was in the blue. Shame as i thought he was one of our form backs for once and we really could of used him in the RWC, we need our flanker/backs to slow down the Aussies.

Targeting a return for the England game on the 26th. Up in the air until then. Hope he travels. Hope McFadden travels either way.

Its a plus in the sense now that McFadden has increased chances of getting a spot. The downside now is that Kidney has an arguement and ammunition for picking Paddy Wallace

Yup. That's about it. I would say Paddy is ahead of Ferg for the 12 jersey in Kidney's eyes.

DaDubs1 wrote:Its a plus in the sense now that McFadden has increased chances of getting a spot. The downside now is that Kidney has an arguement and ammunition for picking Paddy Wallace

Was there really a need to have a dig at Paddy Wallace there?

It's obviously not good news that D'arcy definitely won't be match fit for the world cup and possibly won't be involved at all. The good news is that we have a viable replacement in Paddy Wallace and Fergus McFadden now definitely will get some games for the summer - at least two I'd imagine. While this isn't as worrying as losing a BOD or POC would be, it's still a blow (and I highly doubt it will be the first we or any other team will get).

Sadly and i really cant justify it.

McFadden has hardly made any mistakes, relative to his new caps. He's playing in the same camp as BOD week in week out so they have an 'understanding'. McFadden is a much greater attacking option and is in our top five line breakers argueably.

Even kicking which is supposed to be an arguement for Paddy, McFadden is also a decent kicker!

Add in the fact McFaddens been blooded internationally over the past nine months and not even OJ simpsons lawyer could argue Paddy's case. We can only take it that either Paddys a genius in the camp or Kidneys old age has effected his eyesight and he keeps getting Paddy and BOD mixed up in the camp.

mrsuperclear wrote:

DaDubs1 wrote:Its a plus in the sense now that McFadden has increased chances of getting a spot. The downside now is that Kidney has an arguement and ammunition for picking Paddy Wallace

Was there really a need to have a dig at Paddy Wallace there?

It's obviously not good news that D'arcy definitely won't be match fit for the world cup and possibly won't be involved at all. The good news is that we have a viable replacement in Paddy Wallace and Fergus McFadden now definitely will get some games for the summer - at least two I'd imagine. While this isn't as worrying as losing a BOD or POC would be, it's still a blow (and I highly doubt it will be the first we or any other team will get).

Not having a dig at him, its that Paddy has been getting selections into national sides for the past two years under Kidney where there has been arguably better selections available. Especially this year with the emergence of McFadden and O'Malley appearing in high intensity matchs showing their worth.

I respect Paddy, have nothing against him, i pay my do's to anyone who puts their body on the line for Ireland. He'd sidestep me till the cows come home!

No need for the paddy bashing. Obviously I hope D'arcy is fit but he hasn't exactly been on fire lately and bringing in Wallace and McFadden might actually strengthen us.

D'arcy hasn't been making the line breaks this season that he once did and he does have a habit of taking the ball into contact rather than looking to offload to support players. Wallace will offer better distribution and vision to put other players into space. Wallace also arguably makes more half breaks than D'arcy these days but isn't as good at retaining possession in contact.

McFadden will offer an injection of pace and will almost certainly go now. Earls at 13 might be looked at again.

Hopefully D'arcy will recover but if his injury forces Kidney to look at our other midfield options then that might not be a bad thing.

I'm not Paddy Wallace's biggest fan DaDubs but I'll give you a few points to ponder anyway. I hate accusing people of bias because it just seems like a slap in the face to someone and it's the easy option when debating but the fact you mention Eoin O'Malley is a bit ridiculous. He played one good game against Clermont and he should be considered for Ireland ahead of Paddy Wallace? You may as well throw in Luke Marshall into being considered ahead of Paddy if you go down that road. (however I know you weren't really serious with Eoin O'Malley - I hope )

I'll try not to make it seem like I'm berating McFadden here because I like him and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he outplayed Paddy in the summer tour but right now what has he really done to be considered ahead of Paddy Wallace? He has never managed to be selected ahead of D'arcy at inside centre for Leinster and his games for Ireland were on the wing (and he only has two caps as far as I know). Paddy Wallace get's a hell of a lot of hate on 606 versions 1 & 2 but he has played good games for Ireland contrary to popular belief. Watch any of our summer tours to see how good he can be. Look at this try here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2i9s9hCjwE Honestly tell me that McFadden or D'arcy will make that pass. I really don't think they're capable of doing things like that and it's good to have someone around that is a true distributing inside centre.

Would I have played Paddy ahead of D'arcy? Probably not. Would I play him ahead of McFadden? Probably but it depends on the summer internationals.

What I would say is I hope Kidney doesn't put Paddy on the bench in the world cup when ROG is already on it. It seems completely pointless and just a blatant waste of a bench spot.

mrsuperclear wrote:I'm not Paddy Wallace's biggest fan DaDubs but I'll give you a few points to ponder anyway. I hate accusing people of bias because it just seems like a slap in the face to someone and it's the easy option when debating but the fact you mention Eoin O'Malley is a bit ridiculous. He played one good game against Clermont and he should be considered for Ireland ahead of Paddy Wallace? You may as well throw in Luke Marshall into being considered ahead of Paddy if you go down that road. (however I know you weren't really serious with Eoin O'Malley - I hope )

I'll try not to make it seem like I'm berating McFadden here because I like him and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he outplayed Paddy in the summer tour but right now what has he really done to be considered ahead of Paddy Wallace? He has never managed to be selected ahead of D'arcy at inside centre for Leinster and his games for Ireland were on the wing (and he only has two caps as far as I know). Paddy Wallace get's a hell of a lot of hate on 606 versions 1 & 2 but he has played good games for Ireland contrary to popular belief. Watch any of our summer tours to see how good he can be. Look at this try here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2i9s9hCjwE Honestly tell me that McFadden or D'arcy will make that pass. I really don't think they're capable of doing things like that and it's good to have someone around that is a true distributing inside centre.

Would I have played Paddy ahead of D'arcy? Probably not. Would I play him ahead of McFadden? Probably but it depends on the summer internationals.

What I would say is I hope Kidney doesn't put Paddy on the bench in the world cup when ROG is already on it. It seems completely pointless and just a blatant waste of a bench spot.

+ 1 Well said mrsuperclear.

Cant exactly point out every McFaddens done - But he has been Leinsters most consistent performer id argue behind Sexton and SOB. But thats my opinion, theres a lot of others in that mix for the consistency side.

True about Paddys distribution, thats why i was trying to point out im not having a dig at him, but at this very moment in time, id much prefer to see McFadden in that 12 shirt. McFaddens done a heck of a lot this season. He's made an impact in nearly any Heineken game he's entered, he's been near flawless in the Magners games he had to play as well, harsh as a lot of our Heineken squad were allowed to rest these games in turns.

O'Malley i backed because his passing, tackling (despite his obvious size disadvantage) hunger and ability to break the gainline like BOD in his younger years justifys merit. I watched him in a few tournaments including the u20's a while back and had my eye on him since. I wouldnt put him into a world cup squad like that, but when you see an obvious raw talent like that id almost want him in the squad for being a spark player.

The reason McFadden doesnt get in ahead of D'arcy is because despite d'arcys defensive flaws at times and depleted pace - he is outstanding for turnovers, experience and most importantly, forms half of whats been one of the best centre partnerships of the decade. You're not going to split that up, even if your Peter de Villiers.

DaDubs1 wrote:Cant exactly point out every McFaddens done - But he has been Leinsters most consistent performer id argue behind Sexton and SOB. But thats my opinion, theres a lot of others in that mix for the consistency side.

True about Paddys distribution, thats why i was trying to point out im not having a dig at him, but at this very moment in time, id much prefer to see McFadden in that 12 shirt. McFaddens done a heck of a lot this season. He's made an impact in nearly any Heineken game he's entered, he's been near flawless in the Magners games he had to play as well, harsh as a lot of our Heineken squad were allowed to rest these games in turns.

O'Malley i backed because his passing, tackling (despite his obvious size disadvantage) hunger and ability to break the gainline like BOD in his younger years justifys merit. I watched him in a few tournaments including the u20's a while back and had my eye on him since. I wouldnt put him into a world cup squad like that, but when you see an obvious raw talent like that id almost want him in the squad for being a spark player.

The reason McFadden doesnt get in ahead of D'arcy is because despite d'arcys defensive flaws at times and depleted pace - he is outstanding for turnovers, experience and most importantly, forms half of whats been one of the best centre partnerships of the decade. You're not going to split that up, even if your Peter de Villiers.

Fair enough response pal and I would certainly agree with you that McFadden has had a good season. Again, and I don't want to sound too critical, his games where he has impressed have come on the wing though. The only important game that he played for Leinster last season at inside centre was against Munster in the Magners final and that didn't go well. But you're right, he's been very impressive this season and deserves his chance in the summer and I'm sure he's going to get it and it will be up to him to impress. If D'arcy is out I'd pick either him or Paddy at 12 and I'd let their form in the warm up's be the main factor in deciding. I don't want to harp on about Paddy's distribution qualities but I'd again like to re-emphasise that point. In the linked example I gave McFadden (99.9% of the time) will go into contact whereas Paddy gives that pass that results in a try (and note the try was against Australia). He's a great option to have (especially against Australia) and could be the difference between winning and losing.

O'Malley looks good, true, but right now all he has is potential. I don't think you can put every player who has a spark into the squad just before the world cup (training camps sure but this is serious business now). Look at all the players you could bring in under that category - Gilroy (top Irish try scorer in the Magners last season), Marshall (who looks better than O'Malley in all fairness), Nagle, Ruddock, Dom Ryan - the list goes on. Added to that, O'Malley is an outside centre so don't see the point in focusing too much on him. I agree with you though that he's an exciting player with plenty of potential.

Honestly, I think more people than PDV would have split up the BOD/D'arcy combo. The way people have been talking about him for the last year you'd think he was the second coming. Let's call a spade a spade, D'arcy was in terrible form at one point in the season and McFadden wasn't chosen ahead of him (you'd have to take into consideration Fitz poor form in general and Kearney's injury so thus lack of options in the backline but still, it's a fact). I'll just reiterate I don't want to sound too critical of McFadden. I think he looks very promising and I'd certainly predict he'll be Ireland's inside centre for a couple of years before Luke Marshall really comes into his own.

McFadden great season??

Didnt get into the Leinster first time despite Fitzgerald atrocious form plays a few matches for the Leinster B's at 11 and now hes supposed to be the form 12??

Ha...

Fitzgerald and D'Arcy in terrible form and he still cant get picked at 11 or 12, how is this supposed to be someone thats ahead of Paddy Wallace, McFadden must of played 12 about twice this season.

Oh no! Not Darcy! And he was so good during the Six Nations!

Reputation, reputation, reputation.

Yeah true about the spliting about the combo, but most coaches hate splitting up set combinations, those two have been the heart of the Leinster camp for ages, so perhaps they have extra symbolism. You wouldnt want to put BOD off form by removing his age old centre partner. Probably the fact it was Schmidts first season as well he wanted to have people he could relay information too on the pitch and not shake things up too much. Atleast the faith he shown in him has payed off, D'arcys been a bit like Paddy in the sense that he's often over looked and only noticed when he's off form. I can see why you argue Paddys case in that sense.

To be fair ive only seen about a third of Ulsters games this season and most of Leinsters, so im more arguemental in hyping O'malley up as BOD's successfor.

Lets hope Kidney isnt reading this, but based on other selections he's made, im starting to think he reads threads and posts like ours!

Its quite simple chaps... They both travel - if Dorce is not fit. Roysh?

Paddy "Sweet Hands" Wallace, covers inside-centre and 10. Fergus "Limbo-Dancer" McFadden, covers Inside-centre/Outside-centre and Wing. And he is no mean kicker to boot(sic). Options. We need all the options we can lay our hands on, if we are to progress at this gig. Sorted.

Artful_Dodger wrote:McFadden great season??

Didnt get into the Leinster first time despite Fitzgerald atrocious form plays a few matches for the Leinster B's at 11 and now hes supposed to be the form 12??

Ha...

Yep and nearly every Leinster fan has been outraged by that this season on this forum. And countless other ones to say the least. He's made every matchday squad in the HC and played time in all the games if my memory serves me right.

12's his predominant position, but hes utility back in that he can play 11,12,14 and 10 at a stretch, but thats in a 'lets draw straws' scenario.

Gibson wrote:Its quite simple chaps... They both travel - if Dorce is not fit. Roysh?

Paddy "Sweet Hands" Wallace, covers inside-centre and 10. Fergus "Limbo-Dancer" McFadden, covers Inside-centre/Outside-centre and Wing. And he is no mean kicker to boot(sic). Options. We need all the options we can lay our hands on, if we are to progress at this gig. Sorted.

Eloquently put as always Gibson I'd honestly say they both travel regardless of D'arcy's fitness. McFadden is great to have around as he does cover wing to a decent standard. He should really be the versatile player we bring instead of Fitzgerald. If it comes down to McFadden or Fitz I fear the wrong call might be made though. Still as long as Felix goes (don't forget our little bet )

I would suggest, that Mcfadden is the most talented footballer in the squad. He could light this RWC up. Ive no doubt of that. None.

Super,

He could make it. He is that good. Lets see how he does in the SI's. He deserves his chance. For sure. Apparently... allegedly - the word from the Camp is... Murphy & Kearney are both doing well fitness-wise. Let's see how they all play now.

I almost feel sorry for Deccie having to make these calls. Can he play them all? Of course he can. Jeezuz lads, is it not feicin great to have these selection problems? Bowe and Reddan have stated, that the competition for places, in training, is fierce. All over the field. Its what we all wanted for years. Love it.



Believe.

He could light this RWC up. Ive no doubt of that. None

Easy to say no doubt when you say "could".

MBTGOG wrote:

He could light this RWC up. Ive no doubt of that. None

Easy to say no doubt when you say "could".

If Deccie sees the Light and plays him at IC.

Gibson wrote:Super,

He could make it. He is that good. Lets see how he does in the SI's. He deserves his chance. For sure. Apparently... allegedly - the word from the Camp is... Murphy & Kearney are both doing well fitness-wise. Let's see how they all play now.

I almost feel sorry for Deccie having to make these calls. Can he play them all? Of course he can. Jeezuz lads, is it not feicin great to have these selection problems? Bowe and Reddan have stated, that the competition for places, in training, is fierce. All over the field. Its what we all wanted for years. Love it.



Believe.

Well apparently both ferris and flannery will play some part against scotland next week.

Wallace will probably get the most gametime at 12 and thats fair enough. He has been the second choice 12 for the past few seasons and I really don't think his form was as bad as people made out. He had some excellent games in the hec. McFadden may well become Leinster's 12 after darcy but he hasnt been able to get ahead of him despite darcy being in poor form. He had a very poor magners final and although he is a good kicker from the tee, he has never really impressed kicking from hand. His defence is good but so is wallace's. And wallace's passing is way better so I think wallace is the better choice at 12.

Also hopefully we get to see earls or bowe having gametime at 13.

Gibson wrote:Super,

He could make it. He is that good. Lets see how he does in the SI's. He deserves his chance. For sure. Apparently... allegedly - the word from the Camp is... Murphy & Kearney are both doing well fitness-wise. Let's see how they all play now.

I almost feel sorry for Deccie having to make these calls. Can he play them all? Of course he can. Jeezuz lads, is it not feicin great to have these selection problems? Bowe and Reddan have stated, that the competition for places, in training, is fierce. All over the field. Its what we all wanted for years. Love it.


Believe.

You should really copyright "believe" Gibson. I reckon you must be doing some fancy marketing job in Amsterdam. I can see it now: A big red canvas with Gibbo holding a can of Coca-Cola with two tasty blonde Dutch women beside him and going - BELIEVE or Pepsi - BELIEVE to the max. It really works with anything, you'd be rolling in it!

Ah, not to be too negative, but everyone is saying they're doing well in camp and let's just say I'll believe it when I see it. Hopefully they will though I wouldn't want Felix "the second coming" Jones to have his spot on the plane tarred due to the competition not showing up I do feel sorry for Deccie really. I mean he's going to probably have to leave out Leamy who he's known for years - likewise Horan, Hayes/Buckley, MOD hopefully **crosses fingers**, possibly Stringer/O'Leary - these are lads he's known for years so it can't be easy and I'm sure he has close ties to lads from the other provinces who he'll have to leave out too. Not to mention deciding on the match day squad and team (I keep changing my mind every day on what our back row and scrum-half should be so good luck to him is all I can say). You're right though, this is what we need and have wanted for years and it's great that we can have these debates. I wasn't on 606 four years ago but I can't imagine you'd have got 200+ posts on an EOS team announcement back then. Long may the competition for places continue

Depends if Irishmickey go in on the action.

mrsc- you got hundreds of comments on EOS teams all saying the same thing. Don't pick Trimble at centre, pick Bowe and ffs if it didn't work the first 10 times it isn't going to work now!

The interesting question re. D'Arcy is now, if he recovers late and plays against England on the 26th the way he did in the Six Nations; will he be picked? I'd say if McFadden and Wallace play well and he doesn't and he's not fully fit... it becomes a gamble.

Notch wrote:mrsc- you got hundreds of comments on EOS teams all saying the same thing. Don't pick Trimble at centre, pick Bowe and ffs if it didn't work the first 10 times it isn't going to work now!

The interesting question re. D'Arcy is now, if he recovers late and plays against England on the 26th the way he did in the Six Nations; will he be picked? I'd say if McFadden and Wallace play well and he doesn't and he's not fully fit... it becomes a gamble.

Oh it definitely becomes a gamble in your scenario Notch. Even if he plays alright in the England match he still isn't going to be match-fit for the world cup so bringing him is going to be have risks regardless (match-fitness, form, is his injury really gone, etc). However, I'd bring all three of them anyway to lessen the gamble. I think in Pete's set of article's they all got selected in the back three section as well. McFadden is at least as versatile as Fitzgerald, and is in better form, so unless Fitz comes back to his 2009 form this summer and throws that opinion of mine in my face, I'd have to hope Deccie makes another hard decision and leaves Fitz with Leinster this autumn. Interesting times and I'm surprised the team announcements got 200 posts four years ago it's good to know 606 will never change no matter how bad Ireland might become in the future Bring on the 200+ posts during the week when the team for Scotland is announced