Irish Team Naming Thread

[MBTGOG]

First topic message reminder :

15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/ Leinster)
14 - Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
13 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
12 - Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/ Ulster)
11 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/ Leinster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/ Munster)
1 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
2 - Sean Cronin (Leinster)
3 - Tony Buckley (Sale)
4 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
5 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster) Captain
6 - Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/ Connacht)*
7 - Niall Ronan (Shannon/ Munster)
8 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)

Replacements:
16 - Jerry Flannery (Shannon/ Munster)
17 - Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
18 - John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
19 - Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/ Munster)
20 - Kevin McLaughlin (St Mary's College/ Leinster)
21 - Isaac Boss (Terenure College/ Leinster)
22 - Felix Jones (Shannon/ Munster)*

[Artful_Dodger]

3 - Tony Buckley (Sale)

[red_stag]

Yea Red Stag, thats what i thought, that four positional shifts for one sub. Thats pretty unusual! Showing off some might say!

Nah not showing off. Just making these allows us to have 4 subs to cover our tight 5.

[MMC]

Laughable.

Now remind me of your prediction for the score, Boyne?!

I said that it will be a score either way.

Its a very weakened team, extremely in fact. But, I dont happen to think Scotland are much good. So, it will be a terrible scrap in a ghostly Murrayfield.

If pushed, I'll go for 15 17 to Scotland.

OK?

Ridiculous. For a 15-17 scoreline they'd have to score 2 tries.
How about 16 (1 try for us) - 18 (0 tries) scoreline instead?

[Boyne]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

[red_stag]

Boyne - I assume that we'll go for a completely new front row at some stage

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Laughable.

Now remind me of your prediction for the score, Boyne?!

I said that it will be a score either way.

Its a very weakened team, extremely in fact. But, I dont happen to think Scotland are much good. So, it will be a terrible scrap in a ghostly Murrayfield.

If pushed, I'll go for 15 17 to Scotland.

OK?

Ridiculous. For a 15-17 scoreline they'd have to score 2 tries.
How about 16 (1 try for us) - 18 (0 tries) scoreline instead?

Ha, ha, v good, MMC

[Boyne]

Good selections are:

Kearney, Leamy, Fitz, Wallace, TOL, Trimble, Cullen.

All with LOTS to prove.

[Artful_Dodger]

Buckley, Hayes and Horan as three of our props, I think its sickening.

I would far rather have the likes of Hagan, McAllister and Wilkinson than these 3 .....

Also were the hell has Niall Ronan come from....McCarthy....????

Some very odd decisions here, pleasantly surprised with the second row but other than that....

[Notch]

I fear for Buckley and Ronan. I think McCarthy will be grand. He's a tough guy and a very hard worker.

[MMC]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

Maybe this game is all about the backs that will go?
It's a week too early for many of the forwards but it isn't for our backs. You have new combinations, guys returning from fitness, new caps etc.

McCarthy, Ronan, Horan, Micko...all stop gaps. No point risking our frontline guys if they're not ready.

[Boyne]

Boyne - I assume that we'll go for a completely new front row at some stage

Im not sure there is anything "new" about Horan, Flannery and Hayes.... Its like I stepped into a time wharp.

[MBTGOG]

Unlike when Eddie played second string sides I bet Deccie has most of these players believing there is still a chance to make the squad and that will show in the performance.

[Boyne]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

+ 1,000,000

[Notch]

Yes, and only one outside back- anyone else get the sense we might see Sexton come off in the 2nd half and Wallace move inside?

With only Jones to come on, i don't follow what the switch around would be. Mcfadden to 12... what next? Fitz to 13 and so on?

Jones for Sexton, Wallace to outhalf, Fitzgerald to centre, Kearney to wing, Jones to fullback.

CHANGE PLACES!

[red_stag]

But I don't understand whats the problem in Horan and Hayes being our FIFTH AND SIXTH prop pairing. They are behind Court, Buckley, Healy and Ross and have bags of test level experience.

Theres always a danger of throwing baby out with bathwater. Brining in an uncapped trio of McAllister, Hagan and Wilkinson seems a bit silly to me.

We know what Horan and Hayes offer. They'll do enough to give the others a breather if needs be.

[Notch]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

+ 1,000,000

Are you replying to your own posts now?

I have a hunch McCarthy will be on the plane to be honest.

[red_stag]

Boyne did you just agree with your own comment

[rodders]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

+ 1,000,000

make that 1,000,001.

Pete you were fairly on the money sir, are you sure you're not really Declan Kidney??

[MMC]

Yes, and only one outside back- anyone else get the sense we might see Sexton come off in the 2nd half and Wallace move inside?

With only Jones to come on, i don't follow what the switch around would be. Mcfadden to 12... what next? Fitz to 13 and so on?

Jones for Sexton, Wallace to outhalf, Fitzgerald to centre, Kearney to wing, Jones to fullback.

CHANGE PLACES!

Like musical chairs. Kidney did allude to this in the press conference. Something about the adaptability of our backs.

It'll be a battle royal between the two front rows. And I'm not talking about Ireland's vs Scotland's.

[MBTGOG]

Stag,

Just on your point about you preferring someone being on the bench who can cover 7, that would have been Ronan. And sure he's starting.

[greybeard]

But I don't understand whats the problem in Horan and Hayes being our FIFTH AND SIXTH prop pairing. They are behind Court, Buckley, Healy and Ross and have bags of test level experience.

I don't have a problem with that, but I'd rather see the pairings being mixed up a bit more considering we have the opportunity with 5 matches ahead of us. If the match finishes with a front row of Horan, Flannery and Hayes we're not going to learn much that we don't already know about how well they work as a unit.

Which reminds me. Shouldn't we pick 22 man squads, seeing as that's what the RWC will have?

[valjester]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

Maybe this game is all about the backs that will go?
It's a week too early for many of the forwards but it isn't for our backs. You have new combinations, guys returning from fitness, new caps etc.

McCarthy, Ronan, Horan, Micko...all stop gaps. No point risking our frontline guys.

You're being very harsh on mccarthy by putting him into that group. He is a very good player who is another 4/6 option and probably a better one than mclaughlin as he has a good bit of experience in both positions.

I'm not sure what people are so upset at this team. It was always likely to be a mixture of 2nd choice players and players returning from injury. The frontrow is probably going to be our 2nd choice frontrow in the world cup. The 2nd row is probably going to be our 2nd choice in the world cup. That is a strong enough front five. The backrow is quite weak but if ronan wasn't playing it would look a lot stronger.
With ronan starting it looks like there is a good chance the will try and play a open running game which is a positive at least. The munster/leinster players were always likely to be rested, most of them have played a lot of rugby in the last year and are hopefully going to play a lot of rugby this year.

[MMC]

But I don't understand whats the problem in Horan and Hayes being our FIFTH AND SIXTH prop pairing. They are behind Court, Buckley, Healy and Ross and have bags of test level experience.

Theres always a danger of throwing baby out with bathwater. Brining in an uncapped trio of McAllister, Hagan and Wilkinson seems a bit silly to me.

We know what Horan and Hayes offer. They'll do enough to give the others a breather if needs be.

Wilkinson suffered a bad hamstring tear(?) and will miss the start of next season.

[DaDubs1]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

[red_stag]

Which reminds me. Shouldn't we pick 22 man squads, seeing as that's what the RWC will have?

It is a 22 man squad. We only have Jones and Boss to cover the backs

[Notch]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

Kidney rates him very highly. I'd say he's got a real shot at making the cut.

[Sin é]

Looks like they are looking at having 2 props on the bench in a 22 man squad for the world cup. That will mean that whoever is bench cover will have to be able to cover both 2nd & backrow.

Boyne,

Marcus Horan & John Hayes are facilitating a nice long rest for Cian Healy & Mike Ross. Be greatful to them for that

[greybeard]

Which reminds me. Shouldn't we pick 22 man squads, seeing as that's what the RWC will have?

It is a 22 man squad. We only have Jones and Boss to cover the backs

[MMC]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

Maybe this game is all about the backs that will go?
It's a week too early for many of the forwards but it isn't for our backs. You have new combinations, guys returning from fitness, new caps etc.

McCarthy, Ronan, Horan, Micko...all stop gaps. No point risking our frontline guys.

You're being very harsh on mccarthy by putting him into that group. He is a very good player who is another 4/6 option and probably a better one than mclaughlin as he has a good bit of experience in both positions.

I'm not sure what people are so upset at this team. It was always likely to be a mixture of 2nd choice players and players returning from injury. The frontrow is probably going to be our 2nd choice frontrow in the world cup. The 2nd row is probably going to be our 2nd choice in the world cup. That is a strong enough front five. The backrow is quite weak but if ronan wasn't playing it would look a lot stronger.
With ronan starting it looks like there is a good chance the will try and play a open running game which is a positive at least. The munster/leinster players were always likely to be rested, most of them have played a lot of rugby in the last year and are hopefully going to play a lot of rugby this year.

I disagree with you on my assessment of McCarthy.
It's not that I don't think he's capable, it's that he's behind Ryan, as you alluded to yourself.

We'll be bringing 3 2nd rows and a player who can play 4 and 6. Out of the trio of McLaughlin, McCarthy and Ryan it'll be Ryan who goes barring injury or drastic lack of form. That's my opinion.

[greybeard]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

Kidney rates him very highly. I'd say he's got a real shot at making the cut.

If he does will we be complaining as loudly as when Strauss finally gets his cap?

[Gibson]

Im happy enough with it. Hayes & Horan - there for injury backup - so need to be tried. Front-row.. its time for Buckley, Cronin and Court to show up. Time is now. Cullen & Ryan. Strong 2nd-row. Starting Backrow .. ermm.. it will get mullered.. but I'll go with it in the circumstances. It will change in the 2nd half. Im betting a lot will change in the 2nd-half with some players shifting positions in the backline. Backs... grand. Could be exciting, if they get any service from the pack. Must use them all now Deccie - otherwise - its a waste picking them.

Believe. (We can give them a close game and learn something new about a few of our fringe players. Good OR bad.)

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/23313.php

Was announced on the 17th of June. He was in the original squad, not just drafted in like Henry.

Ronan was a surprise though!

[MBTGOG]

What a lot of people forget is that Ronan is a very skillful footballer. He lacks the physical strength at this level but it will be interesting to see how he is used in this match. If we want to keep the ball alive, he might be the best back row option we have.

[thebandwagonsociety]

Team	Ireland	Scotland
15	Rob Kearney	Chris Paterson
14	Andrew Trimble	Nikki Walker
13	Fergus McFadden	Joe Ansbro
12	Paddy Wallace	Graeme Morrison
11	Luke Fitzgerald	Sean Lamont
10	Jonathan Sexton	Ruaridh Jackson
9	Tomas O'Leary	Rory Lawson
8	Denis Leamy	Johnnie Beattie
7	Niall Ronan	Ross Rennie
6	Mike McCarthy	Alasdair Strokosch
5	Leo Cullen	Richie Gray
4	Donnacha Ryan	Jim Hamilton
3	Tony Buckley	Geoff Cross
2	Sean Cronin	Ross Ford
1	Tom Court	Allan Jacobsen
Replacements
16	Jerry Flannery	Dougie Hall
17	Marcus Horan	Alasdair Dickinson
18	John Hayes	Alastair Kellock
19	Mick O'Driscoll	David Denton
20	Kevin McLaughlin	Greig Laidlaw
21	Isaac Boss	Nick De Luca
22	Felix Jones	Jack Cuthbert

Cutting and pasting the Scotland team in for comparison. Is Hayes expected to compete against Kellock?


Some great matchups across the back line. I've not idea how that Ireland pack will perform (hopefully close to parity)

[MMC]

Looks like they are looking at having 2 props on the bench in a 22 man squad for the world cup. That will mean that whoever is bench cover will have to be able to cover both 2nd & backrow.

I wouldn't say so Sin. The only reason we're playing so many props in this game is because a) the lack of fit backrows available and most importantly b) this will be the only game in which we'll see a large amount of rotation of the front row.

Eliminating the chance of uncontested scrums is something you could see the likes of Italy, Argentina and SA doing. Not us.

[valjester]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

Maybe this game is all about the backs that will go?
It's a week too early for many of the forwards but it isn't for our backs. You have new combinations, guys returning from fitness, new caps etc.

McCarthy, Ronan, Horan, Micko...all stop gaps. No point risking our frontline guys.

You're being very harsh on mccarthy by putting him into that group. He is a very good player who is another 4/6 option and probably a better one than mclaughlin as he has a good bit of experience in both positions.

I'm not sure what people are so upset at this team. It was always likely to be a mixture of 2nd choice players and players returning from injury. The frontrow is probably going to be our 2nd choice frontrow in the world cup. The 2nd row is probably going to be our 2nd choice in the world cup. That is a strong enough front five. The backrow is quite weak but if ronan wasn't playing it would look a lot stronger.
With ronan starting it looks like there is a good chance the will try and play a open running game which is a positive at least. The munster/leinster players were always likely to be rested, most of them have played a lot of rugby in the last year and are hopefully going to play a lot of rugby this year.

I disagree with you on my assessment of McCarthy.
It's not that I don't think he's capable, it's that he's behind Ryan, as you alluded to yourself.

We'll be bringing 3 2nd rows and a player who can play 4 and 6. Out of the trio of McLaughlin, McCarthy and Ryan it'll be Ryan who goes barring injury or drastic lack of form. That's my opinion.

I agree that ryan is most likely to go but to put mccarthy into the same category as ronan and mod is unfair on him. He has had a very good season is highly rated by Kidney and if he performs better than ryan in his chances he could force his way into the 30. Ronan and mod on the other hand have no chance.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Im happy enough with it. Hayes & Horan - there for injury backup - so need to be tried. Front-row.. its time for Buckley, Cronin and Court to show up. Time is now. Cullen & Ryan. Strong 2nd-row. Starting Backrow .. ermm.. it will get mullered.. but I'll go with it in the circumstances. It will change in the 2nd half. Im betting a lot will change in the 2nd-half with some players shifting positions in the backline. Backs... grand. Could be exciting, if they get any service from the pack. Must use them all now Deccie - otherwise - its a waste picking them.

Believe. (We can give them a close game and learn something new about a few of our fringe players. Good OR bad.)

With McLaughlin on the bench, who will play 7 when Ronan gets ridden by Rennie? Leamy?

[Notch]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

Kidney rates him very highly. I'd say he's got a real shot at making the cut.

If he does will we be complaining as loudly as when Strauss finally gets his cap?

I though McCarthy was of Irish descent?

[valjester]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

Kidney rates him very highly. I'd say he's got a real shot at making the cut.

If he does will we be complaining as loudly as when Strauss finally gets his cap?

They are not comparable situations.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

Kidney rates him very highly. I'd say he's got a real shot at making the cut.

If he does will we be complaining as loudly as when Strauss finally gets his cap?

I though McCarthy was of Irish descent?

I doubt it with a name like that!

[MMC]

What purposes are Horan and Hayes serving on the bench?

Is McCarthy going to be selected in the 30 man squad? I'll bet my house on it he wont, no matter how he plays. So why is he playing?

Niall Ronan has exactly zero chance of being selected to go to NZ. Why is he playing?? (Even if hes from Drogheda)

Maybe this game is all about the backs that will go?
It's a week too early for many of the forwards but it isn't for our backs. You have new combinations, guys returning from fitness, new caps etc.

McCarthy, Ronan, Horan, Micko...all stop gaps. No point risking our frontline guys.

You're being very harsh on mccarthy by putting him into that group. He is a very good player who is another 4/6 option and probably a better one than mclaughlin as he has a good bit of experience in both positions.

I'm not sure what people are so upset at this team. It was always likely to be a mixture of 2nd choice players and players returning from injury. The frontrow is probably going to be our 2nd choice frontrow in the world cup. The 2nd row is probably going to be our 2nd choice in the world cup. That is a strong enough front five. The backrow is quite weak but if ronan wasn't playing it would look a lot stronger.
With ronan starting it looks like there is a good chance the will try and play a open running game which is a positive at least. The munster/leinster players were always likely to be rested, most of them have played a lot of rugby in the last year and are hopefully going to play a lot of rugby this year.

I disagree with you on my assessment of McCarthy.
It's not that I don't think he's capable, it's that he's behind Ryan, as you alluded to yourself.

We'll be bringing 3 2nd rows and a player who can play 4 and 6. Out of the trio of McLaughlin, McCarthy and Ryan it'll be Ryan who goes barring injury or drastic lack of form. That's my opinion.

I agree that ryan is most likely to go but to put mccarthy into the same category as ronan and mod is unfair on him. He has had a very good season is highly rated by Kidney and if he performs better than ryan in his chances he could force his way into the 30. Ronan and mod on the other hand have no chance.

That's fair enough.

[MBTGOG]

Im happy enough with it. Hayes & Horan - there for injury backup - so need to be tried. Front-row.. its time for Buckley, Cronin and Court to show up. Time is now. Cullen & Ryan. Strong 2nd-row. Starting Backrow .. ermm.. it will get mullered.. but I'll go with it in the circumstances. It will change in the 2nd half. Im betting a lot will change in the 2nd-half with some players shifting positions in the backline. Backs... grand. Could be exciting, if they get any service from the pack. Must use them all now Deccie - otherwise - its a waste picking them.

Believe. (We can give them a close game and learn something new about a few of our fringe players. Good OR bad.)

How positive. What's up with you?

[Feckless Rogue]

The Irish backrow looks weak. And I think ye all know how I feel about O'Leary (but let's not get into that, we've had that argument to many times). Apart from that I'm happy enough. 10-15 could do some damage. It's a 2nd choice tight five so unfortunately I'm expecting Scotland to beat us.

They only have two warm up games don't they?

[MMC]

Wait a minute... NO ROG????


...

...


....


....

[Feckless Rogue]

ROG is injured I think

[greybeard]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

Kidney rates him very highly. I'd say he's got a real shot at making the cut.

If he does will we be complaining as loudly as when Strauss finally gets his cap?

They are not comparable situations.

Why not? He's English. Wasn't he a project player?

[MBTGOG]

I didnt even know this McCarthy chap was in the squad!

Kidney rates him very highly. I'd say he's got a real shot at making the cut.

If he does will we be complaining as loudly as when Strauss finally gets his cap?

They are not comparable situations.

Why not? He's English. Wasn't he a project player?

I don't believe so. Sure he signed for Connacht the first time way back in 2003.

[MMC]

ROG is injured I think

I know. I was just stirring...

[Gibson]

Im happy enough with it. Hayes & Horan - there for injury backup - so need to be tried. Front-row.. its time for Buckley, Cronin and Court to show up. Time is now. Cullen & Ryan. Strong 2nd-row. Starting Backrow .. ermm.. it will get mullered.. but I'll go with it in the circumstances. It will change in the 2nd half. Im betting a lot will change in the 2nd-half with some players shifting positions in the backline. Backs... grand. Could be exciting, if they get any service from the pack. Must use them all now Deccie - otherwise - its a waste picking them.

Believe. (We can give them a close game and learn something new about a few of our fringe players. Good OR bad.)

With McLaughlin on the bench, who will play 7 when Ronan gets ridden by Rennie? Leamy?

Hmmm. Mclaughlin in at 6. Leamy stays at 8. Has to be one of Ronan or McCarthy off/at 7. Depending who is still standing up, after the Scots feast on them. I dunno, not ONE of them are 7's. In fact, we only have one in the Country and it's NOT Wally. But that's for another game...

[MMC]

Im happy enough with it. Hayes & Horan - there for injury backup - so need to be tried. Front-row.. its time for Buckley, Cronin and Court to show up. Time is now. Cullen & Ryan. Strong 2nd-row. Starting Backrow .. ermm.. it will get mullered.. but I'll go with it in the circumstances. It will change in the 2nd half. Im betting a lot will change in the 2nd-half with some players shifting positions in the backline. Backs... grand. Could be exciting, if they get any service from the pack. Must use them all now Deccie - otherwise - its a waste picking them.

Believe. (We can give them a close game and learn something new about a few of our fringe players. Good OR bad.)

With McLaughlin on the bench, who will play 7 when Ronan gets ridden by Rennie? Leamy?

Hmmm. Mclaughlin in at 6. Leamy stays at 8. Has to be one of Ronan or McCarthy off/at 7. Depending who is still standing up, after the Scots feast on them. I dunno, not ONE of them are 7's. In fact, we only have one in the Country and it's NOT Wally. But that's for another game...

Wally's not a groundhog 7 but he IS a 7. But we'll do that elsewhere big man.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the lineout goes with Ryan, Cullen and McCarthy in there up against an impressive Scottish unit.

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