Rhys Priestland-not all he's cracked up to be!

by hugo124 Thu Feb 16, 2012 6:11 pm

First topic message reminder :

In my opinion Priestland isn't the player everyone thinks he is.There is a lot of talk about how he stands flat and attacks the gain line however from my viewing I don't see what they're talking about.
Most of the time he gets the ball he does an up and under that can only be called average.One thing I'd give him is he has a big boot on him but from their on I don't really see what all the hullaballu is about.
He is a mediocre tackler at best maybe a bit better then O'Gara but not by much.
For example when you compare him to Sexton ;
Kicking for touch:Priestland
Goal kicking:Sexton
Attacking:Sexton
Tackling:Sexton
Tactical kicking:Sexton
Passing:Sexton (although not by much)

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:44 pm

Well Ian Humphreys comes first, that is all that matters.

by Cadair Idris Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:50 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Well Ian Humphreys comes first, that is all that matters.

I will take that with a large pinch of salt then (Humphreys is a decent player don't get me wrong - once he's played a few internationals and impressed in a world cup I'd be happy to reconsider!).

Did you see the Ulster Blues match this evening? Rather harsh sin bin near the end for your man Humphreys I thought. Where on earth was that Dan Parks pass heading...

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:53 pm

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:58 pm

Nah I'll stop messing with ya, I don't think Humphreys is playing well at all atm, and tonight he had a shocking game, hence why I made the comment. Thanks for your nice response though, most people would have called me all sorts of things if they thought I was serious about what I've said about Humphreys thumbsup

by niwatts Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:59 pm

Morgannwg wrote:They were made to look better by an interception in the 80th mintue.

Dismissing interceptions in terms of qualifying performances shows a lack of understanding, it's poor precision by one side and good reading of the game by the other. You could equally dismiss tries because less precise tackling made the opposition look good.

by Cadair Idris Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:07 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Nah I'll stop messing with ya, I don't think Humphreys is playing well at all atm, and tonight he had a shocking game, hence why I made the comment. Thanks for your nice response though, most people would have called me all sorts of things if they thought I was serious about what I've said about Humphreys

Obviously I haven't been watching enough Ulster games this season! And I only caught the last half an hour of tonight's game... I did think it was a harsh yellow card though...

Must be tempting for Ulster to play Ruud Pienaar at 10 ?

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:15 pm

Yeah I want Pienaar to start at 10, Marshall at 9. And no I thought the yellow was fair personally, and just sort of summed up his entire game tonight.

by Morgannwg Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:19 pm

niwatts wrote:
Morgannwg wrote:They were made to look better by an interception in the 80th mintue.

Dismissing interceptions in terms of qualifying performances shows a lack of understanding, it's poor precision by one side and good reading of the game by the other. You could equally dismiss tries because less precise tackling made the opposition look good.

Jeez, can we drop it? I am more interested in why the author thinks playing in the Heieneken Cup is a better test arena than internation level. Must have something to do with Sexton being average in most of his Ireland caps.

by mckay1402 Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:40 pm

hugo124 wrote:
mckay1402 wrote:rory

I think it's a WUM and it's not because somebody disagrees with me. It's because of the fact that the 'facts' he has used about the way Priestland plays are nonsense and then later on he compounds this by saying "you can't argue with statistics". He hasn't given any statistics or a source which leads me to believe that there aren't any.

Also the last time Priestland and Sexton played each other it would be fair to say that Priestland had a pretty good game other than goal kicking.

I do not accuse people of Wumming lightly because of people like you who make comments like that so if I ever do then it has a strong reason behind it and not just because someone disagrees with me.

Finally, implying that people are imma 07827667335 ture for having an opinion that differs from yours is basically the same as what you were telling them to grow up for...

Priestland and Sexton both didn't play well apart from his questionable offload in the corner but your not even fooling yourself if you think Priestland is a better player just watch at heineken cup level where their both given the license to play and come back to me , (You Ignorant Monsoon) go take a chill pill if you know what i

If Sexton can't play what he sees then it's his own fault. The reason he plays well for Leinster I'd because his forwards give himan easy ride.

What the hell do you mean by ignorant monsoon? I find you quite annoying

by HERSH Fri Feb 17, 2012 11:07 pm

I thought he was call Reeeees Preistland?

by hugo124 Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:03 am

mckay1402 wrote:
hugo124 wrote:
mckay1402 wrote:rory

I think it's a WUM and it's not because somebody disagrees with me. It's because of the fact that the 'facts' he has used about the way Priestland plays are nonsense and then later on he compounds this by saying "you can't argue with statistics". He hasn't given any statistics or a source which leads me to believe that there aren't any.

Also the last time Priestland and Sexton played each other it would be fair to say that Priestland had a pretty good game other than goal kicking.

I do not accuse people of Wumming lightly because of people like you who make comments like that so if I ever do then it has a strong reason behind it and not just because someone disagrees with me.

Finally, implying that people are imma 07827667335 ture for having an opinion that differs from yours is basically the same as what you were telling them to grow up for...

Priestland and Sexton both didn't play well apart from his questionable offload in the corner but your not even fooling yourself if you think Priestland is a better player just watch at heineken cup level where their both given the license to play and come back to me , (You Ignorant Monsoon) go take a chill pill if you know what i

If Sexton can't play what he sees then it's his own fault. The reason he plays well for Leinster I'd because his forwards give himan easy ride.

What the hell do you mean by ignorant monsoon? I find you quite annoying

God you are stupid, obviously ignorant monsoon means nothing.You might want to give a better answer than his forwards giving him an easy ride, considering all the Leinster forwards they are all Irish. As well somehow I don't think his "forwards" make a difference do his kicking but hey maybe that's just me.Sorry Mckay but you just have to learn to except when your wrong(most of the time) and move on!
Are you also saying that it's Sexton's fault for playing to Kidneys game plan yea I guess your right he should do what he wants and let the whole team in on his little plot great idea thanks for sharing, I'm sure that would work out great!By the way I am not being sarcastic.

by flyhalffactory Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:19 am

Hugo124

I think most unbiased rugby followers would say that Priestland is currently the better overall flyhalf. there is not much that Sexton does can be viewed as better.

Maybe his deadball kicking only

by hugo124 Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:51 am

[quote="flyhalffactory"]Hugo124

I think most unbiased rugby followers would say that Priestland is currently the better overall flyhalf. there is not much that Sexton does can be viewed as better.

Maybe his deadball kicking only

I have no idea what your talking about in terms of dead ball kicking that is just ridiculous but I would like you to tell me one thing Priestland is better at apart from Priestland's bigger kick for touch.Secondly I think many rugby fans and pundits do believe that Sexton is the far superior player and should be the starting outhalf for the lions2013.Thirdly Priestland is 25 now and is only getting noticed for years he has played for Llanelli and no one thought really anything of him so why now?I will give you he has improved but I don't believe he has enough of a variety of skills set to make his game not predictable which has to be said is quite at the moment.

by Guest Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:54 am

Since this thread seems to be about Priestland v Sexton, let's save comparisons until Wales and Ireland have played their remaining games of the championship. That will give us a much better idea.

As for the Lions, they'll probably take both as fly-halves. It's to be hoped that form then will dictate who plays in the first team.

by english warrior Sat Feb 18, 2012 9:18 am

Rhys Priestland- 'Not all he's cracked up to be'

Eh!! ?? Well he is Welsh, so Nuff said, heaven forbid that they would make something out of not very much!! Shane Williams, Anyone!! Anyone?? laughing

by mckay1402 Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:07 am

Boring. OO lets all play goad the Welsh. Pathetic

by english warrior Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:23 am

Mckay- 'Boring lets all play goad the Welsh'

Yes please, let me join in please, oh go on !! What are the rules ? laughing

by slartibartfast Sat Feb 18, 2012 11:45 am

For me it spoke volumes that o gara came on at the end of the Wales match

There's a lack of confidence with sexton and I don't know why.

The neat thing with priestland is he does keep the opposition mid field honest as he does have an eye for the break and is confident of taking the ball in to contact. I don't want someone who sets the world alight, he does his job soundly.

People complain about his goal kicking - I think his decision making is far more important.

by hawalsh Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:43 pm

My tuppence is that Sexton is the more talented individual (not by much), but that Priestland fits better into the framework that he is employed in.

by Morgannwg Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:46 pm

hugo124 wrote:

I have no idea what your talking about in terms of dead ball kicking that is just ridiculous but I would like you to tell me one thing Priestland is better at apart from Priestland's bigger kick for touch.Secondly I think many rugby fans and pundits do believe that Sexton is the far superior player and should be the starting outhalf for the lions2013.Thirdly Priestland is 25 now and is only getting noticed for years he has played for Llanelli and no one thought really anything of him so why now?I will give you he has improved but I don't believe he has enough of a variety of skills set to make his game not predictable which has to be said is quite at the moment.

Passing, kicking, decision making. Better at winning aswell, seeing as Wales have beaten you on the last three occassions. What pundits think that btw, the ones in your head? Both fly-halves will be on the tour as there isn't many other better available options. Thirdly, Priestland is younger than Sexton. Usually our outside-halves make their debut at age 20 because they are so much better than any of yours, however Rhys spent a lot more of his time developing his game with Scarlets as Jones' understudy and now as a result he is our best 10. Sexton was carried for years by Contempomi so not sure if you are being serious or just talking bollix as usual.

by Rory_Gallagher Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:51 pm

If we are basing Sexton's form for Leinster, Sexton is better. For Ireland, he isn't. He doesn't play the type of game he plays for Leinster for Ireland. Why? Probably because of the tactics Kidney is employing, as it isn't just Sexton who plays a totally different game from the one he plays for his province. But when controlling the game for Leinster, few out-halfs come to mind who are better than Sexton.

"Usually our outside-halves make their debut at age 20 because they are so much better than any of yours"

Silly comment. Maybe your out-halfs should learn to hold onto their shirt against 20 year olds then?

by Morgannwg Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:57 pm

Or maybe we just have good out-halfs? Very Happy

Unlike O'Gara who still hasn't been fully ousted by a decent replacement.

by samuraidragon Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:12 pm

Let's face it - both Sexton and Priestland are halfway through their careers and haven't shown much on the international stage. They are OK international 10s, but nothing more and never will be. The performance Trinh-Duc gave in the WC final is far beyond the capabilities of either.

The fact that Sexton still can't see off O'Gara speaks volumes. And the same can be said of RP. Scarlets fans on this forums were calling for the return of the decrepit Wellies on the grounds that he has been outplaying his protege so far this season.

The reality is Priestland has been spotty for Wales this season too, but we have won the games so nobody cares. If we had lost the Ireland game after he missed that sitter in front of the posts it would have been a different story.

by Rory_Gallagher Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:23 pm

I think it is quite clear that ROG is second choice. I don't know why people would think otherwise. Sexton does not suit the current Irish game-plan however, and because of that he isn't as good as he is for Leinster. Which is unfortunate. In fact ROG would suit the irish game-plan currently more than Sexton would. For most irish fans that is very frustrating, as we play boring, primitive rugby which doesn't suit 90% of our players.

by Rory_Gallagher Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:25 pm

Also samurai I highly disagree about Trinc-Duc. Sexton for Leinster has produced some phenomenal performances that he hasn't replicated for Ireland, the reasons for which I have presented above. But he plays with consistency and confidence for Leinster, and like I said very few 10s match him when he plays like this. He will not be playing like that for Ireland though under the current game-plan.

by hugo124 Sat Feb 18, 2012 2:11 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Also samurai I highly disagree about Trinc-Duc. Sexton for Leinster has produced some phenomenal performances that he hasn't replicated for Ireland, the reasons for which I have presented above. But he plays with consistency and confidence for Leinster, and like I said very few 10s match him when he plays like this. He will not be playing like that for Ireland though under the current game-plan.

Nice one you know what your talking about unlike McKay who refuses to answer any of my comments

by Shifty Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:26 pm

I like Priestland, 2 years ago he was thought of a bit like Dan Biggar is now, we had seen glimpses of his talent but he wasn't consistent.

Priestland takes good options, if the defense is up fast he chips over the top, he kicks for corners, he always keeps the oppositions defense guessing, Wales aren't predictible with him in the team and he is the reson the backs play so well.

I think Halfpenny should be kicking the goals though.

by BlueNote Sat Feb 18, 2012 5:01 pm

Priestland isn't halfway through his career, he's near the beginning. He had a late start because he did an economics degree first, and is still the right side of 25.

by samuraidragon Sat Feb 18, 2012 5:13 pm

Just going by the Wiki. RP debuted for the Scarlets in 2005. He's 25 yrs old. He has appeared more times for the Scarlets than Sexton has for Leinster.

by flyhalffactory Sat Feb 18, 2012 6:11 pm

[quote="hugo124"]

flyhalffactory wrote:Hugo124

I think most unbiased rugby followers would say that Priestland is currently the better overall flyhalf. there is not much that Sexton does can be viewed as better.

Maybe his deadball kicking only

I have no idea what your talking about in terms of dead ball kicking that is just ridiculous but I would like you to tell me one thing Priestland is better at apart from Priestland's bigger kick for touch.Secondly I think many rugby fans and pundits do believe that Sexton is the far superior player and should be the starting outhalf for the lions2013.Thirdly Priestland is 25 now and is only getting noticed for years he has played for Llanelli and no one thought really anything of him so why now?I will give you he has improved but I don't believe he has enough of a variety of skills set to make his game not predictable which has to be said is quite at the moment.

Firstly if you dont know what dead ball kicking is then I really think you are a WUM, secondly of you have no idea what I am talking about why are you saying its ridiculous now I really know you are a WUM

I believe RP concentrated on his studies until what 22yrs old, and he had Stephen Jones as his mentor, hence now is getting the 10 jerseym

When I say most what I mean is UNBIASED supporters of rugby around the grounds and stadiums of the UK, Priestland had proved since the WC he is arguably better in all aspects of the flyhalf role except dead ball kicking Doh

, that is when the ball is not moving!!!....yes? knock knock knock do you u-n-d-e-r-s-t-a-n-d ?.......yes? no? WHEN THE BALL IS NOT MOVING!! yes...... conversions, kick offs!!!....... knock knock knock HELLOOOOOooooooo

by Casartelli Sat Feb 18, 2012 6:56 pm

FHF - I think the problem was caused by the use of the term 'dead ball kicking', which tends to be used in the game of soccer.

In rugby we tend to say 'place kicking' or even, in the modern parlance, 'off the tee.'

Also, you can't claim to be impartial - as a Llanelli fan - when praising Priestland and Jones!

Hope you're keeping well big man. By the way!

by Morgannwg Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:21 pm

I thought dead ball kicking was kicking the ball dead, i:e; over the dead ball line. Sexton was certainlty better at that! laughing

by trebellbobaggins Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:37 pm

Sextonis pants without an armchair ride. Rhys all the way.

by flyhalffactory Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:26 pm

Casartelli wrote:FHF - I think the problem was caused by the use of the term 'dead ball kicking', which tends to be used in the game of soccer.

In rugby we tend to say 'place kicking' or even, in the modern parlance, 'off the tee.'

Also, you can't claim to be impartial - as a Llanelli fan - when praising Priestland and Jones!

Hope you're keeping well big man. By the way!

Hey Mr F

"dead ball" .... pretty much a generic term in rugger my man......when you kick into touch or over the post the ball is out of play hence is dead.

AND.............. I like Leicester, Leinster, and (Llanelli) Scarlets in kinda pretty much equal measure, but we are talking "international flyhalfs" here

I am doing good my man doing good............... ahhh come on now, I am all for a good bit of banter, but not for a bit of WUMMING as is the trait of the original poster.

Anyway I would have thought you would have liked a Welsh 10 who has a bit of speed and attacking movement. Personally I think in recent direct tournaments the WC2011, 6Ns 2012 etc The Priest has been clearly the better 10..........dont you think?

Then again we have a certain Mr G Laidlaw who once he gets some international experience will soon put them both in the shade Whistle

by hugo124 Sun Feb 19, 2012 12:42 am

[quote="flyhalffactory"]

hugo124 wrote:
flyhalffactory wrote:Hugo124

I think most unbiased rugby followers would say that Priestland is currently the better overall flyhalf. there is not much that Sexton does can be viewed as better.

Maybe his deadball kicking only

I have no idea what your talking about in terms of dead ball kicking that is just ridiculous but I would like you to tell me one thing Priestland is better at apart from Priestland's bigger kick for touch.Secondly I think many rugby fans and pundits do believe that Sexton is the far superior player and should be the starting outhalf for the lions2013.Thirdly Priestland is 25 now and is only getting noticed for years he has played for Llanelli and no one thought really anything of him so why now?I will give you he has improved but I don't believe he has enough of a variety of skills set to make his game not predictable which has to be said is quite at the moment.

Firstly if you dont know what dead ball kicking is then I really think you are a WUM, secondly of you have no idea what I am talking about why are you saying its ridiculous now I really know you are a WUM

I believe RP concentrated on his studies until what 22yrs old, and he had Stephen Jones as his mentor, hence now is getting the 10 jerseym

When I say most what I mean is UNBIASED supporters of rugby around the grounds and stadiums of the UK, Priestland had proved since the WC he is arguably better in all aspects of the flyhalf role except dead ball kicking , that is when the ball is not moving!!!....yes? knock knock knock do you u-n-d-e-r-s-t-a-n-d ?.......yes? no? WHEN THE BALL IS NOT MOVING!! yes...... conversions, kick offs!!!....... knock knock knock HELLOOOOOooooooo

I'm sick of arguing with you because your kind of strange so please don't respond to this but just reflect.If you actually think deep in your mind that Sexton isn't a better player then I suggest following a different sport because you don't appreciate good rugby.

by youngguns6 Sun Feb 19, 2012 1:09 am

Yes Rhys gets the backs moving and is a threat but his kicking out of hand is woeful. It's terrible to watch. He's currently untouchable in the welsh media but he will soon be found out. If he kicks away possession straight down the throats of the SH teams we will never beat them.

Hes not good enough.

by samuraidragon Sun Feb 19, 2012 6:34 am

youngguns6 wrote:Yes Rhys gets the backs moving and is a threat but his kicking out of hand is woeful. It's terrible to watch. He's currently untouchable in the welsh media but he will soon be found out. If he kicks away possession straight down the throats of the SH teams we will never beat them.

Hes not good enough.

He make a lovely break and offload vs. Ireland which resulted in a try - but I agree about the kicking from hand. Some senseless kicking to the Irish back 3 and some poor stuff against Scotland too, such as one that went dead from a promising position. Let's see if he can raise his game for France and then Oz.

As you say, as long as we're winning, he's untouchable. When we start losing games, the media will turn on him.

Is there anyone in the NH apart from Trinh-Duc who can do those curving touch-finders off the outside foot?

by Guest Sun Feb 19, 2012 12:19 pm

Someone on here said that "dead ball kicking" is when you kick the ball dead, ie. out of play.

I first played rugby in the 1950s but that's a new one on me. I've always understood "dead ball kicking" to mean when you kick a ball that's been deliberately placed to take a penalty or a conversion, i.e. the ball is dead when you kick it. More often it's called place kicking. It's got nothing to do with where the ball ends up!

The same expression - dead ball kicking - is used in football, where the dead ball is normally a free kick or a penalty.

Some players are very good dead ball and out-of-hand kickers, e.g. the great Barry John. Priestland seems to be a slightly better out-of-hand kicker than a place kicker, which isn't saying much because he does sometimes kick to the opposition. But he does take good options in getting his backs moving. With Halfpenny in his current place-kicking (dead ball) form that's okay for Wales.

by Casartelli Sun Feb 19, 2012 1:23 pm

optimist wrote:Someone on here said that "dead ball kicking" is when you kick the ball dead, ie. out of play.

I first played rugby in the 1950s but that's a new one on me. I've always understood "dead ball kicking" to mean when you kick a ball that's been deliberately placed to take a penalty or a conversion, i.e. the ball is dead when you kick it. More often it's called place kicking. It's got nothing to do with where the ball ends up!

Yeah - think FHF had been on the Glenmorangie when he dreamt that one up!

He's a sweetheart though - so I can forgive him making up his own terminology.

by munkian Sun Feb 19, 2012 3:19 pm

[quote="hugo124"]

flyhalffactory wrote:
hugo124 wrote:
flyhalffactory wrote:Hugo124

I think most unbiased rugby followers would say that Priestland is currently the better overall flyhalf. there is not much that Sexton does can be viewed as better.

Maybe his deadball kicking only

I have no idea what your talking about in terms of dead ball kicking that is just ridiculous but I would like you to tell me one thing Priestland is better at apart from Priestland's bigger kick for touch.Secondly I think many rugby fans and pundits do believe that Sexton is the far superior player and should be the starting outhalf for the lions2013.Thirdly Priestland is 25 now and is only getting noticed for years he has played for Llanelli and no one thought really anything of him so why now?I will give you he has improved but I don't believe he has enough of a variety of skills set to make his game not predictable which has to be said is quite at the moment.

Firstly if you dont know what dead ball kicking is then I really think you are a WUM, secondly of you have no idea what I am talking about why are you saying its ridiculous now I really know you are a WUM

I believe RP concentrated on his studies until what 22yrs old, and he had Stephen Jones as his mentor, hence now is getting the 10 jerseym

When I say most what I mean is UNBIASED supporters of rugby around the grounds and stadiums of the UK, Priestland had proved since the WC he is arguably better in all aspects of the flyhalf role except dead ball kicking , that is when the ball is not moving!!!....yes? knock knock knock do you u-n-d-e-r-s-t-a-n-d ?.......yes? no? WHEN THE BALL IS NOT MOVING!! yes...... conversions, kick offs!!!....... knock knock knock HELLOOOOOooooooo

I'm sick of arguing with you because your kind of strange so please don't respond to this but just reflect.If you actually think deep in your mind that Sexton isn't a better player then I suggest following a different sport because you don't appreciate good rugby.

If someone doesn't agree with you then they have to stop watching rugby ? And they call the English arrogant....

Sexton does have an armchair ride with Leinster - they are miles ahead of most club teams when on form. When playing for Ireland he has won little of note and been regularly outplayed.

by Rory_Gallagher Sun Feb 19, 2012 3:28 pm

One of the main reasons that Leinster does so well is Sexton - that argument that he only looks good because of the Leinster team is silly IMO. If you watch Leinster play, Sexton controls the game beautifully. He is one of the main reasons Leinster are ahead of most club teams. The reason as to why he doesn't perform as well for Ireland, is because of the game-plan Kidney employs, and the way he expects Sexton to play (kick for territory, play a defensive game and kill the opposition's game). This is not playing to Sexton's strengths (or most of the irish teams).

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:36 am

Morgannwg wrote:
luckless_pedestrian wrote:No offence, Morgannwg, but that's a bit balls.

You going to tell me why? Or just be your pointless self and carry on acting pedantic?

Morgannwg, my comment was in reply to this:

'Heineken Cup? He (Sexton) looked good single-handedly sinking Northampton, but that's hardly the yard stick. International rugby is and that is where Priestland has proven he is the better player.'

You seem to be dismissing all achievements outside the international arena. I say that's balls.

by eirebilly Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:13 am

Rory_Gallagher wrote:One of the main reasons that Leinster does so well is Sexton - that argument that he only looks good because of the Leinster team is silly IMO. If you watch Leinster play, Sexton controls the game beautifully. He is one of the main reasons Leinster are ahead of most club teams. The reason as to why he doesn't perform as well for Ireland, is because of the game-plan Kidney employs, and the way he expects Sexton to play (kick for territory, play a defensive game and kill the opposition's game). This is not playing to Sexton's strengths (or most of the irish teams).

+1. Could not agree more with this. Sexton is a fine player but at International level you have Kidney trying to make him into the next ROG.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Feb 20, 2012 12:33 pm

With that in mind eirebilly, do you think Ireland should select ROG for the simple reason that our flawed game plan will suit him more than it suits Sexton? I fear Kidney is ruining Sexton's confidence tbh.

by samuraidragon Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:21 pm

Agree we can hardly ignore HC form in assessing players. The top HC clubs - currently Toulouse, Clermont, Leinster & Munster - are better than Scotland and Italy and would probably give England and Wales a run for their money too. Haven't seen enough of Sexton's club form to comment, but he has an aura of being capable of doing a lot more than he has done so far. Priestland has had a better run of international performances recently but I feel he is playing above himself and could easily crash. Hope it doesn't happen in this 6N...

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:24 pm

I think the top HC teams would give any international side a run for their money actually.

by munkian Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:39 pm

Kidney seems to have Ireland playing like Munster but Munster are/have been very successful.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:48 pm

Even Munster are moving on though. Why? Because they haven't got the same old players, and they have more exciting, creative players coming through now. The old munster way of playing is so outdated and yet Kidney wants to persist.

by munkian Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:50 pm

Fair enough, just an off topic question, do Munster fans prefer Kidney more than Leinster fans on the whole or is the dislike of his coaching shared equally ?

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:54 pm

munkian wrote:Fair enough, just an off topic question, do Munster fans prefer Kidney more than Leinster fans on the whole or is the dislike of his coaching shared equally ?

Well I am an Ulsterman, but I would say that generally Munster fans are more lenient of Kidney than Leinster/Ulster fans. A few munster fans don't like the criticism he has received. However the majority of irish fans (including me) think he is not the right man for the job. Time to go, he isn't bringing out the best in these players and is playing a very limited type of game.

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