Ireland V All Blacks - Teams Announced and Matchday Thread

[clivemcl]

First topic message reminder :

IRELAND TEAM

15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
11 - Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) *
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Declan Fitzpatrick (Dungannon/Ulster) *
4 - Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster)
5 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
6 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
7 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 - Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17 - Ronan Loughney (Galwegians/Connacht) *
18 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
19 - Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)


NZ Team

15 Israel Dagg,
14 Zac Guildford,
13 Conrad Smith,
12 Sonny Bill Williams,
11 Julian Savea,
10 Dan Carter,
9 Aaron Smith,
8 Kieran Read,
7 Richie McCaw (capt),
6 Victor Vito,
5 Sam Whitelock,
4 Brodie Retallick,
3 Owen Franks,
2 Andrew Hore,
1 Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.

Tour Previews:
http://www.v2journal.com/irelands-summer-tour.html
http://www.v2journal.com/new-zealands-june-tests-preview.html

[rodders]

Irish International rugby = phhoked.
Irish International soccer = more phhoked.
Irish International rugby & soccer fans = disilusioned, but great craic all the same.

Agree on the 3rd point Gibbo but not the first two.

[rodders]

You forgot to add Rodders that our try was down to the rugby gods and bounce of the ball etc

About time the fiecers did something for us Pete..... we must have used up our rugby god credit when we fluked that Grand slam .

[Gibson]

Santa came after the cosmic dust, Geez man, do I need to tell you eveything?

I now worry for the children.

Ah grand so man. I was really fretting over that one. Tanks.

[Mickado]

THey didn't Mick. Sexton was off when reddan came on.

Ah right, i knew one half back partnership only lasted a couple of mins, it must have been Murray and ROG. A lot of drink taken over the weekend, it's all a bit of a blur...

[Thomond]

Gibbo, if we get rid of Trap, there is quite a good bit of talent to come through, they can play ball, they showed some promising play (when the game was over admittedly) yesterday. Trap's choice of players and tactics both help and hinder the team.


With a change of management I think both rugby and soccer could enjoy success.

[The Great Aukster]

Maybe Kidney could replace Trap?

[rodders]

In fairness to Trap, he doesn't have very good players.... no such excuses for kidders and the IRFU

[Thomond]

In fairness to Trap, he doesn't have very good players.... no such excuses for kidders and the IRFU

He has a good 4/5 who are either not playing or not travelling. He also has some of the most talented U-20 players Ireland have ever produced, some good talent in the LOI too (expect some of these to move onto greater pastures soon). The McEleney brothers in Derry, Conor Powell, Daryl Horgan to name but a few

[rodders]

With respect Thomond, and I bow to your superior knowledge here, but how many of those guys..or indeed the players selected would honestly get selected for Spain, Italy, Germany, France, England etc.?

Ireland have no serious professional Football infrastructure. They are one of the few teams in the tournament who don't have a single player who plays in their own country.

Trap may not be getting the best out of them but they've done well to get where they are in my opinion.

The same cannot be said of the Rugby team.

[Mickado]

We also have the crappest football hooligans in the world...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0611/1224317695158.html



Legends...

[Pete330v2]

We also have the crappest football hooligans in the world...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0611/1224317695158.html



Legends...

I am filled with admiration for them. I do hope they survived

[Thomond]

With respect Thomond, and I bow to your superior knowledge here, but how many of those guys..or indeed the players selected would honestly get selected for Spain, Italy, Germany, France, England etc.?

Ireland have no serious professional Football infrastructure. They are one of the few teams in the tournament who don't have a single player who plays in their own country.

Trap may not be getting the best out of them but they've done well to get where they are in my opinion.

The same cannot be said of the Rugby team.

A few would probably get in the England setup. Agree with you on the other countries, a few of our up and coming youngsters have truly proven they have ability to compete with some of the better nations at underage level. Can they make the step up is a big question. Also it's going to be pretty difficult for them to compete against the likes of Germany/Spain. Their infrastructure is far better and they have a greater population. They have done well to get here, the LOI is a bit of a joke but that's partly becasue the FAI don't put serious efforts into it and that people don't support it becasue they are all barstoolers


Mick, some fella brought out this flag as well

Spoiler:

[asoreleftshoulder]

A few would probably get in the England setup. Agree with you on the other countries, a few of our up and coming youngsters have truly proven they have ability to compete with some of the better nations at underage level. Can they make the step up is a big question. Also it's going to be pretty difficult for them to compete against the likes of Germany/Spain. Their infrastructure is far better and they have a greater population. They have done well to get here, the LOI is a bit of a joke but that's partly becasue the FAI don't put serious efforts into it and that people don't support it becasue they are all barstoolers


Mick, some fella brought out this flag as well

Spoiler:

I'd disagree with that part.I used to follow football but never followed LOI because there is no club anywhere near me.The nearest club I could support is Drogheda and why would a Meath man support a Louth team?
This is the problem with any club system it leaves huge areas of the country with no team to support.

[Thomond]

Some of it is down to that too ASLS. There are 6/7 Dublin clubs alone. It's ridiculous.

[red_stag]

You forgot to add Rodders that our try was down to the rugby gods and bounce of the ball etc

About time the fiecers did something for us Pete..... we must have used up our rugby god credit when we fluked that Grand slam .

If Paddy Wallace hadn't given away that bloody penalty we wouldnt have needed use up our rugby god credit.

Look at the mess he has landed us in.

[Pete330v2]

You forgot to add Rodders that our try was down to the rugby gods and bounce of the ball etc

About time the fiecers did something for us Pete..... we must have used up our rugby god credit when we fluked that Grand slam .

If Paddy Wallace hadn't given away that bloody penalty we wouldnt have needed use up our rugby god credit.

Look at the mess he has landed us in.

Notch, are you going to respond to Staggy or are you just going to ignore him?

[Mickado]

[Mick, some fella brought out this flag as well

Spoiler:

This is incredible....

[rodders]

You forgot to add Rodders that our try was down to the rugby gods and bounce of the ball etc

About time the fiecers did something for us Pete..... we must have used up our rugby god credit when we fluked that Grand slam .

If Paddy Wallace hadn't given away that bloody penalty we wouldnt have needed use up our rugby god credit.

Look at the mess he has landed us in.

Stag I wish I could dispute that mate...but I can't, I blame Paddy for the the awful position we are in.

[Thomond]

Kado, we have some breat banner makers obviously following in the footsteps of this:

Spoiler:

See this beaut

Spoiler:

[The Great Aukster]

Don't forget it's all Paddy's fault that Ireland have no cover as he has blocked all the promising youngsters for a decade in every backline position (and a few forward ones as well).

[rodders]

Paddy bloody Wallace.

[Mickado]

Kado, we have some breat banner makers obviously following in the footsteps of this:

Spoiler:

See this beaut

Spoiler:

We must win the funniest banner competish. If there was one.

I heard there were 3 Irish fans arrested over the weekend? I hope it was for acting the maggot and not for fighting.

[Thomond]

I would sat there were a few more than 3.

[Mickado]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2157257/Euro-2012-Irish-fans-released-following-14-arrests-late-night-clashes-supporters.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[Thomond]

Fair enough, Polish police take no prisoners it's disappointing like but sure it happens.

[rodders]

Thats the ugly side of soccerball I'm afraid...one of the reasons I find it hard to feel too passionate about it to be honest.

[Thomond]

I think people make far too big a deal of it to be honest Rods. I have seen rugby fans arrested for acting the maggot too like. In my 12 years supporting Cork City I have travelled to problem areas and never had issues. When over 3 arrests out of 20,000 is less than a 1/1000 of a percent. The majority are good people.

[rodders]

I have no doubt that the majority are good people but that doesn't excuse the minority that aren't.

This sort of thing doesn't happen in Rugby, Athletics, cricket or any of number of other sports and shouldn't be condoned imo.

[Pete330v2]

It's when the media feel the need to congratulate fans for being well behaved that you know it's not a sport worth concerning yourself about.
I'm afraid local Northern Irish soccerball and it's fans poisoned me against the sport for life with some of the goings on. I just think that if there's a need for a massive security operation just for a sporting event then it's time to rethink things.

[Mickado]

I have no doubt that the majority are good people but that doesn't excuse the minority that aren't.

This sort of thing doesn't happen in Rugby, Athletics, cricket or any of number of other sports and shouldn't be condoned imo.

I've seen a fan being arrested at a rugby game for getting in a row with a steward. It's very very rare but it happens.

[The Great Aukster]

I've seen a fan being arrested at a rugby game for getting in a row with a steward. It's very very rare but it happens.

Was it a Dublin bar steward?

[rodders]

In the past 12 months I make it that Ireland have lost to England, France and Wales twice and Scotland and NZ once whilst managing to beat Italy twice, Scotland, the USA and Australia once whilst drawing with France......

Played 14 Lost 8 won 5 and drew 1.

Is that the worst set of results for Ireland in the professional era?

Yet we had 2 teams in the HEC final, 3 in the QF, 1 in the Rabo final, the top 2 seeds after the HEC group stages, 2 players shortlisted for HEC player of the season, the past 2 winners of the HEC, the past 2 winners of the HEC player of the season, 5 players in the HEC dream team.......

[Pete330v2]

In the past 12 months I make it that Ireland have lost to England, France and Wales twice and Scotland and NZ once whilst managing to beat Italy twice, Scotland, the USA and Australia once whilst drawing with France......

Played 14 Lost 8 won 5 and drew 1.

Is that the worst set of results for Ireland in the professional era?

Yet we had 2 teams in the HEC final, 3 in the QF, 1 in the Rabo final, the top 2 seeds after the HEC group stages, 2 players shortlisted for HEC player of the season, the past 2 winners of the HEC, the past 2 winners of the HEC player of the season, 5 players in the HEC dream team.......

Well here's a quote from the infamous UAFC that I do agree with that I think adds to that Rodders:

"Similarly, our 'attack' was just embarrassing. If we weren't kicking long and aimlessly - the absolute scourge of Kidney's Ireland - we were just shipping the ball ineffectually sideways. I'm sure the Kiwis couldn't believe their good fortune, that all they had to do to defend was slowly drift and wait for a handling error, or player to get isolated. I watched 3 test matches on Saturday, and of all 6 teams on show, in terms of attacking tactics Ireland were so far behind in terms of effectiveness and sophistication, they were totally off the map. As far as I can remember, Ireland didn't make a single offload during the match; I can't remember us winning any ball in their 22; not only can I not remember a single line-break, I can't even remember a ball carrier hitting a hard line."

[Mickado]

I've seen a fan being arrested at a rugby game for getting in a row with a steward. It's very very rare but it happens.

Was it a Dublin bar steward?

It was in Wembley actually.

Yeah Rodders, i can't remember a worse run in recent history. I can't understand why some people steadfastly defend the management. It's just not good enough.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Just checked an update to the stats there. O'Brien made 23 tackles. Huge game from him.

[Mickado]

http://www.espnscrum.com/ireland-tour-2012/rugby/match/153842.html

Jesus! O'Brien made 22 tackles!! Missed 1.

[Mickado]

I’m sure this has been discussed but has anyone come up with a logical explanation for bringing in Duffy to replace Earls? I can't see it changing the match day 22 much, Darcy will start with Cave on the bench (not the right call but the one i expect to be made).

[Rory_Gallagher]

Kearney Jr would have been the best option by far. Utility back option to replace an injured utility back option.

[rodders]

Just checked an update to the stats there. O'Brien made 23 tackles. Huge game from him.

Yup he was a one man tour de force, totally outplayed the great man on the deck.... just shows having great players doesn't always correspond to having a good side though......

Still not happy that he missed that tackle on Reid though, hope Les Kiss gives him a bollocking

[Rory_Gallagher]

O'Brien? O'Brien only missed one tackle in the game, on Savea. It was a poor one, but he didn't miss any tackles on Read.

[Pete330v2]

http://www.espnscrum.com/ireland-tour-2012/rugby/match/153842.html

Jesus! O'Brien made 22 tackles!! Missed 1.

Not good enough, sack him

That is a serious workrate, same again please Mr O'Brien

Yeah I cannot for the life of me understand why Duffy has been called into the squad and for what purpose.

[rodders]

Ah Savea it was maybe, went straight through him early in the game?

[Rory_Gallagher]

Yeah that is the one! It was he and someone else. O'Brien went far too high, I don't think he expected such a powerful wee bugger.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Here's Justin Marshall's comments on the game, a good read (though mostly ABs focused) http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/7076272/All-Blacks-top-dogs-but-not-resting-on-laurels

[Rory_Gallagher]

Do you reckon we will see anymore experimentation with our back row in this tour? O'Mahony/O'Brien at 8?

[rodders]

Not really no. If there is a change it would be McLaughlin at 6 but I think Kidney will stick now. He is under pressure to get a decent performance in the next two games now....can't see much experimentation, if any.

[red_stag]

Rory, I doubt it really. O'Mahony had a very poor game which won't help.

Possibly we will see an all Leinster backrow.

I know the Cave-BOD axis is popular but what about:

09 Reddan
10 Sexton
11 Zebo
12 McFadden
13 O'Driscoll
14 Trimble
15 Kearney

[rodders]

Here's Justin Marshall's comments on the game, a good read (though mostly ABs focused) http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/7076272/All-Blacks-top-dogs-but-not-resting-on-laurels

"What to make of Ireland? They didn't lay down and they tried hard.

But the All Blacks were more ruthless and unless Ireland develops some imagination and tries something different in the remaining two tests, they will not enjoy the rest of their New Zealand tour.

Individual talent shone through and they have some class and impressive skill levels. Their problem is right now they can't harness it to showcase it as a team.
"

Yup Marshall is on the money, really...not much else to say. Good article .

[Rory_Gallagher]

I don't really trust McFadden in defence anymore. Even at 12.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Also I don't think O'Mahony was that poor, just quiet by his standards.

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