Ireland vs New Zealand 2nd Test: Team announcements and matchday thread.

[Biltong]

First topic message reminder :

Sorry boys new thread other one is full.


Venue for the 2nd test: AMI Stadium (Addington) - formerly Rugby League Park Christchurch
Capacity: 26,000 incl. temporary seating
Weather http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2192362 (current forecast for Saturday evening is around 3 degrees C and light rain. But last week's snow has melted at least)


courtesy of Taylorman:

NZ team named- only one change- Thompson for Vito (injured) with Sam Cane on the bench...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7098902/Thomson-in-for-Vito-Cane-on-All-Blacks-bench

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Adam Thomson, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Franks, Sam Cane, Ali Williams, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith

Irish team:
15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster)
5 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
6 - Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
7 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 - Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17 - Declan Fitzpatrick (Dungannon/Ulster)
18 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
19 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster)


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

[Sin é]

The second part of that sentence condradicts the first part.

No, it doesn't. You've your head in the sand with what is wrong with Sexton's game (mainly he has all the physical attributes, but he doesn't have the speed of thought/top 2 inches to really produce at international level).

[Rory_Gallagher]

You clearly haven't watched Sexton at all this season. Or the season before that. And so on.

[Sin é]

You clearly haven't watched Sexton at all this season. Or the season before that. And so on.

You've your head in the sand with what is wrong with Sexton's game (mainly he has all the physical attributes, but he doesn't have the speed of thought/top 2 inches to really produce at international level).

[red_stag]

Sin É would you believe that about Sexton if you didn't consider him . . .what was it. . . .oh yes a "nasty piece of work".

[Rory_Gallagher]

Yeah, so you've said.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Joe schmidt coach of leinster- sexton is the best fly half in europe.
Declan kidney coach of ireland- sexton is only a decent fly half

Anyone see something weird about that?

[disneychilly]

They both have weaknesses to be honest. ROG can't tackle and Sexton can't kick apparently.

ROG has been there and done that for Ireland but he's stuffed up a fair few times at international level too. Sexton is the future obviously so he's hopefully going to be the been there and done that guy in a few years.

Will be interested to see who the non-Irish posters rate more. I'm Sexton as the two are much of a muchness in that their strengths and weaknesses differ, and I'd rather Ireland look to the future there plus I feel Sexton has a more attacking mindset. Once he gets out of needing Schmidt to hold his hand he could be a real threat. Still a pick for the Lions 10 berth.

[Sin é]

Sin É would you believe that about Sexton if you didn't consider him . . .what was it. . . .oh yes a "nasty piece of work".

All inter-related - people do silly things when they can't handle the pressure.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Sexton can kick he won the golden boot in the rabbo for having the best accuracy on place kicks

[Sin é]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

[Rory_Gallagher]

The difference could be that he doesn't have Murray at 9 for Leinster? Plus the entire irish team has no structure, nobody plays well.

[Mickado]

Some really good blogs on Ireland in New Zealand I'd like to share with you. In the first Murray Kinsella analyses the NZ view of Ireland. It's not flattering. And- all the signs are that this All Blacks team want to speed the game up more, want to get the ball in hand more and Carter is now apparently a 'man on a mission' after missing the later stages of the RWC. Gulp. Well, lets hope for a monsoon eh? That's our best chance now IF you believe the New Zealand hacks.

http://murraykinsella.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/all-blacks-watch-1st-test-reaction/

And the lads at Whiff of Cordite aren;t buying the excuses culture Declan Kidney is building around the team, especially his swipes at the provinces. Well worth a read.

http://whiffofcordite.com/2012/06/12/embattlement/

Check them out

One comment on that last blog I found particularly insightful; Declan Kidney commented that building a team takes time and doesn't happen overnight.

"when Deccie started the job we were 8th in the world rnakings and needing a good autumn series to hold on to our World Cup seeding, and now, four full years later, we’re in exactly the same position."

I just read the WoC blog there. I didn't realise that Kidney had made those comments to be honest. Shocking stuff. Infuriating actually.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Sin É would you believe that about Sexton if you didn't consider him . . .what was it. . . .oh yes a "nasty piece of work".

All inter-related - people do silly things when they can't handle the pressure.

Well since he hasn't done any "silly" things since about 2010, do you not think it is time to dry your eyes?

[Sin é]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

[Mickado]

They both have weaknesses to be honest. ROG can't tackle and Sexton can't kick apparently.

ROG has been there and done that for Ireland but he's stuffed up a fair few times at international level too. Sexton is the future obviously so he's hopefully going to be the been there and done that guy in a few years.

Will be interested to see who the non-Irish posters rate more. I'm Sexton as the two are much of a muchness in that their strengths and weaknesses differ, and I'd rather Ireland look to the future there plus I feel Sexton has a more attacking mindset. Once he gets out of needing Schmidt to hold his hand he could be a real threat. Still a pick for the Lions 10 berth.

Schmidt doesn't hold his hand, if any thing he stands off him and allows him to play the way he wants.

“He’s taught me to let him play, he’s not that bad a player. Give him his head and he’ll call what he’ll see.” – Joe Schmidt on Sexton following Saturday’s demolition of the Blues.

Here's a quote from Kidney after Ireland hammered England in 2011 with Sexton pulling the strings (man of the match).

"In Ireland we are blessed with two very good outside halves in Jonathan and Ronan. It doesn't matter who plays, the difficulty is who not to pick rather than who to pick,"

[Rory_Gallagher]

I just read the WoC blog there. I didn't realise that Kidney had made those comments to be honest. Shocking stuff. Infuriating actually.

I can't believe what I am reading here to be honest. The man is a complete fool. He has to go. He is destroying the team.

[Sin é]

The difference could be that he doesn't have Murray at 9 for Leinster? Plus the entire irish team has no structure, nobody plays well.

So Murray must also be the reason that O'Gara performs badly

[Mickado]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

How are Ireland any faster than Leinster in any single aspect of the game of rugby?

[Rory_Gallagher]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

How are Ireland any faster than Leinster in any single aspect of the game of rugby?

Sin, that is one of your best ones yet! Sometimes I wonder if you have ever watched a game of rugby.

[Rory_Gallagher]

The difference could be that he doesn't have Murray at 9 for Leinster? Plus the entire irish team has no structure, nobody plays well.

So Murray must also be the reason that O'Gara performs badly

..Am I missing something here? O'Gara has been shocking the past year or so. Seriously, do you know what rugby is?

[Sin é]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

How are Ireland any faster than Leinster in any single aspect of the game of rugby?

The international game is much faster. How many provincial teams have come up against players like Savea at the weekend. Have Leinster ever played a club game with Carter at outhalf? Nacewa is a standout player for Leinster - would he make the All Blacks ahead of Savea?

[Mickado]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

How are Ireland any faster than Leinster in any single aspect of the game of rugby?

The international game is much faster. How many provincial teams have come up against players like Savea at the weekend. Have Leinster ever played a club game with Carter at outhalf? Nacewa is a standout player for Leinster - would he make the All Blacks ahead of Savea?

All you're saying there is that the All Blacks are really good. Yeah, we know. But we didn't play them once in the 6nations and only managed wins against Scotland and Italy. Why is that? Are the scottish backline better than Clermont? We managed to score a very clever try against Clermont off first phase, with only IQ players touching the ball. How is is that we can't do that at international level?

[Gretgael1]

That article is shocking. Morale must be very low within the team, even before the hammering we received last Saturday. We don't look like a team that's happy.

[Rory_Gallagher]

You totally ignored Mickado's question. That is probably the first game you have even seen Savea, and now you making it out as if he is the best winger on the planet. Also, that is just totally untrue. I have seen HEC games just as fast paced as any international game.

Why would the game suddenly increase in speed because it is a country playing? You make statements like that without actually knowing what you are talking about. Carter plays for a club too, btw. He plays the same game for the Crusaders as he does NZ.

The reason NZ, Australia, France, Wales etc play a fast paced game, is because that is how they play. That is their tactics, similar to how that is the way Leinster play. Ireland play a slow paced, unstructured mess of a game. That is the only difference.

[Mickado]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

How are Ireland any faster than Leinster in any single aspect of the game of rugby?

The international game is much faster. How many provincial teams have come up against players like Savea at the weekend. Have Leinster ever played a club game with Carter at outhalf? Nacewa is a standout player for Leinster - would he make the All Blacks ahead of Savea?

Just on that specific point. Leinster and Ulster played Clermont who boast Sivivatu in their ranks. Have you ever heard of him?

[Mickado]

Rory, if the whole “the step up to international level is massive” argument doesn’t stack up then the blame for our shocking play must squarely lie with management.

Sin will never accept that that argument is flawed because he’s a card carrying Munster apologist. I’m not pushed at all if he answers my question or dodges it to say something else ridiculous like “How many provincial teams have come up against players like Savea at the weekend”, the answer being every S15 province/franchise bar his own. Just let him keep talking, the more he talks the more people realise his arguments are built on sand, sure he’ll keep throwing his oar into debates if there’s a sniff of a chance to have a dig at any “nasty pieces of work” but we’ll all know, it’s just the last sting of a dying wasp. I feel sorry for the other Munster fans on here to be honest, he gives them a bad name among casual lurkers, but we know better eh…

[Thomond]

Sivivatu is no longer as good as Savea is now. I do agree with your point though.

[Sin é]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

How are Ireland any faster than Leinster in any single aspect of the game of rugby?

The international game is much faster. How many provincial teams have come up against players like Savea at the weekend. Have Leinster ever played a club game with Carter at outhalf? Nacewa is a standout player for Leinster - would he make the All Blacks ahead of Savea?

All you're saying there is that the All Blacks are really good. Yeah, we know. But we didn't play them once in the 6nations and only managed wins against Scotland and Italy. Why is that? Are the scottish backline better than Clermont? We managed to score a very clever try against Clermont off first phase, with only IQ players touching the ball. How is is that we can't do that at international level?

It was nip and tuck against Clermont (and Leinster got the rub of the green this time). You forgot to mention the draw in Paris against the world cup finalists. Pity Sexton bottled the attempt at a drop goal to win the match)

The fact that Schmidt coached in Clermont would have helped as well.

[Mickado]

Fair enough T, Doug Howlett was at the peak of his powers when he joined Munster. So if any of the team haven’t played against him, they’ve played with him.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Flip me, Savea is the new kid on the scene and now he is a world beater. The only reason most of us even know who he is, is because he was rewarded for his good CLUB form. In fact, we haven't even seen the best of the guy yet. Gilroy has shown fantastic club form, but we didn't see him rewarded for it. If only he was from Munster.. they seem to be getting a few nice debuts lately.

[Sin é]

Yeah, so you've said.

Sexton must have 30 international caps - he hasn't imposed himself on any international game that I can recall in the same way as he did for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton.

Why do you think that is sin?

He doesn't have the top two inches (He has all the physical attributes) though his passing range is very short.

For instance, you know the Gaffney loop. That usually works at club level, but I can't recall it working once at international level. The game is just a lot faster.

How are Ireland any faster than Leinster in any single aspect of the game of rugby?

The international game is much faster. How many provincial teams have come up against players like Savea at the weekend. Have Leinster ever played a club game with Carter at outhalf? Nacewa is a standout player for Leinster - would he make the All Blacks ahead of Savea?

Just on that specific point. Leinster and Ulster played Clermont who boast Sivivatu in their ranks. Have you ever heard of him?

Yep, and you might have noticed he didn't make the All Blacks world cup squad and that is why he is in France.

[Thomond]

It's not like Zebo was playing shoite either Rory. I think Sexton is limited in some areas of the pitch just like ROG was. The problem is we don't play in such a way that covers them up.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Exactly my point. Zebo plays well, and gets rewarded. Murray plays well and gets rewarded. Same with O'Mahony. All Munster players. Kidney seems good at handing out debuts to Munster players.

What exactly is Sexton limited in though? I only see it when he plays for Ireland, like the 14 other players he plays alongside. I would love a proper answer that isn't "he lacks composure" or "loses his cool" due to a one off incident with Mafi.

[Gretgael1]

Sorry I can't provide a link (i'm on my phone in work) but did anyone read the interview with Gert Smal in independent today? He said that we need to stop kicking away the ball. I find this confusing, we're obviously using this as a (bad) tactic? I know he's the forwards coach but surely he knows the backs are being instructed to kick and chase? Also, he used the provincial-international argument as well. He said it was a 15-20 % step up.

[Thomond]

His kicking for territory while decent, is not outstanding like ROG's was (not many people could do that better than ROG to be fair). At times, Sexton has struggled when his pack have not been incredibly dominant. He has sorted out his kicking from the tee seems to be top notch now though

[Sin é]

Flip me, Savea is the new kid on the scene and now he is a world beater. The only reason most of us even know who he is, is because he was rewarded for his good CLUB form. In fact, we haven't even seen the best of the guy yet. Gilroy has shown fantastic club form, but we didn't see him rewarded for it. If only he was from Munster.. they seem to be getting a few nice debuts lately.

I'm all for rewarding form:

Savea, 7 tries in 11 starts for the Canes this season.
Gilroy, 6 tries in 27 starts for Ulster.
Zebo, 11 tries in 19 starts for Munster
Kearney, 3 tries in 22 starts for Leinster.

[Rory_Gallagher]

What 10s don't suffer when their pack isn't dominant? Most of the best 10s have a good pack. His territorial kicking isn't as good as ROG's was, right, but as you said not many people were that good anyway. I don't see any glaring weaknesses in Sexton's game, and he is a world class 10 when he plays for Leinster, because Schmidt lets him control the game. How can any individual play well in a team game, when the team itself is so badly structured?

[Rory_Gallagher]

I'm all for rewarding form:

Savea, 7 tries in 11 starts for the Canes this season.
Gilroy, 6 tries in 27 starts for Ulster.
Zebo, 11 tries in 19 starts for Munster
Kearney, 3 tries in 22 starts for Leinster.

How many did Gilroy get in his opening season? Go search that one up, give us peace on the thread for a while.

[Sin é]

Sorry I can't provide a link (i'm on my phone in work) but did anyone read the interview with Gert Smal in independent today? He said that we need to stop kicking away the ball. I find this confusing, we're obviously using this as a (bad) tactic? I know he's the forwards coach but surely he knows the backs are being instructed to kick and chase? Also, he used the provincial-international argument as well. He said it was a 15-20 % step up.

So maybe Kidney isn't instructing them to kick the ball away after all

Ireland are not kicking the ball away that much, its just that any kicks they do make are generally panicked defensive kicks rather than good tactical kicks.

The restarts have been very poor as well.

[Rory_Gallagher]

BTW Sin, North scored just one try in the 6 nations, and was one of the star players for the Grand Slam champions. If it is all about the try scoring stats though, surely he must be rubbish eh?

[red_stag]

Exactly my point. Zebo plays well, and gets rewarded. Murray plays well and gets rewarded. Same with O'Mahony. All Munster players. Kidney seems good at handing out debuts to Munster players.

Ah Rory lets not be that way. Seriously comments like this are as bad worse than the nonsense Sin É comes out with.

Kidney is a corrupt barstewart who loves Munster and hates everyone else. Yea course!! Equally we have seen him give Ireland debuts to Sexton, O'Brien, McLaughlin, Toner, Tuohy, Ruddock, Cronin, Ross, Healy, McFadden, Court, Fitzpatrick, McCarthy, Loughney, Henry, Muldoon, Cave etc.

It isn't just Munster boys he looks after FFS. Honest to god I get so downhearted reading these Irish threads sometimes.

Please don't take it as a pop at you directly (just the staw that broke this camels back) but we really really have the worst international fans in the world. We are negative and snipe and bicker between ourselves and we over react in a massive way if our favourite players getting left out.

I watched the Irish get demolished in soccer a few nights ago and the fans were amazing. They all hate the coaches tactics, they feel he is picking the wrong team but they really showed us how its done. When did Ireland last get support like that internationally. I would say nearly 6 years ago when England came to Croke Park. Will we ever really just get behind the team as a united group of supporters. I dont think so.

Rant over. Apologies to those offended.

[Sin é]

I'm all for rewarding form:

Savea, 7 tries in 11 starts for the Canes this season.
Gilroy, 6 tries in 27 starts for Ulster.
Zebo, 11 tries in 19 starts for Munster
Kearney, 3 tries in 22 starts for Leinster.

How many did Gilroy get in his opening season? Go search that one up, give us peace on the thread for a while.

8 tries in 13 starts (Magners). Why? Rog used be good too You want to reward form, no?

[Gretgael1]

Or maybe there's a breakdown in communication.by the way they're playing on the field it looks that way.

[Thomond]

What 10s don't suffer when their pack isn't dominant? Most of the best 10s have a good pack. His territorial kicking isn't as good as ROG's was, right, but as you said not many people were that good anyway. I don't see any glaring weaknesses in Sexton's game, and he is a world class 10 when he plays for Leinster, because Schmidt lets him control the game. How can any individual play well in a team game, when the team itself is so badly structured?

Good point, Sexton is a decent running threat too. He has one or two weakenesses but Leinster play in a way that makes them less evident, that's why he doesn't shine for Ireland, we play a gameplan that somewhat exposes them and that's not right.


Stag is spot on as well. Supporting Irish soccer seems to be a bit about the craic. Away games are fierce banter.

[Rory_Gallagher]

It isn't nonsense though. Fitzpatrick was only given a debut because of injuries, we know that for a fact Stag. Ruddock etc got their debuts when there was an abundance of injuries in the back row. There is a difference between getting Ireland debuts against the Barbarians, or for Ireland A, and actually getting them in the big games (New Zealand). Zebo, O'Mahony and Murray all get rewarded after a season of good performances. Who else has received that reward? You would think Spence and Gilroy would have been starting for Ireland last year then.

When Ireland play, we all are standing behind them. The fact that Kidney is producing such rubbish, is exactly why we are so angry with what he is doing to the team. I don't support a man who is now blaming the provinces rather than take blame himself.

[Rory_Gallagher]

I'm all for rewarding form:

Savea, 7 tries in 11 starts for the Canes this season.
Gilroy, 6 tries in 27 starts for Ulster.
Zebo, 11 tries in 19 starts for Munster
Kearney, 3 tries in 22 starts for Leinster.

How many did Gilroy get in his opening season? Go search that one up, give us peace on the thread for a while.

8 tries in 13 starts (Magners). Why? Rog used be good too You want to reward form, no?

8 tries in 13 starts is brilliant, but of course you point out that it was in the Magners. How many has Zebo scored in the HEC then? Are you seriously trying to make out that Gilroy hasn't been playing well? Really? Shall I point out a few games in particular? Does the semi-final ring a bell? He made Zebo, Jones and Hurley look a bit silly in that game didn't he?

[Sin é]

BTW Sin, North scored just one try in the 6 nations, and was one of the star players for the Grand Slam champions. If it is all about the try scoring stats though, surely he must be rubbish eh?

North wasn't particularly standout in the 6Ns.

You need some good try scorers in the team (and why Kidney went for Earls & Bowe on the wings for the world cup).
Trimble was playing great in the build up to the world cup, but he wasn't scoring tries which is what you want your wingers to be doing.

[BoyneRFC]

Supporting Irish soccer seems to be a bit about the craic. Away games are fierce banter.

That's cause we have a shoite team and everyone knows it. We are supposed to be a little more evolved with an oval ball, so that's why expectations should be and are higher.

Rory: Leave Sin alone. I have learned to take a step back because I have learned (over 3-4 years) that it's impossible to talk sense to ignorants... he will just infuriate with drivel. Not to be taken seriously at all.

On the WoC blog Mickado posted. It was truly revealing. Shocking even. You can see when a man is under pressure. You can feel it from the answers he is trotting out. It's a shame, but what he has done to this team is scandalous. Back where we were 4 years ago....

Outsides can see it. Even Munster fans can see it.

We are fools in this country. The whole rugby world raised eyebrows when he was given his contract extension before the WC. Everyone asked if we had learned nothing from the EoS decision.

We don't learn and history goes on repeating itself while the likes of John Hayes and Ronan O Gara get CHEAP CAPS. Jobs for the boys.

It's just a kick in the teeth for the real fans.

But DK is graaaand. Sure dont the IRFU need o pay him out.

Cute hoor we called him 4 years ago with grins on our faces. He is still a cute hoor, but the grin has turned upside down.

[Thomond]

I wouldn't put too much blame on Zebo for that try pretty difficult to make that tackle. as the defender coming across. Jones and Hurley were the main culprits. Zebo scored 4 HC tries I think.

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