Irish Autumn Squad-BOD AND BEST OUT!

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed Oct 24, 2012 10:38 am

First topic message reminder :

So Kidney announces his squad today, a 32 man panel against the boks and pumas. More players come into consideration for the Fiji game.

A 31 man Ireland squad including four uncapped players has been named by Ireland Coach Declan Kidney for the 2012 Guinness Series games against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Centre Luke Marshall and forward Iain Henderson named in the panel and who were involved in the Ireland training camp in September are included in the squad as are prop David Kilcoyne and hooker Richardt Strauss, who is now eligible to play for Ireland based on his residency for the past three years.
In addition to the naming of the Ireland squad for the 2012 Guinness Series, there were also changes announced to the makeup of the national coaching staff with current Munster Assistant Coach and former international Anthony Foley joining the Ireland coaching team.

Foley will be now be leading the defence plans and systems allowing Assistant Coach Les Kiss to lead the attack shape for the team as well as continue to coach the backline. Foley will remain working with Munster Rugby outside of the international window. It was also confirmed that Leinster scrum coach, Greg Feek will continue providing his expertise to the Ireland team during competition time.

Commenting on the Guinness Series games and the addition of Anthony Foley, Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said: "We have three incredibly competitive games ahead of us in November and while there have been quite a few injuries and niggles in the early part of the season, it has opened up opportunities for other players to step into the squad. There are world ranking points on offer, so the underlying challenge for us is to work towards retaining and improving our ranking position ahead of the Rugby World Cup pool draw. While that is the end goal, our focus will be getting our preparations right to match the intensity of international games.

"I'm pleased that Anthony has taken up the offer of working with the squad to assist during this vital period in November. His previous experience of working with the team during the last RBS 6 Nations championship was important, but his own abilities and experience were central to bringing him onboard. I would like to thank Rob Penney and Joe Schmidt for being so positive and giving Anthony Foley and Greg (Feek) the scope to be part of the plans that we have."

Anthony Foley said: "I was delighted when Declan approached Rob and me about the possibility of working with the Ireland team again. I enjoyed the opportunity I got during the Six Nations working with the players and I felt once we were all comfortable with the balance between Munster and Ireland, I jumped at the chance. I certainly feel I can contribute positively and when you get the chance to coach with your country, you don't want to pass it up.

Ticket sales have reached over 46,000 for the South Africa game with only a limited number of categories available for purchase from IrishRugby.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie

While the Argentina game is a full month away, ticket sales are at just over 37,000 tickets and are selling quickly and have already surpassed the attendance the last time Argentina visited the Aviva.

Irish Rugby Squad (Guinness Series 2012)

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster/62)
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/49)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/3)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster/29)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster/69)
Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster/32)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster/35)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster/33)
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster/50)
Iain Henderson (Queens University/Ulster)*
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster/2)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster)*
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)*
John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht/3)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster/12)
Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht/4)
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster/14)
Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/5)
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster/88)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster/85)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster/120) Captain
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster/124
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster/7)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster/45)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster/22)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster/21)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster/32)
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)*
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster/48)
Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster/5)
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster/1)

Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/21 caps)
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster) *
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) *
Paul Marshall (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) *
Tiernan O'Halloran (Buccaneers/Connacht) *
Michael Bent (Leinster) *
Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/2)

N.B. *denotes uncapped player

O'DRISCOLL and BEST out.

by Kingshu Mon Oct 29, 2012 12:35 pm

Cheers Leinster fan4life, I'll add them to it now, and take credit for it.

If Leinster are looking for IQ locks there are a few options, not sure if any are up to stanard mind, but a few would make squad players.

Andrew Farley (lock) Grenoble
David Mcgowan (lock) La Rochelle
Christian short (lock) Lyon
Lock Tommy Hayes (Chiefs)
Lock Ryan Caldwell (bath)
Lock James Sandford (LI)

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 29, 2012 12:44 pm

Kingshu wrote:Cheers Leinster fan4life, I'll add them to it now, and take credit for it.

If Leinster are looking for IQ locks there are a few options, not sure if any are up to stanard mind, but a few would make squad players.

Andrew Farley (lock) Grenoble
David Mcgowan (lock) La Rochelle
Christian short (lock) Lyon
Lock Tommy Hayes (Chiefs)
Lock Ryan Caldwell (bath)
Lock James Sandford (LI)

haha happy to help thumbsup

We have plenty of locks good enough to be in the squad.
We have Browne, Denton, Leo, and Toner. With the likes of flanagan and tadhg beirne ( who I though was excellent in the u20 world cup) in the acadamey.
What we need is a top quality lock to accompany either Browne or Toner.

by Kingshu Mon Oct 29, 2012 1:44 pm

Yeah, I wonder if Richie Grey could quickly become unhappy at Sale and hand in a transfer request?

However I don't normaly like Provinces signing other 6 nations players in NIQ spots, as these players will be missing when irish internationals are missing as well, and thats when the Provinces need them most.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:15 pm

Kingshu wrote:Yeah, I wonder if Richie Grey could quickly become unhappy at Sale and hand in a transfer request?

However I don't normaly like Provinces signing other 6 nations players in NIQ spots, as these players will be missing when irish internationals are missing as well, and thats when the Provinces need them most.

I was impressed with Ryan Caldwell when Bath came to the Aviva. I thought he was their only good player on the pitch. He is currently injured but he's worth keeping an eye on.

by Rava Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:26 pm

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:
The Boss wrote:Seen Cian Healey stuck a link up on Twitter of Andress talking about Mike Ross and how he thinks he's been at the same level in the scrum from about 2008. With Healey stating that he thinks Ross is still improving. Anyone else seen it?

Andress has an attitude problem. He is full of great chat and can't back it up on the pitch. In truth he probably is roughly about Ross' level, but I wouldn't have him about the squad. I'd rather have a player that keeps his head down and works hard than someone he touts his own rather meager abilities through the press. Mike Ross may not be the greatest player to even put on a green shirt but he works hard and I have been thoroughly impressed with him this season. He has slimmed down a bit, looks much, much fitter and his scrummaging has obviously improved since he arrived back at Leinster.

Andress is a tw*t. If Asbo were here he could tell you about him better than I could. I can safely say he will never play for Ulster or Ireland.

by Kingshu Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:30 pm

Know him well from his Ulster time, Bath fans seam to rate him, put Tuohy and Stevenson are better and Iain Henderson may be a lock in future.

Was well know for giving away penelties, he may have upped his game a bit since then, but I think he is sulpus to requirements at Ulster, Would be a squad player at Ulster if came back, prob the same for Leinster.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:35 pm

Id love it if leinster got Henderson Very Happy

by **Notch** Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:37 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Id love it if leinster got Henderson

He's just signed a new contract until 2015 raspberry

by thebluesmancometh Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:37 pm

Just out of interest boys does anyone see Henry getting gametime this autumn?

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:41 pm

Rava wrote:
Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:
The Boss wrote:Seen Cian Healey stuck a link up on Twitter of Andress talking about Mike Ross and how he thinks he's been at the same level in the scrum from about 2008. With Healey stating that he thinks Ross is still improving. Anyone else seen it?

Andress has an attitude problem. He is full of great chat and can't back it up on the pitch. In truth he probably is roughly about Ross' level, but I wouldn't have him about the squad. I'd rather have a player that keeps his head down and works hard than someone he touts his own rather meager abilities through the press. Mike Ross may not be the greatest player to even put on a green shirt but he works hard and I have been thoroughly impressed with him this season. He has slimmed down a bit, looks much, much fitter and his scrummaging has obviously improved since he arrived back at Leinster.

Andress is a tw*t. If Asbo were here he could tell you about him better than I could. I can safely say he will never play for Ulster or Ireland.

I totally agree. Is it any wonder he has played for some many clubs? I heard from someone else at Exeter he was such an arse that they couldn't wait to offload him to Worcester. Ryan Caldwell was a bit of the same at Ulster but has turned his attitude around at Bath with a settle family life. He grew up, Andress didn't. I would rather wheel John Hayes back than have Andress near the squad.

EDIT I'd rather have Neil Best back at Ulster than Andress.

by Rava Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:02 pm

thebluesmancometh wrote:Just out of interest boys does anyone see Henry getting gametime this autumn?

He Frak better Bluesman. He has been the best 7 in Ireland this season and perhaps a good part of last.

by **rodders** Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:07 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Id love it if leinster got Henderson

Give us Sexton, O'Brien, Kearney and Madigan plus a years supply of guinness

and you've got a deal.....

.....actually no I'd still rather keep hendo! king

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:13 pm

rodders wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Id love it if leinster got Henderson

Give us Sexton, O'Brien, Kearney and Madigan plus a years supply of and you've got a deal.....

.....actually no I'd still rather keep hendo!

Hows about a lifetime supply of guinness

surely you wont be able to turn that down Very Happy

by Rava Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:26 pm

rodders wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Id love it if leinster got Henderson

Give us Sexton, O'Brien, Kearney and Madigan plus a years supply of and you've got a deal.....

.....actually no I'd still rather keep hendo!

Would you expect any of those four to actually get a game for the Ravens Rodders? Whistle

by UlstermaninGlasgow Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:28 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
rodders wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Id love it if leinster got Henderson

Give us Sexton, O'Brien, Kearney and Madigan plus a years supply of and you've got a deal.....

.....actually no I'd still rather keep hendo!
Hows about a lifetime supply of surely you wont be able to turn that down

Now Rodders we don't need Sexton and Madigan. Just Young Mads will do. Jacko will teach him how to kick... Wink

And sure we'll take Kearney Jr as well!

by **rodders** Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:29 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
rodders wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Id love it if leinster got Henderson

Give us Sexton, O'Brien, Kearney and Madigan plus a years supply of and you've got a deal.....

.....actually no I'd still rather keep hendo!
Hows about a lifetime supply of surely you wont be able to turn that down

Sorry Hendo! Pack yer bags son!..... guinness

....

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:31 pm

rodders wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
rodders wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Id love it if leinster got Henderson

Give us Sexton, O'Brien, Kearney and Madigan plus a years supply of and you've got a deal.....

.....actually no I'd still rather keep hendo!
Hows about a lifetime supply of surely you wont be able to turn that down

Sorry Hendo! Pack yer bags son!..... ....

brilliant

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:46 pm

Rava wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:Just out of interest boys does anyone see Henry getting gametime this autumn?

He Frak better Bluesman. He has been the best 7 in Ireland this season and perhaps a good part of last.

I think he should.

But.....

I think it is a shoot out between Henry, McLaughlin and POM for two spots (the 7 jersey and bench spot) I can see POM getting 7 unfortunatly

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:50 pm

Have argentina announced their squad yet? I hope I get to see Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe play.

by Rava Mon Oct 29, 2012 5:09 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Have argentina announced their squad yet? I hope I get to see Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe play.

Me too but I will settle for any one of the four Very Happy

by Triangulation Mon Oct 29, 2012 5:30 pm

You lads'll be just fine.

Have you seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen England's injury list?

Were feckered.

Dooooomed. Absolutely no shot at all.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 29, 2012 5:32 pm

Triangulation wrote:You lads'll be just fine.

Have you seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen England's injury list?

Were feckered.

Dooooomed. Absolutely no shot at all.

Excuses excuses Rolling Eyes

by **rodders** Mon Oct 29, 2012 5:44 pm

Triangulation wrote:You lads'll be just fine.

Have you seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen England's injury list?

Were feckered.

Dooooomed. Absolutely no shot at all.

Good to see you're still a ray of positivity Tri Smile

by SecretFly Mon Oct 29, 2012 5:48 pm

When Tri is this gloomy it usually means it's going to be 7 from 4 for the English.

by Hound_of_Harrow Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:06 pm

Never mind England's injuries, have you seen the SA squad injuries. Their back row is decimated. No Burger, Broussow, or or Spies, and Francois Louw is now also a doubt. Add to that lot, Bismarck du Plessis, Andries Bekker, fly-half Johan Goosen, inside centre Frans Steyn and now Habana.

by Gibson Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:15 pm

Rava wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:Just out of interest boys does anyone see Henry getting gametime this autumn?

He Frak better Bluesman. He has been the best 7 in Ireland this season and perhaps a good part of last.

Hauld on a cotton pickin minute there Rav. Best 7? I don´t think so... 2nd best 7 maybe. guinness

by Rava Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:24 pm

Gibson wrote:
Rava wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:Just out of interest boys does anyone see Henry getting gametime this autumn?

He Frak better Bluesman. He has been the best 7 in Ireland this season and perhaps a good part of last.

Hauld on a cotton pickin minute there Rav. Best 7? I don´t think so... 2nd best 7 maybe.

Jennings is a has-been guinness

by Rava Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:26 pm

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:Never mind England's injuries, have you seen the SA squad injuries. Their back row is decimated. No Burger, Broussow, or or Spies, and Francois Louw is now also a doubt. Add to that lot, Bismarck du Plessis, Andries Bekker, fly-half Johan Goosen, inside centre Frans Steyn and now Habana.

Hound, its been a good while since SA were on an Autumn tour with what could be described as a full strength squad. Massive losses but a big oportunity for some of the young talent that we were watching recently in the Rugby Championship and Currie Cup.

by **rodders** Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:42 pm

Rava wrote:
Gibson wrote:
Rava wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:Just out of interest boys does anyone see Henry getting gametime this autumn?

He Frak better Bluesman. He has been the best 7 in Ireland this season and perhaps a good part of last.

Hauld on a cotton pickin minute there Rav. Best 7? I don´t think so... 2nd best 7 maybe.

Jennings is a has-been

Anyone else concerned that we don't have a natural 6.5 in the squad?..... Run

by Hound_of_Harrow Mon Oct 29, 2012 11:24 pm

Rava wrote:
Hound_of_Harrow wrote:Never mind England's injuries, have you seen the SA squad injuries. Their back row is decimated. No Burger, Broussow, or or Spies, and Francois Louw is now also a doubt. Add to that lot, Bismarck du Plessis, Andries Bekker, fly-half Johan Goosen, inside centre Frans Steyn and now Habana.

Hound, its been a good while since SA were on an Autumn tour with what could be described as a full strength squad. Massive losses but a big oportunity for some of the young talent that we were watching recently in the Rugby Championship and Currie Cup.

+1

SA are never what you would call 'weak'.

by debaters1 Tue Oct 30, 2012 1:08 pm

Hookisms,

Off (but sort of on all the same) topic, why was/is Neil Best so disliked? As a provincial outsider & as an Irish fan, I always admired his bravery in that he'd put his face where other guys wouldn't but their boot. Doesn't stop him being an @ss of course, or indeed and incideous presence in the dressing room, just curious as to why he is such a divisive figure for a lot of Ulster fans.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:09 pm

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/10571.php

ruh-roh

by SecretFly Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:15 pm

8 to 12 weeks? Well........................... pity he was playing so well then. Joe's hill just got steeper and Ireland will be back to the old 13 debate.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:19 pm

DISASTER.

He is going to miss the Clermont tie. I hate the way Leinster guys have started doing this misdirection thing! He looks fine light sprain, nothing to worry about, should be fine.....Wait......Actually......2-3 months!

by red_stag Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:21 pm

Irish Autumn Squad-BOD AND BEST OUT! - Page 11 1347041234

Bowe to 13?
Earls to 13?
Cave to 13?

by **rodders** Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:22 pm

Wowsers! Can someone post the content of the press release please?

by red_stag Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:22 pm

Rodders - http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/10571.php

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:24 pm

red_stag wrote:
Bowe to 13?
Earls to 13?
Cave to 13?

Yeah things are about to get heated! Mouth guards in guys, gloves on, keep it above the belt!
boxing

by SecretFly Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:26 pm

I personally think medics are always over-eager to operate - there, said it.

The body can do repairs too...and usually repair stronger than before as a natural reaction...but the old incision docs always have reasons for keyhole surgery.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:28 pm

So, looks like Strauss is 100% getting his first Irish cap, what ever about being an unused replacement or something with best on, that just will not happen now

by **rodders** Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:30 pm

Forget about Ireland guys this could be the end of BOD. Seriously.

More surgery? His body is falling apart now unfortunately. This is a big blow to his Lions chances in what could be his final season.

And Best has had neck problems for a while now. That is worrying too.

by maestegmafia Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:31 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/10571.php

Sad news...!

Very sorry to hear that indeed, both players were in fine form.

Positives though that some of the new additions are very exciting. Marshall of Ulster is a great player, P jackson too. I rate POM for Munster for a while...

May be the light at the end of the tunnel isn't the train...!!!

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:32 pm

rodders wrote:Forget about Ireland guys this could be the end of BOD. Seriously.

More surgery? His body is falling apart now unfortunately. This is a big blow to his Lions chances in what could be his final season.

And Best has had neck problems for a while now. That is worrying too.

Hmm not sure Rodders there. How many ankle injuries has BOD had when you look back at it? Mainly been shoulder and hamstring hasn't it?

by **Notch** Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:32 pm

debaters1 wrote:Hookisms,

Off (but sort of on all the same) topic, why was/is Neil Best so disliked? As a provincial outsider & as an Irish fan, I always admired his bravery in that he'd put his face where other guys wouldn't but their boot. Doesn't stop him being an @ss of course, or indeed and incideous presence in the dressing room, just curious as to why he is such a divisive figure for a lot of Ulster fans.

Because he is an @ss. And in his last season with Ulster, he hardly wanted to get his shirt dirty never mind put his face where others wouldn't put their mother-in-law. I've never seen someone with so much talent try so little.

by **Notch** Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:33 pm

Strauss and Cave to start for me. Earls and Bowe most likely in the back three and hopefully McFadden will be at 12.

by Golden Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:35 pm

Presumably Strauss is going to start since Cronin was only a late call up?

As much as i dont like the whole project player thing, i cant wait for the anthems now

by bluestonevedder Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:36 pm

Really bad news. I was hoping to see BOD this Autumn. Poor Best too, he's certainly found a rich vein of form.

by **rodders** Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:37 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:
Hmm not sure Rodders there. How many ankle injuries has BOD had when you look back at it? Mainly been shoulder and hamstring hasn't it?

No you are right on that pete, but there is a real worrying trend now with him and POC. They are starting to pick up more and more long term injuries. BOD isn't that long back after missing nearly all of last season and now he'll miss another 2-3 months. That is not good at all. There's a lot of miles on the clock I'm afraid.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:37 pm

Poll is up Gents.
broken

by SecretFly Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:37 pm

My mood has plummeted. He really was showing that he was intent on putting his body on the line this season, both to kick start his lack-lustre Province and I think he would have extended that form to Ireland too.

Anyway, D. Kearney for 13 Wink

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