Irish Autumn Squad-BOD AND BEST OUT!

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.

Only good news from Angela will be the day I hear she's lost an election.
Next good news, and even better news, would be to hear that Little Caesar, Jose Manuel Barroso, has been made redundant.

Christ fly when you said little Ceasar there I thought you were going back on topic for a minute .....

Right its a Friday so I'm going to say it.... the IRFU central contract model is all screwed up when it comes to letting players go when they come to the end of the road.

BOD, POC and ROG should have retired, from Ireland, at the end of the RWC and went out at the top of their games, or close to it....played another few seasons at domestic level and let their bodies and minds wind down.

ROGs legs are gone, and POC and BOD are falling apart. On top of that they are holding back the next generation.

The whole thing is a big load of bollix.

Oh yea anyone else heading to the SA game?....

rodders wrote:Right its a Friday so I'm going to say it.... the IRFU central contract model is all screwed up when it comes to letting players go when they come to the end of the road.

BOD, POC and ROG should have retired, from Ireland, at the end of the RWC and went out at the top of their games, or close to it....played another few seasons at domestic level and let their bodies and minds wind down.

ROGs legs are gone, and POC and BOD are falling apart. On top of that they are holding back the next generation.

The whole thing is a big load of bollix.

Oh yea anyone else heading to the SA game?....

In ROG's defence if he can't run then it means he can't run away from having to tackle anyone. Maybe now he might have an excuse to do it.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:

rodders wrote:Right its a Friday so I'm going to say it.... the IRFU central contract model is all screwed up when it comes to letting players go when they come to the end of the road.

BOD, POC and ROG should have retired, from Ireland, at the end of the RWC and went out at the top of their games, or close to it....played another few seasons at domestic level and let their bodies and minds wind down.

ROGs legs are gone, and POC and BOD are falling apart. On top of that they are holding back the next generation.

The whole thing is a big load of bollix.

Oh yea anyone else heading to the SA game?....

In ROG's defence if he can't run then it means he can't run away from having to tackle anyone. Maybe now he might have an excuse to do it.

Yeah better not have those stats like 7 missed tackles D Cave

I think you have a point Rods, I don't like the central contract system at all. Creates a group of untouchables.

Mickado wrote:I think you have a point Rods, I don't like the central contract system at all. Creates a group of untouchables.

+1

rodders wrote:

ROGs legs are gone

You can blame Darren Cave for an over-eager tackle in the HCup QF for that

Notch wrote:

red_stag wrote:

Sin é wrote:

dublin_dave wrote:who would you have for fiji game sin?

i appreciate that if we do contrive to lose v sth africa and argentina that we will be in danger of slipping out of the top 8 and fiji will become an important test match.

Fiji isn't a Test Match and will have no bearing on the rankings.

I'd have as many players from Munster involved if you want to sell tickets locally. I can't see a lot of people travelling down from Dublin or Belfast to go to a non-Test match.

Course you would. No surprises there.

It should be used to mix first XV players who need gametime with young guys who can be future stalwarts. Sine Es implication is people will only turn up to watch players of their own province is genuinely annoying and sad.

On the other hand, I WILL be using that logic to insist that the team for every test match played in Dublin consists of mainly Leinster players to get the local fans out in force

Notch, would you get as many Ulster fans to a Ravens match as you would a first team match in Ravenhill.

This isn't a Test match.

Ask yourself will as many people travel down from Belfast to Limerick as there will to Dublin for the SA or Arg games?

Sin É of course you won't get as many travelling down.

We'll get a maximum of 50,000 in the Aviva Stadium.

We arent trying to get 50,000 into Thomond Park. We are only trying to get half that.

We dont need selecting players just because they are local.

Some people are actually Irish fans not just fans of their own province.

Are Munster fans that fickle that they'd only turn up to see Ireland play if Munstet players were selected? I Give them a bit more credit than that.

red_stag wrote:Sin É of course you won't get as many travelling down.

We'll get a maximum of 50,000 in the Aviva Stadium.

We arent trying to get 50,000 into Thomond Park. We are only trying to get half that.

We dont need selecting players just because they are local.

Some people are actually Irish fans not just fans of their own province.

I want to know how many you would supply?

You didn't answer my question about the Ravens v 1st team (which is what we're talking about here).

edit: thought that comment came from Notch. Sorry stag.

Good point Stag, since when have Leinster and Ulster fans been required to fill Thomond park?

Mickado wrote:Are Munster fans that fickle that they'd only turn up to see Ireland play if Munstet players were selected? I Give them a bit more credit than that.

Not fickle. Just that unemployment is at 14% in the Limerick area and there isn't that much money going around anyway. Employment is still pretty good in South Dublin which is the Aviva's key area.

Mickado - are you coming down to the match?

Sin é wrote:

Mickado wrote:Are Munster fans that fickle that they'd only turn up to see Ireland play if Munstet players were selected? I Give them a bit more credit than that.

Not fickle. Just that unemployment is at 14% in the Limerick area and there isn't that much money going around anyway. Employment is still pretty good in South Dublin which is the Aviva's key area.

Mickado - are you coming down to the match?

This is absolute gold! Sure let's have the match at Ravehill and only have Catholic players from Northern Ireland in the team as unemployment at the Falls is around 23% or more depending on your source. Maybe stage it in Derry and only pick players from west of the Bann. Of all your moronic statements this one is my favourite. I'm just going to print it off and frame it in my room. I love you Sin. There, I said it.

The Aviva's "key area"?

What IS the unemployment figure for south Dublin Sin?

No, I'm not going to any games.

red_stag wrote:Sin É of course you won't get as many travelling down.

We'll get a maximum of 50,000 in the Aviva Stadium.

We arent trying to get 50,000 into Thomond Park. We are only trying to get half that.

We dont need selecting players just because they are local.

Some people are actually Irish fans not just fans of their own province.

You'll need to get more in than just from Limerick (local).
Its a costly day out and that is why I would do everything I can to get as many local players involved as possible.

You may have heard Cork munsterfans giving out about getting the least attractive games down there. And you also may have noticed how empty Thomond was last week for the Zebre game - where were all the Munster fans for that game?

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:

Sin é wrote:

Mickado wrote:Are Munster fans that fickle that they'd only turn up to see Ireland play if Munstet players were selected? I Give them a bit more credit than that.

Not fickle. Just that unemployment is at 14% in the Limerick area and there isn't that much money going around anyway. Employment is still pretty good in South Dublin which is the Aviva's key area.

Mickado - are you coming down to the match?

This is absolute gold! Sure let's have the match at Ravehill and only have Catholic players from Northern Ireland in the team as unemployment there is around 23% or more depending on your source. Maybe stage it in Derry and only pick players from west of the Bann. Of all your moronic statements this one is my favourite. I'm just going to print it off and frame it in my room. I love you Sin. There, I said it.

hyperbole - Ravenhill is a much smaller stadium than Thomond. Munster have 26K capacity which rarely sees it filled for the Pro 12, though nearly always for the HCup and Leinster.

Sin E

Are you really trying to compare Munster v Zebre to Ireland v Fiji?

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:

This is absolute gold! Sure let's have the match at Ravehill and only have Catholic players from Northern Ireland in the team as unemployment there is around 23% or more depending on your source. Maybe stage it in Derry and only pick players from west of the Bann. Of all your moronic statements this one is my favourite. I'm just going to print it off and frame it in my room. I love you Sin. There, I said it.

I'm all for that...I might even get a game.... could we sneak Trimble in too....

Mickado wrote:The Aviva's "key area"?

What IS the unemployment figure for south Dublin Sin?

No, I'm not going to any games.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in Co Dublin had the lowest unemployment rate at 11.2 per cent and the lowest increase in unemployment. It also had the highest proportion of people with managerial or professional occupations, almost 55 per cent, and the lowest proportion of unskilled workers.

Cork city had the lowest labour market participation rate at 54 per cent, followed by Limerick city (55 per cent) and Donegal (58 per cent). Counties with the lowest rates were the same as in 2006. This rate is the percentage of people aged over 15 who participate in the labour force (employed or looking for a job) as opposed to being retired, a homemaker, a student etc.

The highest labour force participation rates are counties around Dublin city. Fingal has the highest (68 per cent) followed by Meath and Kildare both (66 per cent). These rates closely align with the age profile of the counties.

Seven of top 10 jobless blackspots in Limerick

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0629/1224318966467.html

red_stag wrote:Sin E

Are you really trying to compare Munster v Zebre to Ireland v Fiji?

You said:

Some people are actually Irish fans not just fans of their own province.

fixing it to read:

Some Munster fans are actually Rabo fans not just fans of the Heineken Cup.

Some people are selective about what they go to. I heard Garrett Fitz (I think) saying that its not just the cost of the ticket, its the cost of the petrol etc. etc. It can be a big day out and I would try everything to incentivise people to go.

Its a similar situation to when teams coming touring - we want to see Dan Carter & Richie McCaw - not some 20 year old no one had heard of from Taranaki.

Jeebus I can't believe Sin is actually suggesting the employment situation should have an influence on team selection! This is incredible!

rodders wrote:Jeebus I can't believe Sin is actually suggesting the employment situation should have an influence on team selection! This is incredible!

I really didn't see this coming.

Let's move the game to Athens!

rodders wrote:Jeebus I can't believe Sin is actually suggesting the employment situation should have an influence on team selection! This is incredible!

No Rods - disposable income is the issue (the unemployed won't be going anyway) as well as the population of the catchment area (for example Dublin's population is a lot bigger than Limericks, so it should be easy enough to fill the RDS for an Ireland game).

The reason this game isn't in the Aviva is because they know they would not be able to fill it and cover their costs.

EDIT: Here's a little test for you

Put in order the attractiveness of the games if you had to choose (i.e., Fiji would be 1st, Arg 2nd, SA third) stating your reasons why?

Ireland v SA

Ireland v Fiji

Ireland v Argentina

Ireland vs Fiji would be my first preference as I love seeing young players who are uninhibited.

Munster vs Fiji however holds 0 appeal

Sin é wrote:
EDIT: Here's a little test for you

Put in order the attractiveness of the games if you had to choose (i.e., Fiji would be 1st, Arg 2nd, SA third) stating your reasons why?

Ireland v SA

Ireland v Fiji

Ireland v Argentina

1. SA
2. Argentina
3. Fiji

Quite frankly which provinces the players come from would not in any way be a factor as to whether I would watch any of the games.

What a waste that would be to just throw out a load of munster players against Fiji just because its in thomand. That game needs to be used to get the youngsters some international experience.

Sin é wrote:

red_stag wrote:Sin É of course you won't get as many travelling down.

We'll get a maximum of 50,000 in the Aviva Stadium.

We arent trying to get 50,000 into Thomond Park. We are only trying to get half that.

We dont need selecting players just because they are local.

Some people are actually Irish fans not just fans of their own province.

You'll need to get more in than just from Limerick (local).
Its a costly day out and that is why I would do everything I can to get as many local players involved as possible.

You may have heard Cork munsterfans giving out about getting the least attractive games down there. And you also may have noticed how empty Thomond was last week for the Zebre game - where were all the Munster fans for that game?

It says on the Rabo website that the att was 14k for the zebre match. Thats pretty good is it not?

Didnt look good the way Ferris went off tonight....

No it didn't DOD. He looked to be struggling a bit anyways (maybe with his back) before he came down on his ankle... didn't look good at all..... hopefully its nothing serious but I'd forget about seeing him against SA anyways... touch wood its not worse...

LeinsterFan4life wrote:What a waste that would be to just throw out a load of munster players against Fiji just because its in thomand. That game needs to be used to get the youngsters some international experience.

Fan,
That wouldn't be a waste man.That's what us standing-up people would call Progress. And they can take their pre-historic couch with them as well. Tanks for comin. Thanks for wasting four years of our rugby lives and thanks for landing us in a worse position from where you started.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxiv3CBMS4M

Didn't appreciate the grand slam then Gibson. As they say in some parts of the south wesht...yerra shtick to your f.cking fancy Dan fairy boy rugby against Shiite teams and don't be bothering us with shtuff you haven't got a clue on , and feic off back to hamsterjam you insufferable jackeen hoor.

Sin é wrote:

rodders wrote:Jeebus I can't believe Sin is actually suggesting the employment situation should have an influence on team selection! This is incredible!

No Rods - disposable income is the issue (the unemployed won't be going anyway) as well as the population of the catchment area (for example Dublin's population is a lot bigger than Limericks, so it should be easy enough to fill the RDS for an Ireland game).

The reason this game isn't in the Aviva is because they know they would not be able to fill it and cover their costs.

EDIT: Here's a little test for you

Put in order the attractiveness of the games if you had to choose (i.e., Fiji would be 1st, Arg 2nd, SA third) stating your reasons why?

Ireland v SA

Ireland v Fiji

Ireland v Argentina

I'm sorry Sin but could you be any more condescending? I'm employed and even I am offended by the pish you're spouting! And apologies if I'm now being offensive I need to lay off the wine perhaps

Also, I can't see how having Munster players should really entice the crowd into Thomond that much. After all you said yourself that there have been struggles to get good crowds at Munster games. I'm pretty sure there are usually a good few Munster players playing for ehh.....Munster. This is an Ireland game for goodness sake (even if it isn't classed as a full test). The number of players playing, or not playing from a particular province would never affect my attendance at an Ireland game. We are all in this together when it comes to Ireland. All for one and one for all

Jeesus DOD! They really say that in the SW?!

rodders wrote:Jeesus DOD! They really say that in the SW?!

Gibson is well known in some parts of Kerry

DOD wrote:Didnt look good the way Ferris went off tonight....

Looked very bad DOD. I'd be convinced we won't see him at all for these three games. Another big opportunity for someone to put their hand up and hopefully give our new coach some selection headaches (if and) when he takes over.

POM at 6 and Henry at 7 for the SA game anyway?

http://kidneyclock.net/

Ireland v fiji in the RDS last time they were here - Brian O'Driscoll and Paul 'Connell had a lot to prove, not to mention Shane Horan, Gordan D'Arcy, Jerry Flannery, Jamie Heaslip etc. etc.

IRELAND: Rob Kearney; Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls; Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Tom Court, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Leo Cullen, Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris, Denis Leamy, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements used: Sean O'Brien for Leamy (44 mins, inj), Tomas O'Leary for Reddan (55), Tony Buckley for Hayes (61), Andrew Trimble for O'Driscoll, Donncha O'Callaghan for O'Connell (both 68), Sean Cronin for Flannery (73), Paddy Wallace for Kearney (75).

FIJI: Norman Ligairi; Vereniki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Seremaia Bai (capt), Nasoni Roko; Nicky Little, Mosese Rauluni; Asaike Tarogi, Viliame Veikoso, Viliame Seuseu, Wame Lewaravu, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Apolosi Satala, Akapusi Qera, Asaeli Boko.

Replacements used: Leone Nakarawa for Rawaqa (half-time), Timoci Nagusa for Ligairi (53 mins), Graham Dewes for Tarogi, Isireli Ledua for Veikoso, Samu Bola for Qera (all 66), Josh Matavesi for Bai (80). Not used: Waisale Vatuvoka.

Sin é what was the purpose of that last post? I'm confused.

DOD wrote:Didn't appreciate the grand slam then Gibson. As they say in some parts of the south wesht...yerra shtick to your f.cking fancy Dan fairy boy rugby against Shiite teams and don't be bothering us with shtuff you haven't got a clue on , and feic off back to hamsterjam you insufferable jackeen hoor.

I love you Declan. I don' t know why, but I just do.

Kusjes. XXX.

Rava wrote: Sin é what was the purpose of that last post? I'm confused.

Leave that man alone. He's the only reason why I log on here in the 1st place.

Its like a Magical Mystery Rugby Tour. I love it.

This ones' for Decco. Cos he Rocks. For a bogger like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxhN7MQ6uYw

Rava wrote: Sin é what was the purpose of that last post? I'm confused.

They were not going to get a crowd in the RDS without throwing a few well known local stars in there.

When Ireland A played in Ravenhill they had Henry captaining the team with that very obvious international prospect, Ian Humphreys at outhalf and Boss as SH.

Gibson wrote:

Rava wrote: Sin é what was the purpose of that last post? I'm confused.

Leave that man alone. He's the only reason why I log on here in the 1st place.

Its like a Magical Mystery Rugby Tour. I love it.

This ones' for Decco. Cos he Rocks. For a bogger like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxhN7MQ6uYw

This one is for the girls in d4!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OIgZQj1aqs

You'll always be our little sister!

Sin é wrote:

Rava wrote: Sin é what was the purpose of that last post? I'm confused.

They were not going to get a crowd in the RDS without throwing a few well known local stars in there.

When Ireland A played in Ravenhill they had Henry captaining the team with that very obvious international prospect, Ian Humphreys at outhalf and Boss as SH.

+1.

It is pure, business, logic.

And rugby is a business in strife right now.

Well... McCafferty has blood-money on offer.

Rugby will follow Wendyball. Its just a matter of how long and how painful it will be in transition.

Sin é wrote:

Gibson wrote:

Rava wrote: Sin é what was the purpose of that last post? I'm confused.

Leave that man alone. He's the only reason why I log on here in the 1st place.

Its like a Magical Mystery Rugby Tour. I love it.

This ones' for Decco. Cos he Rocks. For a bogger like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxhN7MQ6uYw

This one is for the girls in d4!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OIgZQj1aqs

You'll always be our little sister!

Excellent choon, big Bro. But. Sometimes, just sometimes(and I've waited soo long to say this ) its just fun to be a Ladyboy. If we win the next one... it will be like ye plucky lot, will never even have existed. Beyond Munster that is.

How do ya loike dem apples huh?
Back attcha.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR0keG5XeZ4

Sin é wrote:

Rava wrote: Sin é what was the purpose of that last post? I'm confused.

They were not going to get a crowd in the RDS without throwing a few well known local stars in there.

When Ireland A played in Ravenhill they had Henry captaining the team with that very obvious international prospect, Ian Humphreys at outhalf and Boss as SH.

Shusssh man. Chris Henry has captained the "A" team on a fair few occasions, not just at Ravenhill. And please don't mention him and Ian Humphreys in the same sentence please.

Look, I see the logic in trying to fill a stadium but for the future of Irish rugby it would be much better to pick a team of players who will benefit from the experience. Now if Munster were deserving of it, then I would have no problem with a lot of them starting but I don't support the notion of picking someone to play for his country just because it might just sell another ticket.

The point being made is valid enough. If its Ireland Developing against Fiji it doesn't sound so enticing.

I find it the most enticing out of all of them if I am honest. That is the game I really wanted to go and see just the lads I normally go with couldn't make it.

I amn't that fussed about seeing our mediocre negative team as they frustrate me hugely.

I'd love to see the uninhibited young Irish guys go and strut their stuff. I'd love to see the likes of Marshall x2, Doughall, Gilroy, Madigan, Jackson, Jones, Henderson etc.

If it turned in to Munster vs Fiji I'd almost ask for money back

So now our highly rated defence coach Les Kiss, is full time attack coach, a job he hasn't done before as far as I know. He has nothing to do with defence (his area of expertise) any more. And the job of defence coach is given to the Munster forwards coach Axel Foley (who hasn't been a defence coach before as far as I know).

Meanwhile the Leinster scrum coach, who has recently publicly stated that he was not the Ireland scrum coach anymore because he needed to concentrate on his Leinster duties, seems to have been convinced to stay on with Ireland. For this series or for good? Hasn't been explained as far as I know.

Shambles?

Shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic?