Ireland XV vs Fiji, Match Thread and Build-Up

by **Notch** Mon 12 Nov 2012, 3:48 pm

First topic message reminder :

Looking ahead to this game, Eoin Reddan is a doubt apparently but there are no other new injury concerns. Ferris and O'Connell are confirmed out of this and next week.

I've already talked about the issue of this game not being considered a full international which can be found HERE and we should should probably try and keep discussion of that issue to the relevant thread.

I'm very much of the opinion that we should largely keep the same team. I don't see how wholesale changes are going to help prepare the firsts for Argentina. There should of course be a few tweaks (please put Earls back in the back three) but this team needs time on the pitch together. Of course, I think our problems run deeper than a lack of pitch time together but we're in a desperate situation here. We need to beat Argentina and this game has to be treated as a dry run for the week after.

by Gibson Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:34 pm

Let me just throw this one out there. Run it up the flagpole as it were. Bear with me.

Ulster, are the new, hurt, paranoid, disrespected, underrated, passionate, plucky, underdogs... with a strong point to prove to their Masters in Dubh Linn.

All that, was once Munster's province in the Past. That is gone now. They are not a threat anymore. Ulster may aspire to be.

Ooh man, not another lot of provincial boggers to put in their rightful place.

This, gets tiring roysh.

But its fierce craic.

by MrsP Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:34 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:Has it finally happened?

Have Ulster fans fully joined in to the Irish provincial parochial bickering? Are we arguing as a threesome rather than a twosome? Does this mean their players are half decent now?

That could be the problem Feckless!

Everyone liked us when they were happy to have one Ulsterman foisted upon them. They could happily maintain their feeling of superiority. Now, we have em worried!

by Thomond Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:37 pm

Dave Humphreys planned for World Domination didn't he? With Ferris/Henderson leading from the front they could cause more damage than the Blitzkrieg!

Although the likes of Jackson and Peter Nelson may get burned in the sunlight so they can only attack at night.........

by tecphobe Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:38 pm

france 36-22 against Argentina

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:42 pm

tecphobe wrote:france 36-22 against Argentina

In a dress rehearsal of the 2015 RWC final.... thumbsup

by Artful_Dodger Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:42 pm

Next weeks score....

Ulster 26 - 18 Argentina

You heard it here first.

by tecphobe Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:44 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Next weeks score....

Ulster 26 - 18 Argentina

You heard it here first.

Have you all heard the latest on davey tweed ?

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:44 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Next weeks score....

Ulster 26 - 18 Argentina

You heard it here first.

Thatcher will be so proud..... Whistle

by MrsP Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:44 pm

Thomond wrote:Dave Humphreys planned for World Domination didn't he? With Ferris/Henderson leading from the front they could cause more damage than the Blitzkrieg!

Although the likes of Jackson and Peter Nelson may get burned in the sunlight so they can only attack at night.........

No T, that was Shane Logan.

And, how we laughed!

by neilthom7 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 9:56 pm

Thomond wrote:Dave Humphreys planned for World Domination didn't he? With Ferris/Henderson leading from the front they could cause more damage than the Blitzkrieg!

Although the likes of Jackson and Peter Nelson may get burned in the sunlight so they can only attack at night.........

Yes Thomond you can't take them to sunny countries otherwise they fry, perfect for Belfast but when Ulster go to the south of France all the sun block is sold out now I'm not saying its them but it is a bit suspicious.

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:00 pm

As a diehard Munster supporter..(who would have known)

I say...luke Marshall should be given a start
Jackson looks good to me plus he is first choice for uls...erm that lot

DOC should start against Argentina with McCarthy as Ryan is not playing well

McFadden earned his start as well...
Henderson has cemented his place on the bench but should possibly play over Henry with pom at 7 (omg Munster bias no doubt)

Regarding the rest, zebo is clearly the better choice at fb, and ffs Earls our second best back last week is still streets ahead of any other possibles ( more Munster bias no doubt and nothing to do with form, stats or ability).

by Gibson Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:02 pm

Thomond wrote:Dave Humphreys planned for World Domination didn't he? With Ferris/Henderson leading from the front they could cause more damage than the Blitzkrieg!

Although the likes of Jackson and Peter Nelson may get burned in the sunlight so they can only attack at night.........

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:04 pm

DOD you're class act when you want to be sir guinness

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to ..... Smile

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:04 pm

oh I forgot, how about how poor Murray was tonight, crisp passing, intelligent box kicks (up and unders indeed to some - but mostly made gilroy look good and the odd break and strong tackling...amazing...couldn't be the opposition could it

by Gibson Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:05 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Next weeks score....

Ulster 26 - 18 Argentina

You heard it here first.

Love it.

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:05 pm

Murray was excellent tonight. Best I've seen him a long time...maybe he plays better with lads his own age..... Whistle

by neilthom7 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:06 pm

Jaysus DOD you aren't a Biarritz fan I always had you pegged as a Biarritz man Shocked

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:07 pm

rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:09 pm

neilthom7 wrote:Jaysus DOD you aren't a Biarritz fan I always had you pegged as a Biarritz man

More Toulouse...love em

by MrsP Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:09 pm

DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

by neilthom7 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:16 pm

My thoughts taking into account the quality of opposition, balance etc
O'Callaghan to replace Ryan I think he did enough today to play against a very physical Argies side.
Keith Wood suggested Henderson ahead of Henry I don't believe Henderson does as much dirt work as Henry who I think is a more natural openside so I'd say Henderson for bench to make a big impact.
Jackson to come onto bench because I don't see O'Gara having much of an International future with Madigan, Keatley and Jackson getting better every game.
Marshall to start I think he can open things up a bit more for the outside than D'Arcy.
Gilroy to start ahead of Trimble because I think he just has that magic step and electric pace that can like Zebo create something from nothing.

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:16 pm

DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

Well it would keep us within the Ulsterman quota so fair is fair.... Wink

Personally I'd like to see Bowe move to 13 (he's lost a yard of pace recently I think) and have Gilroy and Zebo on the wings..... but I'm a bit of a maverick in these parts I suppose...... Cool

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:17 pm

Er..why not? When was the last time old Tommy did something useful in a green shirt

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:20 pm

DOD wrote:Er..why not? When was the last time old Tommy did something useful in a green shirt

He was one of our best players against SA

by neilthom7 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:21 pm

Oh I could see you in Toulouse DOD just leave Dougal at home cause like Jackson and Nelson he would fry in that weather

by neilthom7 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:22 pm

rodders wrote:
DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

Well it would keep us within the Ulsterman quota so fair is fair....

Personally I'd like to see Bowe move to 13 (he's lost a yard of pace recently I think) and have Gilroy and Zebo on the wings..... but I'm a bit of a maverick in these parts I suppose......

careful rodders you remember what George Hook got for suggesting Bowe wasn't quick enough to play International Wing, just looking out for your health buddy. Hug

by Gibson Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:22 pm

MrsP wrote:
DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

He's good though. Has to be said. Classic Cute Hoor move.

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:24 pm

I don't see big changes being made. I'd start Bent instead of Ross. Ross is embarrassing. The guy can't last 50 minutes. He's supposed to be an athlete. I'd keep the second row the same as well. We need extra grunt in the backrow so I'd bring Kevin McLaughlin into the side at 6, with Henry at 7 and Heaslip at 8. Murray has been good this season, except for Racing and South Africa where he was dreadful. Everyone seems to be hanging their hats on those two performances and making him a scapegoat. I'd bring in Marshall at 12 and Cave at 13, with Earls and Bowe on the wing and Zebo at full back. I'd rather have Jones at fullback but he's not available it seems. Front row bench as expected, POM to cover the backrow, maybe Henderson as second row/backrow cover. Reddan (if fit), Jackson, McFadden.

by neilthom7 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:24 pm

Also Rodders what about switching Earls and Bowe around Bowe to 13 and Earls to 14 I think with Earls pace and finishing outside and Bowes power and lines at 13 that would be a more effective unit.

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:26 pm

DOD wrote:Er..why not? When was the last time old Tommy did something useful in a green shirt

Last weekend?...thought he was our best player along with Healy and McCarthy...

I've no issue replacing Bowe or anyone else with young blood if they aren't performing... I just think Bowe along with BOD and Kearney are the only backs who've really delivered for us consistently against the top sides. Others have done it in fits and starts - Earls, Fitz, Trimble, McFadden, D'arcy - but haven't been the big game world class players that we'd hoped they'd be.

If anyone is under pressure from the likes of Gilroy, Zebo, Marshall etc. its those guys. That's like just my opinion man....

by Gibson Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:27 pm

DOD wrote:
neilthom7 wrote:Jaysus DOD you aren't a Biarritz fan I always had you pegged as a Biarritz man

More Toulouse...love em

Ja Decco. I love em too. They are the Global bench-mark. I dream of Leinster achieving what Toulouse have established. They have it right, from top to bottom. And Noves.

Munster, Leicester & Wasps, are all part of the same Past-Pupils club.

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:28 pm

rodders wrote:
DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

Well it would keep us within the Ulsterman quota so fair is fair....

Personally I'd like to see Bowe move to 13 (he's lost a yard of pace recently I think) and have Gilroy and Zebo on the wings..... but I'm a bit of a maverick in these parts I suppose......

Rodders, maybe DK was being very intelligent and sending subliminal messages, i.e Marshall to start over Wallace and Gilroy to start for Ulster ..

Also as soon as Bowe is first choice oc for Ulster then I would gladly see him start for Ireland if he is good enough...but if he was that good then maybe just maybe he would be starting there now

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:31 pm

Gibson wrote:He's good though. Has to be said. Classic Cute Hoor move.

.... there's no shame in a clean cut straight laced Ulsterman getting out flanked by the cute hoor Cork man. One must stick to ones principals though and hope that, god willing, justice will out. angel

by Gibson Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:32 pm

DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:
DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

Well it would keep us within the Ulsterman quota so fair is fair....

Personally I'd like to see Bowe move to 13 (he's lost a yard of pace recently I think) and have Gilroy and Zebo on the wings..... but I'm a bit of a maverick in these parts I suppose......

Rodders, maybe DK was being very intelligent and sending subliminal messages, i.e Marshall to start over Wallace and Gilroy to start for Ulster ..

Also as soon as Bowe is first choice oc for Ulster then I would gladly see him start for Ireland if he is good enough...but if he was that good then maybe just maybe he would be starting there now

I wouldnt put it past him. Perfect time to do it. He's a Master at that kinda ting. Marshall is twice the player as Paddy Bloody Wallace. Not a PC selection. He's excellent. And he's young. Proper.

I wonder will he lose ROG and bring Madigan in, in his tenure? That would give him some street-cred at least. Before he feics off into the Sunset like?

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:33 pm

Gibson wrote:
DOD wrote:
neilthom7 wrote:Jaysus DOD you aren't a Biarritz fan I always had you pegged as a Biarritz man

More Toulouse...love em

Ja Decco. I love em too. They are the Global bench-mark. I dream of Leinster achieving what Toulouse have established. They have it right, from top to bottom. And Noves.

Munster, Leicester & Wasps, are all part of the same Past-Pupils club.

Love the ethos, the players and their whole approach. Plus Noves is mad as a hatter and a brilliant manager/coach. Would hate to see him retire..just imagine how brilliant France would be with him in charge

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:35 pm

Gibson wrote:
DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:
DOD wrote:
rodders wrote:DOD you're class act when you want to be sir

I'd point out that you forgot to mention the magic man Gilroy but I think you meant to .....

Gilroy did all that was expected and then some but...McFaddens tries were more difficult. Gilroy for Bowe maybe..what do you think?

Well it would keep us within the Ulsterman quota so fair is fair....

Personally I'd like to see Bowe move to 13 (he's lost a yard of pace recently I think) and have Gilroy and Zebo on the wings..... but I'm a bit of a maverick in these parts I suppose......

Rodders, maybe DK was being very intelligent and sending subliminal messages, i.e Marshall to start over Wallace and Gilroy to start for Ulster ..

Also as soon as Bowe is first choice oc for Ulster then I would gladly see him start for Ireland if he is good enough...but if he was that good then maybe just maybe he would be starting there now

I wouldnt put it past him. Perfect time to do it. He's a Master at that kinda ting.

I wonder will he lose ROG and bring Madigan in, in his tenure? That would give him some street-cred at least. Before he feics off into the Sunset like?

No disagreement from me...(shock horror)

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:38 pm

Poor old Ian Madigan... unfortunately he seems destined to be the new Ian Humphreys ..... Run

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:40 pm

rodders wrote:Poor old Ian Madigan... unfortunately he seems destined to be the new Ian Humphreys .....

Doubtful, Madigan can also tackle more than a wet tissue...

by Gibson Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:41 pm

Yeah Decco, you were a Madigan fan from the start. I liked the cut of his jib, but thought he was no JS. He's not. He is a completely different player and brings a whole new option to Leinster & Ireland. This is good.

JJ will have something to say about that. But. Will he be our new 12? In the near future, its between him & McFadden. Trust me.

by **Notch** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:42 pm

Kidney can but out of it tbh. Wallace has the shirt in Ulster because he came in and played better than Marshall had at the start of the season. I believe Marshall will oust him this season just because he will become a better player but we have a coach who picks on form and knows what he's doing.

You don't need to worry about Marshall and Gilroy; they will get the gametime they need if they play well enough. Basically Trimble and Wallace did do better than the incumbents when they came back, but I would see Gilroy and Marshall having a good chance of starting the next Heineken Cup game after that win. We don't need Kidney sticking his nose into our selection. Just sit back and watch the cream rise to the top itself.

by **Notch** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:43 pm

Gibson wrote:Let me just throw this one out there. Run it up the flagpole as it were. Bear with me.

Ulster, are the new, hurt, paranoid, disrespected, underrated, passionate, plucky, underdogs... with a strong point to prove to their Masters in Dubh Linn.

All that, was once Munster's province in the Past. That is gone now. They are not a threat anymore. Ulster may aspire to be.

Ooh man, not another lot of provincial boggers to put in their rightful place.

This, gets tiring roysh.

But its fierce craic.

Leinster are the team with the target on their backs, Ulster are hungry and have everything to prove. Don't drop the baton when ye hand it over

by neilthom7 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:44 pm

Yeah it's nice to have a coach that picks on form I was getting used to it before the autumn internationals

by Artful_Dodger Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:45 pm

Luke Marshall is the next Ireland 12, he makes those mentioned above look like bosh merchants Ok!

by tecphobe Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:57 pm

my team for Argentina what i would pick not what i think will be picked.

healey strauss ross

doc mccarthy

henry heaslip henderson

murry jackson sexton bowe gilroy zebo earls that would be my starting 15

by ME-109 Sat 17 Nov 2012, 10:59 pm

Marshall was neat, ran good limes and was hungry for the ball...
Madigan must oust J S first as must Marshall with Wallace and Gilroy with bowe..

by **rodders** Sat 17 Nov 2012, 11:04 pm

I thought Marshall and Cave were excellent today...love the way that they just look for space and to create for others all the time...if you have two quick wingers outside that then you are in a good position.

by WillyGilly Sat 17 Nov 2012, 11:05 pm

What's the ranking situation like? Can we afford to lose to the pumas and still remain our top 8 status? Realistically are we expecting DK to make more than 1 or 2 touch ups? Trimble (through no fault of his own) might be dropped, probably in favour of McFadden with Gilroy promoted to the bench. Surely REALISTICALLY that's it though...

by Artful_Dodger Sat 17 Nov 2012, 11:07 pm

Willy, I would really love to see D'Arcy dropped, what has he done in recent time other than put in solid defensive displays? Nada.....

by tecphobe Sat 17 Nov 2012, 11:08 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Willy, I would really love to see D'Arcy dropped, what has he done in recent time other than put in solid defensive displays? Nada.....

i agree hes a round peg in a square hole for ireland

by WillyGilly Sat 17 Nov 2012, 11:11 pm

AD I said realistically twice! The second time I put it in capitals!

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