Ireland Back 3 options

First topic message reminder :

So this is a conversation that was started on an Ulster thread about who will end up in the back 3 during the 6N for Ireland.
Presuming that Kidney choses Darcy-BOD or Marshall-BOD as his centre partnership with Murray and Sexton as halfbacks what should his back 3 be?

There are so many options and it is one of the areas where Ireland look ok depth wise with the emergence of some really good young guys.

Kearney: One of the best 15's in the world and favourite for the Lions shirt. Great aerial skills and great kicker. Over the last few years he has started entering the line intelligently and has made a lot of line breaks.

McFadden: Huge work ethic, most of his game time this year despite BOD's injury has been on the wing. Very strong in contact and good under the high ball. Quick without being lightening as NZ demonstrated during the Summer but people have questions about his defence.

Zebo: One of Ireland's best players IMO. Has improved no end since last season marrying an instinctive running game with a more balanced decision making quality and more practiced basics. Huge boot and very quick. Confident which is arguably the most important factor. Could play 15 or wing.

Earls: Will be competing with BOD, Darcy and Marshall for a centre position where he has played nearly all his rugby this year but could fill in at wing or 15 where personally I feel he is better. Very quick and elusive with a very good strike rate.

Trimble: Very good for Ulster currently but was dropped by Kidney in the AI's for Gilroy. Trimble doesn't have a great try scoring rate and isn't the most incisive winger but his basics are rock solid and he is very strong defensively. Could be used as a target for the backs due to his physicality.

Gilroy: Mister Flair. Exceptionally quick. Exceptionally illusive. Deceptively strong. He is by far the best attacker in Ireland however there are questions regarding his defence.

So what do people think, place your votes and then give us your reasoning maybe throw in a bench option too!

neilthom7 wrote:I don't think I would be considering Fitzgerald at this stage for anywhere with the competition in our team. He hasn't played in how long? At least a couple of years, he still hasn't even come back to Leinster so I just don't think we should even be considering him until after the end of the season if he makes it back that is I keep hearing he is coming back every week and he doesn't. I certainly wouldn't be considering him at 12 when most of his rugby was on wing and we have Luke Marshall playing well, paddy playing well and even Downey playing well, ultimately I reckon Kidney will pick D'Arcy so long as he is in charge he can be fairly resistant to change even when he changes players he tends to play the same way as before and not adapt to the team they face or the players he plays.

A few things here Neil

1) Fitz has been out since April and was playing well then, he is back starting this evening thanks be to God.
2) Positionally he will have to play on the wing yes unless Ferg really doesn't want to be a 12 again (he had a chat with Joe and wants to be considered for 1 position to enhance international chances)
3) Kidney will be very aware that his contract is about to run out if he is not confident that he will get it renewed (and wants to) he may throw caution to the wind a bit more.

neilthom7 wrote:I don't think I would be considering Fitzgerald at this stage for anywhere with the competition in our team. He hasn't played in how long? At least a couple of years, he still hasn't even come back to Leinster so I just don't think we should even be considering him until after the end of the season if he makes it back that is I keep hearing he is coming back every week and he doesn't. I certainly wouldn't be considering him at 12 when most of his rugby was on wing and we have Luke Marshall playing well, paddy playing well and even Downey playing well, ultimately I reckon Kidney will pick D'Arcy so long as he is in charge he can be fairly resistant to change even when he changes players he tends to play the same way as before and not adapt to the team they face or the players he plays.

Fitz was in brilliant form in the Heino up until the semi-finals and if he hadn't been ruled out for those last two games he wouldn't have been far off Kearney for ERC Player of the Year - it is a gamble to have him for the 6N but Marshall barely has any HCup experience - I know the younger Luke is the future but it's about time we performed in a 6N.

Leinster and Luke at their best
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ept4C0RfQs

I think we are looking back at Fitz form with serious Rose tinted specs. He was very good in a few games and average in a few (in no way was he close to Kearney for HEC player of the year) It's great to see him back and hope to god he gets a good run of games. If he gets the nod for both HEC games (and he may not) and shows form, then he comes into consideration but not before.

I still would go with the young lads on the wing at present but that could change with Gilroy probably dropping out as Zebo looks the real deal so far this season. McFadden to me isn't international quality in any position yet which says more about the fact he has been shoved from pillar to post than about his skill level. I would prefer him to get a run in the centre over D'arcy in truth but that doesn't look like happening.

Hopefully Fitz has the strength of character to put past disapointments behind him and really push on as a player.

I remember when Tommy Bowe first started playing for Ireland he was pretty poor but now the guy seems to keep getting better. Thats what we need from Fitz.

He has the ability but he really needs to become a much smarter player.

Standulstermen wrote:I think we are looking back at Fitz form with serious Rose tinted specs. He was very good in a few games and average in a few (in no way was he close to Kearney for HEC player of the year) It's great to see him back and hope to god he gets a good run of games. If he gets the nod for both HEC games (and he may not) and shows form, then he comes into consideration but not before.

I still would go with the young lads on the wing at present but that could change with Gilroy probably dropping out as Zebo looks the real deal so far this season. McFadden to me isn't international quality in any position yet which says more about the fact he has been shoved from pillar to post than about his skill level. I would prefer him to get a run in the centre over D'arcy in truth but that doesn't look like happening.

Likewise. It would be great to have him in there for a while for when Darcy retires, he looked good there whenever he played 12 for Leinster last season.
I think BOD and Darcy will retire this season (after the Lions for BOD) although does Darcy have another year left on his contract?
If they do then I could see the midfield being McFadden-Fitz or McFadden-O'Malley or Fitz-O'Malley

Maybe we are looking at with rose tinted glasses I for one am very excited for tonight just to see him back as after the RWC he appeared to have cut out his stupid little mistakes

Rightfully excited Pete. I hope he returns the same player. I have the same feelings regarding fez and fitz up at ulster. I just hope they come back the same players but in the long term I think we have to plan without them.

My singular hope for fitz is that he stays fit. The rest should look after itself

From watching Leinster last season I do recall thinking Fitz and Kearney were a class apart for the pool stages and the Cardiff game. Okay that is my subjective opinion but what I'm trying to say is that I don't believe I am looking through the rose-tinted specs with regards to Fitz.

Remember BOD's try against Cardiff in the 1/4 final?

That for me was the moment (added to previous indications) where I felt Fitz had overcome his problem of over running the ball. The timing of that line in what is quite a complicated move was outstanding. Furthermore he eyeballed the defender and gave the pass to BOD right on que

Was thinking the exact same Pete - I was at the Aviva for that one.

Really was just a perfect try.

I agree that Fitzgerald was in fantastic form prior to his injury. However he didn't even make the 6N squad last year ( unfortunately so imo).

I really don't think we should even be discussing him with regards the 6N. He just needs to get back to playing for Leinster, prove his fitness and perhaps he can target the summer tour to make a stake for the green shirt.

I rate Fitzgerald highly and on top form brings a lot to the table, however with the emergance of Gilroy and Zebo and with guys like Trimble, McFadden and Earls knocking around I just think he's quite a few injuries away from even being in contention for the 6N squad.

rodders wrote:I agree that Fitzgerald was in fantastic form prior to his injury. However he didn't even make the 6N squad last year ( unfortunately so imo).

I really don't think we should even be discussing him with regards the 6N. He just needs to get back to playing for Leinster, prove his fitness and perhaps he can target the summer tour to make a stake for the green shirt.

I rate Fitzgerald highly and on top form brings a lot to the table, however with the emergance of Gilroy and Zebo and with guys like Trimble, McFadden and Earls knocking around I just think he's quite a few injuries away from even being in contention for the 6N squad.

I agree Rodders and that's why I didn't include him in the list of lads on the poll, however he is only a few injuries away from being in the mix for the last sub spot

I agree with Rodders, he needs time though, it's unlikely he will return straight to the kind of form he showed for that try straight away. He will need a few games to get back up to speed and to get fitness back. Then he will need a few more to regain his form. Just nice to see him back though wish we could say the same about 1F.

Kearney obviously for 15
Earls is our best winger without Bowe available
One of Zebo or Gilroy to start the other on the bench

Fitzgerald not given as an option but he's back isn't he?

rodders wrote:
So for me logic says:

15. Kearney
14. Gilroy
13. O'Driscoll
12. Marshall
11. Zebo

23. McFadden/Earls

A very exciting looking backline if I say so myself, with a mixture of youth, experience, pace and power. Simple

I'd go along with that Rodders. There are 3 young players with the experience of Kearney and BOD to balance it out.

Earls I'd leave on the bench simply because he doesn't want to play on the wing and you'd have to pick BOD ahead of him.

The problem with Earls on the wing is he doesn't want to play there/hasn't played there this season...

He's no.2 for 13 yes, but not for 11/14 with Zebo/Gilroy/Trimble/McFadden/Fitzgerald in contention for the wing spots.

My back five players for the 6N squad would be: R Kearney, A Trimble, C Gilroy, S Zebo, R Henshaw, B O'Driscoll, D McSharry, L Marshall, F McFadden, K Earls.

No D'Arcy, no Cave, no Wallace, no Fitzgerald.

rodders wrote:OK lets just assume that BOD and Kearney will start if fit. That's a no brainer for me so we have:

15. Kearney
14. Gilroy
13. O'Driscoll
12. Marshall
11. Zebo

23. McFadden/Earls

If this was the team selected I'd almost forgive Kidney for all his terrible selections in the past. Almost.

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem with Earls on the wing is he doesn't want to play there/hasn't played there this season...

He's no.2 for 13 yes, but not for 11/14 with Zebo/Gilroy/Trimble/McFadden/Fitzgerald in contention for the wing spots.

My back five players for the 6N squad would be: R Kearney, A Trimble, C Gilroy, S Zebo, R Henshaw, B O'Driscoll, D McSharry, L Marshall, F McFadden, K Earls.

No D'Arcy, no Cave, no Wallace, no Fitzgerald.

How has Cave been playing for Ulster this season?

Solid but not spectacular. He's led the defence brilliantly and has had a few lovely lines but most of the hole punching has been done by Trimble/Bowe... Not saying I wouldn't have him if BOD doesn't make it but he hasn't done anything to put himself in the driving seat for a 6N place ahead of Earls/McFadden.

Then again in the next few Heino games he could inspire something with Marshall and end up getting into the squad. His biggest problem is he's only a 13. Doesn't cover any positions so he either starts, or doesn't make the squad!

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem with Earls on the wing is he doesn't want to play there/hasn't played there this season...

He's no.2 for 13 yes, but not for 11/14 with Zebo/Gilroy/Trimble/McFadden/Fitzgerald in contention for the wing spots.

My back five players for the 6N squad would be: R Kearney, A Trimble, C Gilroy, S Zebo, R Henshaw, B O'Driscoll, D McSharry, L Marshall, F McFadden, K Earls.

No D'Arcy, no Cave, no Wallace, no Fitzgerald.

100% with you on this one although I am not sure you would be allowed that many. Normally it is a 30 man 6N squad making it a 16-14 or a 17-13 split.
Most go 16-14 and most go for 3 scrumhalves and 3 flyhalves which leaves you with 8 back 5 players to chose from, this is definitely how it works in world cups and I thought this was correct for the 6N too.

With 8 spots you need: 2 fullbacks, 3 centres and 3 wings by my guessing.

Marshall-McSharry
BOD-Earls
Gilroy-Zebo-McFadden
Kearney

that is with 8 spots and Zebo and Earls both covering 15 as well as possibly Madigan/Keatley.

Can someone confirm the 30 man squad thing am I talking rubbish?

profitius wrote:

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem with Earls on the wing is he doesn't want to play there/hasn't played there this season...

He's no.2 for 13 yes, but not for 11/14 with Zebo/Gilroy/Trimble/McFadden/Fitzgerald in contention for the wing spots.

My back five players for the 6N squad would be: R Kearney, A Trimble, C Gilroy, S Zebo, R Henshaw, B O'Driscoll, D McSharry, L Marshall, F McFadden, K Earls.

No D'Arcy, no Cave, no Wallace, no Fitzgerald.

How has Cave been playing for Ulster this season?

OK but probably not as eyecatchingly well as last season. Hasn't done much wrong and has been his usual clever, understated self but considering he was already behind BOD and Earls in the Irish pecking order he hasn't done anything really to change that. Has played his part but not one of our standout players this season so far for me.

It is quite obvious that providing they are fit; Bod, Earls and Kearney will all start. It just depends on what position Earls plays. I know some people here have said he has said he won't play on the wing but he only said he would prefer to play at 13 and doesn't want to be moved around anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if Kidney goes for the Bod Earls partnership again, and gives it a proper shot to see what happens. I think I could live with that.

In the back three Kearney is nailed on at 15, he is probably the 2nd best 15 in the world, which is no shame when you consider who he is behind.
Zebo will be picked, and deservedly so, he has been excellent this season and his defensive problems seem to be sorted.
The final position will be between Trimble and Gilroy, McFadden is too error prone and not rated by the management so I doubt he will be considered.

Trimble was excellent tonight against the Scarlets and, especially with Bowe out, I would imagine they will pick him. We are light enough already in the backs so his power will be needed.

I think most of us know what the team will be, barring injuries, it is unlikely to change.

Just to add our backline options are actually exceptionally strong this year, even with Bowe's injury, I think its fair too say that we have a number of combinations that will do a job.

Standulstermen wrote:I went for the three I picked in the ulster thread Pete.

Healy is of course standout and won't be shifting easily. I was just running through names. I could also mention jack McGrath or furlong at Leinster but they haven't seen massive gametime yet.

The only glaring weakness I see is tight head and potentially 2nd row. In terms of backs

Marmion
JJ, jackson, madigan
Gilroy
Marshall
Farrell
Zebo
Henshaw

Is a tasty looking back line and I'm not even throwing in the likes of layden, griffin, Conway, McSharry.

The young talent is coming through and the next Irish coach (and the IRFU moreso) needs to prioritise making sure these guys don't fall by the wayside.

In terms of second rows, I think we will be perfectly okay, Ryan still has a number of years left in him, Henderson will be able to do a job there is required, and Munster seem to have lots of them coming through. Foley seems to have signed on due to the promise of more game time. You would hope that Nagle moves on, then Hayes and Donnenlan are good prospects not to mention, Dillane who had the ball to move to Connacht when he saw how many are ahead of him at Ulster, and by all accounts he is a terrific prospect; extremely athletic, hard as nails but only about 15stone or so, apparently the IRFU won't let him play in the u20 six nations unless he puts on about 2stone before it.

valjester wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:I went for the three I picked in the ulster thread Pete.

Healy is of course standout and won't be shifting easily. I was just running through names. I could also mention jack McGrath or furlong at Leinster but they haven't seen massive gametime yet.

The only glaring weakness I see is tight head and potentially 2nd row. In terms of backs

Marmion
JJ, jackson, madigan
Gilroy
Marshall
Farrell
Zebo
Henshaw

Is a tasty looking back line and I'm not even throwing in the likes of layden, griffin, Conway, McSharry.

The young talent is coming through and the next Irish coach (and the IRFU moreso) needs to prioritise making sure these guys don't fall by the wayside.

In terms of second rows, I think we will be perfectly okay, Ryan still has a number of years left in him, Henderson will be able to do a job there is required, and Munster seem to have lots of them coming through. Foley seems to have signed on due to the promise of more game time. You would hope that Nagle moves on, then Hayes and Donnenlan are good prospects not to mention, Dillane who had the ball to move to Connacht when he saw how many are ahead of him at Ulster, and by all accounts he is a terrific prospect; extremely athletic, hard as nails but only about 15stone or so, apparently the IRFU won't let him play in the u20 six nations unless he puts on about 2stone before it.

I actually cannot wait for the u20 6N...Does anyone know when the squads are announced?

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

valjester wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:I went for the three I picked in the ulster thread Pete.

Healy is of course standout and won't be shifting easily. I was just running through names. I could also mention jack McGrath or furlong at Leinster but they haven't seen massive gametime yet.

The only glaring weakness I see is tight head and potentially 2nd row. In terms of backs

Marmion
JJ, jackson, madigan
Gilroy
Marshall
Farrell
Zebo
Henshaw

Is a tasty looking back line and I'm not even throwing in the likes of layden, griffin, Conway, McSharry.

The young talent is coming through and the next Irish coach (and the IRFU moreso) needs to prioritise making sure these guys don't fall by the wayside.

In terms of second rows, I think we will be perfectly okay, Ryan still has a number of years left in him, Henderson will be able to do a job there is required, and Munster seem to have lots of them coming through. Foley seems to have signed on due to the promise of more game time. You would hope that Nagle moves on, then Hayes and Donnenlan are good prospects not to mention, Dillane who had the ball to move to Connacht when he saw how many are ahead of him at Ulster, and by all accounts he is a terrific prospect; extremely athletic, hard as nails but only about 15stone or so, apparently the IRFU won't let him play in the u20 six nations unless he puts on about 2stone before it.

I actually cannot wait for the u20 6N...Does anyone know when the squads are announced?

Soon enough I would imagine. I think that the Irish 6N training squad will be announced after the next HEC weekend, so I would expect that the u20s will be at the same time.

I'm looking forward to it but a bit disappointed that we will be without Farrell and Henshaw, if we had the two of them in the centres he would have been brilliant, they would actually physically dominate the other teams which is something that doesn't normally happen with Irish underage teams.

valjester wrote:Just to add our backline options are actually exceptionally strong this year, even with Bowe's injury, I think its fair too say that we have a number of combinations that will do a job.

+1

After watching the ulster Scarlets game ideally don't think you have much to fear in your back three talent pool.

valjester wrote:
In terms of second rows, I think we will be perfectly okay, Ryan still has a number of years left in him, Henderson will be able to do a job there is required, and Munster seem to have lots of them coming through. Foley seems to have signed on due to the promise of more game time. You would hope that Nagle moves on, then Hayes and Donnenlan are good prospects not to mention, Dillane who had the ball to move to Connacht when he saw how many are ahead of him at Ulster, and by all accounts he is a terrific prospect; extremely athletic, hard as nails but only about 15stone or so, apparently the IRFU won't let him play in the u20 six nations unless he puts on about 2stone before it.

Dillane is probably a bit overrated I'd say. Hes getting plenty of hype but if he was that good Munster would have held onto him.

valjester wrote:
Soon enough I would imagine. I think that the Irish 6N training squad will be announced after the next HEC weekend, so I would expect that the u20s will be at the same time.

I'm looking forward to it but a bit disappointed that we will be without Farrell and Henshaw, if we had the two of them in the centres he would have been brilliant, they would actually physically dominate the other teams which is something that doesn't normally happen with Irish underage teams.

Pity Farrell is injured. On the plus side its an opportunity for other players to get a go. Theres more players to choose from these days than ever before. Good to see. Anyone know of any players training with the U20s lately? Looked on munsterfans the other day and they said Ryan Murphy (backrow), Darren Sweetnam (utility back) and Rory Scannel (10 - Niall Scannels brother) were training with Ireland. Don't know of any others if there are any others.

We'll have to start an U20 thread soon.

Not sure how I left Trimble out.

Val
I disagree with a BOD Earls partnership as we are again shifting guys from their best positions. Is it worth Leinster, Ulster or Connacht taking a punt on Nagle at this stage. Such an almighty fall from grace for him after getting motm against Oz and Ulster in his first Pro12 start

I don't think Ulster should with our options in at Lock we probably already have enough but with McCarthy leaving Connaucht should defo sniff around he is only 24 so could have a big future.

Standulstermen wrote:Not sure how I left Trimble out.

Val
I disagree with a BOD Earls partnership as we are again shifting guys from their best positions. Is it worth Leinster, Ulster or Connacht taking a punt on Nagle at this stage. Such an almighty fall from grace for him after getting motm against Oz and Ulster in his first Pro12 start

Rumours are that he is heading to Connacht. But he would still find it hard to get ahead of Mick Kearney and swifty.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:Not sure how I left Trimble out.

Val
I disagree with a BOD Earls partnership as we are again shifting guys from their best positions. Is it worth Leinster, Ulster or Connacht taking a punt on Nagle at this stage. Such an almighty fall from grace for him after getting motm against Oz and Ulster in his first Pro12 start

Rumours are that he is heading to Connacht. But he would still find it hard to get ahead of Mick Kearney and swifty.

Swifty is on the way out, he won't be a regular next season or at the very least he shouldn't be. Nagle has had his problems with injury, he really should have moved to Northampton when he was given the chance, I would think that if he moves to Connacht he will at least make 23s.

Standulstermen wrote:Not sure how I left Trimble out.

Val
I disagree with a BOD Earls partnership as we are again shifting guys from their best positions. Is it worth Leinster, Ulster or Connacht taking a punt on Nagle at this stage. Such an almighty fall from grace for him after getting motm against Oz and Ulster in his first Pro12 start

The thing with a Bod Earls partnership is that they have both be playing in the centres this season. Earls has looked very solid at 13 over the last 18months, Bod has played well at 12 before even if he always wears the 13.

profitius wrote:
Dillane is probably a bit overrated I'd say. Hes getting plenty of hype but if he was that good Munster would have held onto him.

profitius wrote:

valjester wrote:
Soon enough I would imagine. I think that the Irish 6N training squad will be announced after the next HEC weekend, so I would expect that the u20s will be at the same time.

I'm looking forward to it but a bit disappointed that we will be without Farrell and Henshaw, if we had the two of them in the centres he would have been brilliant, they would actually physically dominate the other teams which is something that doesn't normally happen with Irish underage teams.

Pity Farrell is injured. On the plus side its an opportunity for other players to get a go. Theres more players to choose from these days than ever before. Good to see. Anyone know of any players training with the U20s lately? Looked on munsterfans the other day and they said Ryan Murphy (backrow), Darren Sweetnam (utility back) and Rory Scannel (10 - Niall Scannels brother) were training with Ireland. Don't know of any others if there are any others.

We'll have to start an U20 thread soon.

Dillane was offered a contract by Munster: they wanted him to join the academy but he felt that it would be best for his development to go to Connacht, and it is hard to argue with him when you consider the players blocking his path ahead. He has played B&I games for Connacht, he would never have got that option at Munster.

For the u20s, two to watch from Ulster will be Rory Scholes, and Olding should be starting at 10. Luke McGrath is underage this year as well, I think.

Just don't want to shift our best 13 to 12 to accommodate earls who hasnt really done much internationally at 13. Our options there are thin though as cave seems to have regressed somewhat.

I would prefer earls and bod to just maintaining the d'arcy/bod partnership though. There are plenty of tight calls coming up though

Standulstermen wrote:Just don't want to shift our best 13 to 12 to accommodate earls who hasnt really done much internationally at 13. Our options there are thin though as cave seems to have regressed somewhat.

I would prefer earls and bod to just maintaining the d'arcy/bod partnership though. There are plenty of tight calls coming up though

To be honest, I would quite like to see Kidney approach the Six Nations in a f**k this s**t I'm out of here after the Six nations and go for a centre partnership of Marshall Earls with a view to the future. Bod hasn't exactly been in spectacular form this season, although from what I hear he was good today, and he is unlikely to make 2015. I know that Earls has been great at 13 on the international stage, but in fairness to him he only ever gets to play there when Bod is injured, and has played mainly with Darcy. He has had some good games there against lower teams, and of course there was the good chunk of the Welsh match he got with Bod when they looked potentially very dangerous. It was always going to be a tough ask for them to perform well against New Zealand, but I think it would be worth giving the Six Nations to it, if we are going to persist with it into the future, but like I said a backline of Murray Sexton Zebo Marshall Earls Trimble Kearney with Marmion Jackson/Madigan Gilroy on the bench with an eye towards 2015 would be beyond all my dreams for the six nations, but like I've said we know what Kidney is going to go with, so while its fun to speculate, we are going to be left disappointed.

That's some back line val. I suspect somewhere, that Deccie has just woken from a sound sleep in a cold sweat!

Standulstermen wrote:That's some back line val. I suspect somewhere, that Deccie has just woken from a sound sleep in a cold sweat!

Pair it with a pack of Healy Best Ross Ryan Macca SOB Henry Heaslip and we've got a pack capable of playing rugby the way it needs to be played nowadays. Everyone in that pack is comfortable with ball in hand, Ryan gives you that bit of psychotic b*st*rd that every pack needs, put POM and Henderson on the bench for a bit of impact and we'd be motoring.

I would pay good money to see this team go out against Wales;


Healy Best Ross
Ryan Macca
SOB Henry Heaslip
Murray Sexton
Marshall Earls
Zebo Kearney Trimble

Bench; Kilcoyne Strauss Bent (due to lack of options) Henderson POM Marmion Jackson Gilroy


Come on Deccie you're getting sacked anyway, why not go for and leave the team in a good state heading into 2015, and go out with a feel good factor. Wales have a few injuries at the minute, France and England still have a few question marks about their teams but they are on the verge of clicking, however, there is a real opportunity for an Irish Championship if Kidney can grow a set.


Edit;Just to add, I know that Gilroy came in and did very well in the last game against the Argies, but with Bowe out, I feel we really need to add a bit of bulk to the backline. That leaves it down to a decision between Gilroy and Zebo, and I would just about give the nod to Zebo based on this season's form.

If hypothetically we were all given a choice: which of these would people prefer?

Earls-BOD
Marshall-BOD
Darcy-BOD

Pretty confident bod will start as He is captain and earls has done nada to move him.

valjester wrote:
Dillane was offered a contract by Munster: they wanted him to join the academy but he felt that it would be best for his development to go to Connacht, and it is hard to argue with him when you consider the players blocking his path ahead. He has played B&I games for Connacht, he would never have got that option at Munster.

For the u20s, two to watch from Ulster will be Rory Scholes, and Olding should be starting at 10. Luke McGrath is underage this year as well, I think.

Where did you hear that Val? I can't see it since Munster are choc a block with second rows. They have young players like John Madigan and Sean McCarthy in the same age group as Dillane and McCarthy is rated and playing AIL rugby. In the academy Cathal O'Flaherty is in year 2 and looks like a superb athlete. He can't get a game on the B&I team yet. It could be a case of him taking what he can get, like the hooker in the Connacht academy from Cork.

Marshall - BOD. No doubts (apart from injury...) Luke Marshall outplayed Paddy Wallace last night and hopefully he comes through the finger injury and makes the Heineken Cup matches. He's of the same class as D'Arcy of 2005/6 and he adds the ability to act as a 2nd 5/8ths!

Profitius, what is the craic with Sweetnam? Has he jacked in the hurling altogether to focus on Rugby or is he going to keep playing both?

The BOD-Earls partnership just wouldn't fill me with too much hope. Don't know why as I've usually liked Earls in the centre for Munster although its not his best position and I don't think players should be shuffled positions to fit anyone in. I'd definitely want to see Marshall at 12 for the 6N's and BOD at 13 should give him the guidance rquired to break him in.

I know Darcy isnt the future but i think hes been playing very well for Leinster recently. Ideally id like Marshall O'Driscoll partnership but can see the old pairing of DArcy and O'Driscoll starting the 6 nations

The Boss wrote:Profitius, what is the craic with Sweetnam? Has he jacked in the hurling altogether to focus on Rugby or is he going to keep playing both?

He has given up hurling. He had to make a decision and went for the pro sport. I've never seen him play but he seems to be talked up a bit.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2012/0914/world/hurling-star-sweetnam-also-blessed-with-rugby-aposx-factorapos-207588.html

The multi-talented Sweetnam also crossed for an impressive individual score in a challenge against Sale and U20s manager Graham Burns, whose side face Leinster in Donnybrook tonight, admits he is a real threat.

"Darren is a broken field runner extraordinaire," Burns said. "He does bring that X factor. You put a ball into space and he counters at you, he gains ground, he crashes the gain-line, he breaks tackles, he’s incredibly fit, he has all the attributes."

Cheers mate. Last seen him coming on for Cork in the championship against Clare? Last year so was wasn't sure what his plans were. Be interesting to see how he gets on.

I'm surprised so few went for Earls on the wing. His strike rate from there is really good. Like Hickie, if the team can put him space he'll score. But he's also more of an elusive runner than Hickie. And he's good enough under the high ball to be trusted as a full back when needed.

If he says he wants to be a centre that shouldn't be an issue. It's not as if he'll say no if picked on the wing or won't try very hard because he wants to be in the centre. I think he's our best winger, with Bowe out.

profitius wrote:
Where did you hear that Val? I can't see it since Munster are choc a block with second rows. They have young players like John Madigan and Sean McCarthy in the same age group as Dillane and McCarthy is rated and playing AIL rugby. In the academy Cathal O'Flaherty is in year 2 and looks like a superb athlete. He can't get a game on the B&I team yet. It could be a case of him taking what he can get, like the hooker in the Connacht academy from Cork.

There would be a few lads around the different provinces that I would be friendly enough with. I forgot about O'Flaherty, another good prospect but again lack of gametime may hold his development back. Dillane was definitely offered the chance to go into the Munster academy but he felt Connacht was better for his development, and considering his game time in the B&I this season its hard to argue.

Feckless Rogue wrote:If he says he wants to be a centre that shouldn't be an issue. It's not as if he'll say no if picked on the wing or won't try very hard because he wants to be in the centre. I think he's our best winger, with Bowe out.

Earls is the last person in the world who would refuse to play where he was told, he has just gotten fed up of being moved every single game. There was a period where he went 6 or 7 games without playing in the same position twice in a row, he felt that wasn't best for his development and its hard to disagree. I think its pretty hard to argue that LLL has been the better 13 for Munster this season, they have looked much more solid defensively and more dangerous in attack with Earls at 13.

If we're looking towards the future, we have to give Marshall Earls a chance. I only got around to watching the Leinster game today, and BOD was average enough, if we were choosing who to pick between Bod and Earls purely based on this season I think Earls would get the nod.

Lovely score from Trimble last night;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW0RnbGnVGo

D'arcy is reportedly playing very well so he may well hang onto the jersey. I still think its a depressing selection though if we have a 21/22 year old playing as well as (is not better) than a 30+ player that he doesnt get the nod.