Ireland's 6N training squad announcement (this wednesday)

This Wednesday see's Declan Kidney announce possibly his final training squad for a competition as Ireland Head Coach. Indeed within the next 5 months or so Kidney's contract will expire and he may very well find himself looking for another job. Is this reason to throw caution to the wind? Many of us certainly hope so although some young and/or exciting players are now injured it looks like it will have less of a bang than it could have had if it had been announced 2 weeks ago.

Injuries rule out O'Connell which is a huge loss, as well as Marshall and Bowe who would have been hoping to be involved. Ferris is another who is out for what would appear most of the tournament if not the whole thing.

This time last year Kidney announced a 30 man training squad and a 23 man squad for the Wolfhounds game.

Ireland Training Squad (39):

Ireland Squad (club/province/international caps):
Michael Bent (Unattached/Leinster/2)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster/62)
Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster/15)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/3)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster/29)
Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/23)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster/71)
Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster/34)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster/23)
Declan Fitzpatrick (Dungannon /Ulster/2)
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster/1)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster/35)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster/52) Captain
Iain Henderson (Queens University/Ulster/2)
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster/4)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster)*
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster/41)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster/2)
Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)*
Paul Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster/)*
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster/14)
Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht/6)
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster/16)
Dave McSharry (Galwegians/Connacht/)*
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster/22)
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster/91)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster/120)
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster/126)
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster/9)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster/47)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster/24)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster/23)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster/34)
Lewis Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/)*
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster/2)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster/3)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster/49)
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster/3)

The squad isn't going to be announced until Thursday 10am. Probably waiting on fitness reports for BOD/Ferris.

Pete, why are you selecting Earls & McFadden as wingers?

a) bearing in mind that Earls hasn't played on the wing for about a year now and McFadden started in the centre for Leinster at the weekend.
b) we have wings coming out of our ears. We don't have centres!
c) There are question marks over BOD's fitness (so would certainly need to have more than 3 centres pencilled in).

Well there won't be classifications so they are announced and can play anywhere so does it really matter if Pete classes them as wings or centres, he probably classed them there as he feels they are better wings than centres

neilthom7 wrote:Well there won't be classifications so they are announced and can play anywhere so does it really matter if Pete classes them as wings or centres, he probably classed them there as he feels they are better wings than centres

If it doesn't matter as they will be in the squad anyway, why bother leaving Ireland short in the centre dept. and just too many wingers.

I hardly think 4 is 2 many wingers, however I am struggling to understand what you are getting at here in most squads you will have your guys who are specialised like cave, o'driscoll, trimle and your guys who can play several positions like Zebo, Earls and McFadden Earls is there to cover centre or wing as is McFadden and we don't really have anymore high quality centre's especially outside centres anyways.

TBH I just did this really quick.

I think there are a few guys in the wolfhounds who will end up in the main squad:

Luke Fitzgerald, Kilcoyne, marmion and Madigan I can imagine all making it into the full squad

neilthom7 wrote:I hardly think 4 is 2 many wingers, however I am struggling to understand what you are getting at here in most squads you will have your guys who are specialised like cave, o'driscoll, trimle and your guys who can play several positions like Zebo, Earls and McFadden Earls is there to cover centre or wing as is McFadden and we don't really have anymore high quality centre's especially outside centres anyways.

I'd regard Zebo as primarily a winger - so thats 5.

I just can't see why anyone would put Earls & McFadden as wingers when Earls is first & Mcfadden 2nd choice centre backup (going on selections over the last year).

Pete do you know when the Wolfhounds match(s) are or where for that matter?

As much as I like Luke fitz it should take more than 1 good game to make the Ireland squad.I wouldn't have him in the initial squad but definitely give him a couple more pro12 games with Leinster and then see where we are after the first two internationals. If there is a weakness on the wing and fitz is going well, by all means get him in.

It depends on how the management approach the squad. Is the initial panel essentially it with no one from outside getting a serious look in for the first XXIII no matter the circumstances? It shouldn't be and by this logic Luke cannot be selected.

neilthom7 wrote:Pete do you know when the Wolfhounds match(s) are or where for that matter?

Must be Galway (Connacht are doing some sort of a deal with tickets for that match & a Magners game). I presume its Eric & Axel coaching.

Schmidt should try Fitzgerald in the center. He could be more use to Ireland there than on the wing.

You are right sin its the 25th January at the Sportsground after a bit of research

Feckless Rogue wrote:Schmidt should try Fitzgerald in the center. He could be more use to Ireland there than on the wing.

2015 WC centre partnerhip - the two Lukes? More potential there than any other combo IMO

Possibility we have plenty on the wings so maybe it's time see Fitzgerald in the Centre, but he will need to play there and at this minute I'm not sure who for unless Leinster decide to play him there.

Luke Fitz was tried out in the centre alongside Brian O'Driscoll a couple of years ago against NZ. The ABs targetted him all match, which must have made it very hard for him - fair play to him, after that his defence improved no end. I think he would make a very good centre if given a bit of time there.

toml wrote:

Feckless Rogue wrote:Schmidt should try Fitzgerald in the center. He could be more use to Ireland there than on the wing.

2015 WC centre partnerhip - the two Lukes? More potential there than any other combo IMO

Marshall and Fitzgerald?? That is a good combo I'd imagine.

Stand-
I wouldn't have Luke in the squad yet but I would give him the game for the Wolfhounds to see how he is getting on and give him further game time

More and more I think of that the more I like it!

Marmion-Sexton
Marshall-Fitzgerald
Zebo-Kearney-Gilroy

Murray-Madigan-Earls

Wow!

Yep that's what I was going for. I like the look of that side. Maybe T Bowe still about for a bit of grunt...

Yeah actually good point, not sure how I forgot him there!!!!

Allegedly Luke Marshall may still be in contention for the 6N.

Apparently the newsletter said something about him just missing out for this weekend. Strange if true

Well he won't get it really if he hasn't started these HCup games. Sucks for him. Maybe he could play for the Wolfhounds???????

neilthom7 wrote:Possibility we have plenty on the wings so maybe it's time see Fitzgerald in the Centre, but he will need to play there and at this minute I'm not sure who for unless Leinster decide to play him there.

Don't think Fitzgerald is any better at passing than Earls at the moment so he needs to play a lot in the centre at Leinster before being considered for Ireland there.

Expecting to see this team against Wales:

Healy, Best, Ross
Ryan, McCarthy
O'Mahony, Heaslip, Henry
Murray, Sexton
Darcy, O'Driscoll
Earls, Kearney, McFadden

Strauss, Court, Bent, O'Callaghan, Henderson, Reddan, Jackson, Gilroy

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Well he won't get it really if he hasn't started these HCup games. Sucks for him. Maybe he could play for the Wolfhounds???????

Not so sure Pete. I don't think he will displace D'arcy for Wales but he didn't start any HEC games before the AI squad. Since then he has come off better than D'arcy in their head to head and looked excellent in thomond and against scarlets. It's all hypothetical anyway. If he is fit then it will be interesting to see if he gets in the extended squad or gets the wolfhounds game.

I would expect to see stags team in truth with a few changes being Zebo somewhere and O'Brien and kilcoyne featuring too

I didn't think he would be back so soon to be honest. He will have chances I guess as there are a number of provincial games during the 6 nations then I guess it will depend on how D'Arcy does in the 6 nations if he starts well v Wales then Marshall will have little chance of getting into the 15.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:More and more I think of that the more I like it!

Marmion-Sexton
Marshall-Fitzgerald
Zebo-Kearney-Gilroy

Murray-Madigan-Earls

Wow!

Is that the team you would start against Wales in the 6Ns if fit ?

That would be a 2015 team, real left of field.

Stag wouldn't disagree with that prediction, I sincerely hope that is not the team we see come out.

I like it though Pete would be one exciting backline

Has a bit of everything I think.

Is anyone expecting any shock inclusion or exclusions tomorrow with the squad announcement?

I think Robbie Diack deserves a shot at the Wolfhounds - not a name that's been raised. His transformation this season has been something else.

There's a lot of Munster backrows who should be featuring for the Wolfhounds.

Dave O'Callaghan, Sean Dougall, Paddy Butler and Tommy O'Donnell all contenders. Leinsters Rhys Ruddock will be there too.

red_stag wrote:Expecting to see this team against Wales:

Healy, Best, Ross
Ryan, McCarthy
O'Mahony, Heaslip, Henry
Murray, Sexton
Darcy, O'Driscoll
Earls, Kearney, McFadden

Strauss, Court, Bent, O'Callaghan, Henderson, Reddan, Jackson, Gilroy

Sounds about right, I hope SOB is fit which would mean POM to the bench and DOC out of the 23.
Jackson on the bench regardless of ROGs citing as well.
Maybe Zebo for Earls??

I'd fancy us to win in Cardiff with that team, not by a lot or with much style but still a win.

I don't think ROG will be banned for Wales. I expect a 4 week ban reduced to 2 weeks for good behaviour.

Tommy O'Donnell has looked really good whenever he has played. Raw but a great talent. I like Dougall too, pity he got injured he was in some great form before it. Ruddock and Wilson both playing well.

I think Zebo simply has to be in the starting team he has been playing excellently

Similarly SOB who has been playing fantastically well. Making some good busts and winning stacks of turn overs.

Jackson won't be near a Test bench spot. It will be ROG, and if he's unavailable then Keatley, or possibly Madigan.

Similarly neither Diack nor Wilson will be seriously considered. Two projects in the squad would be one too many for the pundits, and Wilson is too limited for the Test bench and too old for the Wolfhounds when there are plenty of young pups straining at the leash.

I can see McSharry called into the Training squad and then playing for the Wolfhounds.

Diack would definitely be a shock inclusion! Any other surprises in store?

I dont think Diack would be a big surprise. The irish times have mentioned him i see today.

Dave O'Callaghan is the only other youngster i think that could potentially derail him. Ruddock hasnt been a patch on him this season.

Anscombe certainly seems to rate him. Looks like he will keep henderson in the 2nd row to keep Robbie in the team.

He's played every position in the backrow as well. But to be clear - I don't expect him to be featured. I think he deserves it on form. Those are, unfortunately, two entirely different things.

This is what I am hoping to see for the Wolfhounds game:

Kilcoyne -Bit more experience for such a young guy never goes unwanted
Strauss- Has been injured for a while so again could use the gametime
Bent- Has a lot to prove the Irish management

Toner- We need a lineout forward and aren't many others apart from Ryan
Henderson- The enforcer of the pair &could well be pushing for a bench spot

McLaughlin- Another one in good form on the fringes of the 23 with Fez out
O'Donnell- In outstanding form I think and this could be a great opportunity
Wilson- Has looked good for Ulster in an enforcer role, great work rate.

Marmion- Huge progress this season and I believe could be a long term 9
Madigan- IMO the best of the 3 10s. The more int exp he gets the better

McSharry- Has looked great all season and is what Ireland need from a 12
Cave- Exp alongside the newbie. Needs to up his game IMO.

Fitz- Has looked great since coming back, he needs more gametime.
O'Dea- Has been dangerous whenever he's played. Could be one for future.
Jones- Has been poor all season. Potentially class needs to up it massively.

Sherry- Has looked pretty positive all season after overtaking Varley.
Court- One of Ulster's best players this season.
Fitzpatrick- Just back from injury needs the gametime.
O'Callaghan- Making really positive contributions whenever he plays.
Ruddock- Good against Scarlets and has class which he has to live up to.
Boss- Playing well and lends experience off the bench.
Keatley- Plays well when given the opportunity. Deserves a chance.
Hernshaw- Definitely one for the future, catching Jones quickly.

So the announcement isn't today after all?

This thread is like the postal service in rural Cork. It simply doesn't deliver.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:
Diack would definitely be a shock inclusion! Any other surprises in store?

This is the first Wolfhounds game since Diack has become eligible, so I'm actually expecting him to be included and get 5/10 minutes off the bench just to tie him into Ireland since he is dual qualified. The IRFU is not above doing this, in fact they did the same when Ulster signed Cardiff Blues bench warmer Andi Kyriacou since he was eligible to play for England. And then he was never seen again...

Ha sorry to disappoint Notch, can't remember who said it was today but...yeah....

I don't know what I think of that tbh, we have sooooooooooo many backrows I don't really feel we need another one

You still think Irish selection politics are drive by what we need?

He's not worse than the likes of Kevin McLaughlin and James Coughlan to be honest. He wouldn't be better either but it's not like you can say there is any appreciable difference in class and he's been playing well so...

That is true he is playing very well. Could well be that he gets called up one day for a senior cap too I guess.

Any other surprises you can think of?

I had deccie on the phone earlier says he wants to mix things up lad, now I cant reveal the squad but he did say there was a space for me at centre keep that on the low down though lol

If he can fit me in at reserve scrumhalf that would be great man, have a word won't you?

No Problem mate lol

Gent

Notch wrote:This is the first Wolfhounds game since Diack has become eligible, so I'm actually expecting him to be included and get 5/10 minutes off the bench just to tie him into Ireland since he is dual qualified. The IRFU is not above doing this, in fact they did the same when Ulster signed Cardiff Blues bench warmer Andi Kyriacou since he was eligible to play for England. And then he was never seen again...

It's not just Ireland though, most major nations have a history in tying players with one cap especially the All Blacks. Nations with small pools of players will always try and extend that at someone else's expense. Strauss and Diack wouldn't be capped in SA so why not give them the chance with Ireland?

Anybody know if the U-20 squad named tomorrow too?

neilthom7 wrote:Anybody know if the U-20 squad named tomorrow too?

Thats the one Im most interested in. Cant wait for u20 6N