Ireland owe ROG

First topic message reminder :

The O'Gara debate has recently come to my attention more-so than ever. On facebook there is a 'Rugby Banter page' and the creators are quite clearly Irish. It's a fun page full of international fans and lighthearted banter. However this evening the banter has been put to one side so the administrators could vent their frustrations about the treatment of Ronan O'Gara.

ROG not included in the Irish squad for France. Probably signals imminent retirement. That botched kick against Scotland wasn't the way for him to go, kind of sad.

Appalling act by Kidney.. He's made a few questionable choices in his time as Irish manager! I've a feeling ROG would have called time on his glittering career anyway at the end of this season. He should have been afforded that opportunity by Kidney! I know there will be many delighted to see the back of him but despite what any of you say about O Gara he owes Irish Rugby nothing.. There's a lot of Irish players with a triple crown medal in their arse pockets with no small thanks to ROG! If this is indeed the end ROG you've served us well!!

To an extent I agree. This was poor management by Ireland head coach Kidney. Should ROG have been picked in any of Irelands match day squads for this years 6 Nations? Probably not. But would ROG ever say no to a call-up for his country? His experience around guys like Madigan and Jackson would be useful, so I agree with him in the overall squad. He's been criticised a lot lately for Ireland and Munster. I think he's got another good year with the Provincial set-up at least before he calls it a day for good. Munster aren't playing well under Penney and not only O'Gara should be held accountable. This is likely his final season with the Ireland national team though.

As the quote says and like we all know, a lot of Irishmen have 6 Nations, domestic and european medals and it is largely down to O'Gara. Of course he is no one-man team but you can't deny that without his calmness, intelligence and pinpoint accuracy none of this would have been achieved. ROG doesn't owe Ireland, Ireland owe ROG. Should he get one final game so he can bow out the way he would want to? IMO Yes; It should be a home game, (against France? Perhaps that's another debate in itself) outside the 6 Nations if needs be against decent opposition at Lansdowne Road (Aviva Stadium). Let him come on the pitch in the latter half to a standing ovation and earn his final cap hopefully rounded off with a win. Allow him to walk off the pitch to thunderous applause and allow Ireland to show him the gratitude for his years of service that he deserves.

GunsGerms wrote:

Sin é wrote:
In Munster the same 'homage to the shirt, not the player' applies. Its different though in other provinces in Ireland who have allowed some players get bigger than the team. Kidney has history of dropping players for big games - Anthony Foley for the Heineken Cup Final in '08 about to retire, Stringer, Shaun Payne - all huge players for Munster.

I certainly don't think there is a problem dropping ROG from the international team. Lots of players have been dropped in the past - the problem this time though is that the replacements haven't really earned the jersey either.

POC is arguably bigger than the team at Munster and is often drafted straight back in after long injury absences. As is ROG at times.

Tell me what exactly does Ian Madigan have to do to break into the Ireland squad ahead of ROG? Is playing a lot better than him for his province not enough?

Paul O'Connell walks straight back into the team because even on one leg he is better than anyone else. ROG the same.

Huge fan favourites like Peter Stringer don't get special treatment - he was dropped for O'Leary.

It would help Ian Madigan to break into the Ireland squad if he played at outhalf in the Heineken Cup.

Sin é wrote:

Him (and a lot of his contemporaries) were wiped out by the banking/property collapse. One of the banks is pursuing Frankie Sheahan (actually his father who was his guarantor) for about 1.5million.

Remind me what level Paddy Jackson & Ian Madigan were playing at in Nov. 2011 (not to mention Sexton who was a long way off being an international outhalf).

I doubt ROG was wiped out by the banking crisis but if he was that explains why he is hanging around like a bad smell. Once a gambler always a gambler I spose.

Ian Madigan and Jonathan Sexton both featured in a Heineken cup final in 2011. They have both been considerably better than ROG for some time now.

I would even have picked Ian Humphries in 2011 ahead of ROG.

GunsGerms wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Straight after RWC11 ROG was being lauded for his part in Munster's comebacks in their first two HEC matches. (40+ phases after time was up against Saints?). Pundits were hailing him as back to his best.

Thats all he did though. Its all very well dropping the odd goal to save your team but if you are weak for the other 79 minutes then thats not much good is it?

It's good enough to change the course of a game, Guns. And that's all you need sometimes and it's a trick not all players can manage given the slim opportunites he's often been given.

We can think what we like of the man and whether he should be near an Irish team now, but don't let's re-write history and downgrade his abilities. He was of his time, he was good enough to be one of the best of his time; and playing the game his way (perhaps not the modern way) was good enough on many occasions to turn losing games into winning ones. That's all that was needed and he brought that kind of closing down game with him and gave it bells.

Sin é wrote:It would help Ian Madigan to break into the Ireland squad if he played at outhalf in the Heineken Cup.

Madigan could play prop and he would still be a better OH than ROG now though.

SecretFly wrote:It's good enough to change the course of a game, Guns. And that's all you need sometimes and it's a trick not all players can manage given the slim opportunites he's often been given.

We can think what we like of the man and whether he should be near an Irish team now, but don't let's re-write history and downgrade his abilities. He was of his time, he was good enough to be one of the best of his time; and playing the game his way (perhaps not the modern way) was good enough on many occasions to turn losing games into winning ones. That's all that was needed and he brought that kind of closing down game with him and gave it bells.

"re-writing history" Have you morphed into Sin é?

Im not saying he wasnt once a great player just that he was very average in 2011. He was also poor enough in the '09 campaign yet because of his DG v Wales some people seem to think he was outstanding in that campaign.

LondonTiger wrote:Straight after RWC11 ROG was being lauded for his part in Munster's comebacks in their first two HEC matches. (40+ phases after time was up against Saints?). Pundits were hailing him as back to his best.

Yep - ROG made the IRB World Cup Dream Team at the world cup. He was also shortlisted for the Irish Players' Player of the Year (Kearney won it).

The IRB Dream team was:
Poux, Mealamu, Franks, Thorn, POC, Dusautoir, McCaw, Harinoroquy, Phllips, O'Gara, Kahui, Roberts, O'Driscoll, Jane, Dagg.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2060457.html

Sin just continues to embarrass himself with his usual goalpost shifting, misrepresentations and outright one eyed lies. It's frankly a shame that he can railroad discussions between fans from different provinces who only want to see Ireland succeed. Unfortunately 'fans' like Sin only want to see ireland succeed when their ranks are filled with their provincial players. 'Fans' like him are a cancer in Irish rugby and everything that is wrong with supporters at an international level.

The medja reaction has been embarrassing again. Just watching Against the Head is extraordinary- two ex-Munster players and a Munster medja cheerleader demonstrating the nonsense spouted by Sin. They believe O'Gara is bigger than the shirt. At least two years past his peak, embarrassing performance after embarrassing performance and they still want him in the side because, as Alan Quinlan states 'he has achieved so much'. Sure let' put Jack Kyle on the bench in that case for the experience.

If ROG is done, thanks for the memories lad. You pulled us out of more fires than probably any other of your contemporaries. He deserves to be remembered as one of the greats even if he has tarnished his legacy over the past two years.

Sin é wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Straight after RWC11 ROG was being lauded for his part in Munster's comebacks in their first two HEC matches. (40+ phases after time was up against Saints?). Pundits were hailing him as back to his best.

Yep - ROG made the IRB World Cup Dream Team at the world cup. He was also shortlisted for the Irish Players' Player of the Year (Kearney won it).

The IRB Dream team was:
Poux, Mealamu, Franks, Thorn, POC, Dusautoir, McCaw, Harinoroquy, Phllips, O'Gara, Kahui, Roberts, O'Driscoll, Jane, Dagg.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2060457.html

We all know he made the IRB dream team. Probably a charity vote after his teary interview post Australia match claiming that he was about to retire. Not sure how a sub OH merits a place on the dream team.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:Sin just continues to embarrass himself with his usual goalpost shifting, misrepresentations and outright one eyed lies. It's frankly a shame that cretins like him can railroad discussions between fans from different provinces who only want to see Ireland succeed. Unfortunately 'fans' like Sin only want to see ireland succeed when their ranks are filled with their provincial players. 'Fans' like him are a cancer in Irish rugby and everything that is wrong with supporters at an international level.

The medja reaction has been embarrassing again. Just watching Against the Head is extraordinary- two ex-Munster players and a Munster medja cheerleader demonstrating the nonsense spouted by Sin. They believe O'Gara is bigger than the shirt. At least two years past his peak, embarrassing performance after embarrassing performance and they still want him in the side because, as Alan Quinlan states 'he has achieved so much'. Sure let' put Jack Kyle on the bench in that case for the experience.

If ROG is done, thanks for the memories lad. You pulled us out of more fires than probably any other of your contemporaries. He deserves to be remembered as one of the greats even if he has tarnished his legacy over the past two years.

A bit harsh on Sin given that he clearly believes a lot of what he says. Plus calling him a cretin is a little OTT. Re against the head I like Quinlan but he probably finds it hard to stick the knife into ROG given that they played together for so long and are probably friends.

Sorry Guns but its got well beyond a joke. Most Irish threads he contributes end up being ruined as he brings his provincial nonsense into it. Every single Irish thread. And even people like myself who have him on ignore have to see the bile he spouts because some people continue to engage with him and big the whole level of discussion down to his very low level. I thought 606v2 was supposed to be so much more than the old 606 and yet here we are.

Quinlan was a great player and deserved far more caps than he got. He he and Sheehan hit the nail on the head with the Munster medja. They played under them all their careers more or less. Sheehan was taught by him at school. There is a near incestuous attempt to protect your provincial mates and a lack of proper analysis. The same could be said of ex-Leinster players like Horgan who seem unable to lend any proper criticism to his ex-teamates. I realise that might be hard for someone in his position, but if he can't do the job he should be employed in the first place.

GunsGerms wrote:

SecretFly wrote:It's good enough to change the course of a game, Guns. And that's all you need sometimes and it's a trick not all players can manage given the slim opportunites he's often been given.

We can think what we like of the man and whether he should be near an Irish team now, but don't let's re-write history and downgrade his abilities. He was of his time, he was good enough to be one of the best of his time; and playing the game his way (perhaps not the modern way) was good enough on many occasions to turn losing games into winning ones. That's all that was needed and he brought that kind of closing down game with him and gave it bells.

"re-writing history" Have you morphed into Sin é?

Im not saying he wasnt once a great player just that he was very average in 2011. He was also poor enough in the '09 campaign yet because of his DG v Wales some people seem to think he was outstanding in that campaign.

Could'a been - not saying you're wrong. Might'a been - not saying you're wrong.

Who was better that we weren't picking? He was a limited player (in an all round game) but let's not fool ourselves into thinking the all round flyhalf game always existed and was always involved in other sides that Ireland met. He was good enough to be good enough in the period he was good enough in, Guns.

Time has moved on - young players have added to their game, his limitations are exposed more...the people running at him are bigger, bulkier (by scientiic design). The tactics used against him expose him - expose his lack of bulk, expose his age, probably expose his medical condition too..he's asthmatic.

So no, I'm not being Sin é, Guns. I'm speaking my piece and not always agreeing with trends that disagree with Sin é just for the sake of it. You don't agree with Sin é - fine. I seldom do either but O'Gara doesn't choose himself...his coach continued to select him. But we tend to blame him for giving his poor coach no option as he doesn't do the right thing and retire. To hell with that. That's a cop out for coaches. If they didn't want him THEY shouldn't have kept picking him.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:Sorry Guns but its got well beyond a joke. Most Irish threads he contributes end up being ruined as he brings his provincial nonsense into it. Every single Irish thread. And even people like myself who have him on ignore have to see the bile he spouts because some people continue to engage with him and big the whole level of discussion down to his very low level. I thought 606v2 was supposed to be so much more than the old 606 and yet here we are.

Quinlan was a great player and deserved far more caps than he got. He he and Sheehan hit the nail on the head with the Munster medja. They played under them all their careers more or less. Sheehan was taught by him at school. There is a near incestuous attempt to protect your provincial mates and a lack of proper analysis. The same could be said of ex-Leinster players like Horgan who seem unable to lend any proper criticism to his ex-teamates. I realise that might be hard for someone in his position, but if he can't do the job he should be employed in the first place.

You can block him if you wish by adding him to your foes list. I have only had to do that to one poster as I dont really care what people say as long as they have something to contribute re rugby. Sin e does at least make an effort to talk about rugby.

I really like Horgan as a pundit. He is fairly well spoken and gives some good technical analysis. Same with Quinlan. I think its fair to expect a certain amount of bias from them. I would rather that than the uber bland diplomacy of Keith wood and Paul Wallace.

Hookie - I don't know what your problem is, but if you read my post above, I said I have no problem with O'Gara being dropped internationally.

Maybe you should look in the mirror for a second before going on a rant about provincialism (i.e., seems all you ever come out with is that everything & everyone connected to Munster is bad and well deserving of any abuse you can throw at them).

SecretFly wrote:Time has moved on - young players have added to their game, his limitations are exposed more...the people running at him are bigger, bulkier (by scientiic design). The tactics used against him expose him - expose his lack of bulk, expose his age, probably expose his medical condition too..he's asthmatic.

Yes the game has moved on so he shouldnt have been picked. Give someone else a chance.

Same happened to Martin Williams. He was once one of the best 7s in world rugby but as the game evolved his strengths as a player were not as relevant and so Gatland let him go. Same should have happened with Rogger.

Dont care if he is asthmatic. Not relevant.

SecretFly wrote:
So no, I'm not being Sin é, Guns. I'm speaking my piece and not always agreeing with trends that disagree with Sin é just for the sake of it. You don't agree with Sin é - fine. I seldom do either but O'Gara doesn't choose himself...his coach(s) continued to select him (and his playing colleagues shortlist him for Player of the Year). But we tend to blame him for giving his poor coach no option as he doesn't do the right thing and retire. To hell with that. That's a cop out for coaches. If they didn't want him THEY shouldn't have kept picking him.

My point exactly. I'd also like someone to say who they would have had benching for Ireland last 6Ns?

GunsGerms wrote:

Dont care if he is asthmatic. Not relevant.

It's relevant to him, Guns. I'd assume it always has been. I'd assume it's why he's the weight he is..I'd assume his weight is a very big limiting factor in his game..both in his prime and obviously now.

His condition is relative to him as a professional sportsman in one of the toughest sports on the planet.

Sin é wrote:

SecretFly wrote:
So no, I'm not being Sin é, Guns. I'm speaking my piece and not always agreeing with trends that disagree with Sin é just for the sake of it. You don't agree with Sin é - fine. I seldom do either but O'Gara doesn't choose himself... his coach[b](s) continued to select him. But we tend to blame him for giving his poor coach no option as he doesn't do the right thing and retire. To hell with that. That's a cop out for coaches. If they didn't want him THEY shouldn't have kept picking him.

My point exactly. I'd also like someone to say who they would have had benching for Ireland last 6Ns?

Well at least I've finally got you to admit there is such a thing as a coach, Sin And yeah, there is even more than one to share out the blame for what Ireland has become. Good observations all round.

Don Alfonso wrote:I honestly cannot get my head around what would be a “fitting” send-off for ROG? Should we ask the opposition to let Ireland to get within two points and 5m of their line at 79 minutes, and then defend like demons, necessitating a ROG drop goal during which they will agree not to rush him? Who’s drafting THAT email?

Who are these players whose last games hear Hosannas ring out around the stadium, as flower petals drift from the roof and fireworks spell out their name?

You either have the cannons to retire when you still have a bit to offer, or you peter out. Ronan O’Gara has ruled himself out of contention with the poor quality of his playing. (Even) Kidney has (eventually) been forced into putting his faith in others.

Rugby careers are not scripted by schmaltzy Hollywood screenwriters. Thank God.


Thanks, Ronan.

NEXT!

Good post Don. Rog has had ample chances to announce his retirement over the past year and he would have received the ovation he was due.

The fact he has chosen not to, maybe indicates that he prizes the income from his contract higher than a round of applause - if so fair enough. Maybe he didn't want to be seen as walking away from an Ireland in crisis, maybe he didn't want people to think he was quitting because of Jackson, maybe he wanted to stay to help Jackson, etc. etc.

Who's to say he didn't ask Kidney to leave him out after his latest pitch humiliation, and since Kidney will soon be history anyway, Deccie did the manly thing and took the flak for the decision. Even the strange Kiss statement backs up this notion, so ROG can see out his contract without tarnishing his fading reputation any further.

Don Alfonso wrote:I honestly cannot get my head around what would be a “fitting” send-off for ROG? Should we ask the opposition to let Ireland to get within two points and 5m of their line at 79 minutes, and then defend like demons, necessitating a ROG drop goal during which they will agree not to rush him? Who’s drafting THAT email?

Who are these players whose last games hear Hosannas ring out around the stadium, as flower petals drift from the roof and fireworks spell out their name?

You either have the cannons to retire when you still have a bit to offer, or you peter out. Ronan O’Gara has ruled himself out of contention with the poor quality of his playing. (Even) Kidney has (eventually) been forced into putting his faith in others.

Rugby careers are not scripted by schmaltzy Hollywood screenwriters. Thank God.


Thanks, Ronan.

NEXT!

Fitting send off

The Lions 09 and Irish squad get together on half way, ROG positions himself on the 22....S Jones puts up the Garry Owen and everyone tries to hit him as hard as possible

Cracking way to go

I missed the Munster Ospreys game but from what I read ROG played well, he now has a few weeks off and a chance to rest and reflect. If he comes back and plays well theres no reason he cant play for Ireland again but if we want another Grand Slam and another 'Golden Generation' then we need the likes of Jackson and Madigan playing not being pushed aside for sentiment, too many players have been held back because they didnt have the experience to play so what good will playing ROG do for the young guys who are in need of game time.

From a few things I have read there has been a falling out between ROG and Kidney or someone else and that would explain how he could go from the starting up to the Tuesday before the Scotland game to being ditched altogether

...?...!...was Kidney holding onto O'Gara out of pity?

OH!...why didn't someone tell me earlier. That's ok. I was of the foolish opinion that it was just a decision he made as a coach because he kept feeling it was a good one.

I agreed with the decision to have O'Gara benching in 2011, but the Autumn Series onwards was the time to start phasing in Madigan and Paddy Jackson. NZ tour should have been ROGs last tour of duty. Jackson is, if anything, coming in a little early but thats all to the good. That is to his (and our) benefit long term.

Even now they say ROG isn't finished. Our international coaches seem to have a serial problem making decisions. Keeping all options open, always, for the sake of deferring committing yourself to one course of action.

Way to tone down the hype by Kidney who names . . . . .nobody at flyhalf and will decide on his player later in the week.

red_stag wrote:Way to tone down the hype by Kidney who names . . . . .nobody at flyhalf and will decide on his player later in the week.

..Maybe he thinks Sexton has a real chance of making it.

The Ireland Team to play France on Saturday 9th March 2013 in Aviva Stadium, Dublin in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, K.O. 5:00 pm, is:

(Player/club/province/international caps):

15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster/44)
14 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster/16)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster/123)
12 - Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster/1)
11 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster/37)
10 - A.N. Other
9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster/17)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster/37)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster/65)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster/27)
4 - Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht/8)
5 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster/26)
6 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster/12)
7 - Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster/25)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster/55) Captain

Replacements:
16 - Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/24)
17 - David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster/5)
18 - A.N. Other
19 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster/93)
20 - Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster/3)
21 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster/49)
22 - A.N. Other
23 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College /Leinster/24)

Must be a proud day in the 'Other' household, all 3 boys poised for Ireland caps...

Without looking it up anyone know what A and N stand for in A.N. other?

just take out the dots another (player)

red_stag wrote:Way to tone down the hype by Kidney who names . . . . .nobody at flyhalf and will decide on his player later in the week.

Why have the team announcement today then? With three slots to be filled?

They could have delayed it if they had wanted.
#Bizarre

GunsGerms wrote:Without looking it up anyone know what A and N stand for in A.N. other?

Is McFadden in there purely to be a kicking backup? Even at that, Earls could easily have missed out to Trimble.

Trimble on recent form should be above both starting Ireland wingers.

Still, might he yet get the 22 shirt?

Have to say, I struggle to see us winning this based purely on the ridiculousness of the idea France would lose four games in a six nations.

I think place kicking is a factor, clive. I would have done the same tbh.

If Gilroy wasn't injured I would have preferred to see Earls dropped but I would have brought McFadden in. Frustrating to lose Gilroy- he had his best game for Ireland so far against Scotland.

So apparently it will be Jackson or Madigan, with the delay due to Jacksons injury. If PJ recovers he starts otherwise it will be Madigan with (presumably) ROG on the bench.

Sorry the Irish Times has come out with the reserve Tighthead prop being either Bent or Stephen Archer.....!?

Ruh-roh!

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Sorry the Irish Times has come out with the reserve Tighthead prop being either Bent or Stephen Archer.....!?

Ruh-roh!

Yeah, Fitzpatrick in injury shocker!

I knew it was a mistake playing him twice in three weeks for Ulster. Had he made it through that unscathed it would have been the most gametime he's accrued between injuries all season.

Notch wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Sorry the Irish Times has come out with the reserve Tighthead prop being either Bent or Stephen Archer.....!?

Ruh-roh!

Yeah, Fitzpatrick in injury shocker!

I knew it was a mistake playing him twice in three weeks for Ulster. Had he made it through that unscathed it would have been the most gametime he's accrued between injuries all season.

It really sucks I felt he was gaining some momentum.

God if Archer comes on he could well get himself hurt. Bent isn't a good scrummager but he can handle himself a bit better in that regard I think.
BLEAK

When do France name their team?

There's no momentum with Fitzpatrick. Just injuries and occassional glimpses of what could have been an excellent prop with a bit more robustness in between the injuries.

If McFaddens in for kicking cover then Sextons surely not going to play or would they risk him and have McFadden there incase he doesnt last?

Any mention on when the last 3 places will be named?

red_stag wrote:Way to tone down the hype by Kidney who names . . . . .nobody at flyhalf and will decide on his player later in the week.

He actually said it would probably be Paddy Jackson and the reason why he wasn't on the team sheet was because a) he had a small injury yesterday, and b) Sexton was only ruled out a few minutes before the press conference.

He also said the reason why they name the team so early in the week is so that all media duties are cleared away and the players can concentrate on training.

He also said that they agreed with Ulster that they were going to announce that Paddy would do the kicking last weekend so as to put extra pressure on PJ to perform.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

Notch wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Sorry the Irish Times has come out with the reserve Tighthead prop being either Bent or Stephen Archer.....!?

Ruh-roh!

Yeah, Fitzpatrick in injury shocker!

I knew it was a mistake playing him twice in three weeks for Ulster. Had he made it through that unscathed it would have been the most gametime he's accrued between injuries all season.

It really sucks I felt he was gaining some momentum.

God if Archer comes on he could well get himself hurt. Bent isn't a good scrummager but he can handle himself a bit better in that regard I think.
BLEAK

Worth watching last weekend's Munster's game against the Ospreys. Archer was up against the same Welsh props that twisted him last year and he was excellent.

Great to see how Penney displays such great confidence in his players.

I must say I was impressed by Archer in the scrum on Saturday. He looked decent and was certainly giving Duncan Jones a hard time. Pity about his brainfart that got him binned, but the Welsh S4C commentators were impressed overall by the Munster starting front row!

Is Sexton definataly ruled out then Sin? Haven't seen the press conference

"Worth watching last weekend's Munster's game against the Ospreys. Archer was up against the same Welsh props that twisted him last year and he was excellent.

Great to see how Penney displays such great confidence in his players."

Watched the game myself. Not sure I would agree that he is excellent, Sin. Bit of an issue with discipline. Same for one or two Ulster players on Friday.
Makes him a perfect fit for this present Ireland team though

SirJohnnyEnglish wrote:Is Sexton definataly ruled out then Sin? Haven't seen the press conference

He is. Bent & Archer have just arrived in camp so they hadn't decided yet between them for the bench spot.

Munchkin wrote:"Worth watching last weekend's Munster's game against the Ospreys. Archer was up against the same Welsh props that twisted him last year and he was excellent.

Great to see how Penney displays such great confidence in his players."

Watched the game myself. Not sure I would agree that he is excellent, Sin. Bit of an issue with discipline. Same for one or two Ulster players on Friday.
Makes him a perfect fit for this present Ireland team though

I think the Yellow Card was a bit harsh tbh (I'm not complaining about it, just I wouldn't worry about it).

Massive improvement from Archer in a year though (considering he was yellow carded last year for his own safety).

Don Alfonso wrote:I honestly cannot get my head around what would be a “fitting” send-off for ROG? Should we ask the opposition to let Ireland to get within two points and 5m of their line at 79 minutes, and then defend like demons, necessitating a ROG drop goal during which they will agree not to rush him? Who’s drafting THAT email?

Who are these players whose last games hear Hosannas ring out around the stadium, as flower petals drift from the roof and fireworks spell out their name?

You either have the cannons to retire when you still have a bit to offer, or you peter out. Ronan O’Gara has ruled himself out of contention with the poor quality of his playing. (Even) Kidney has (eventually) been forced into putting his faith in others.

Rugby careers are not scripted by schmaltzy Hollywood screenwriters. Thank God.

Thanks, Ronan.

NEXT!

There were some questions at the press conference about whether O'Gara would be available for selection if Jackson or whoever got injured.

Kidney replied that it is part of every contracted player that they have to make themselves available to the Ireland if they are requested.

I'd rather Archer then Bent to be honest he's improved hugely this season.

Sin é wrote:There were some questions at the press conference about whether O'Gara would be available for selection if Jackson or whoever got injured.

Kidney replied that it is part of every contracted player that they have to make themselves available to the Ireland if they are requested.

That is fairly obvious really. The only thing that would prevent this is if ROG announced his retirement but then why would he when he will continue to get paid.