Healy- best loosehead in the world?

by Big Mac Michael Sun 12 May 2013, 10:05 pm

Having watched Healy, throughout this season, it's rare that he's had a bad match.I can't think of a prop with a better overall work-rate, breakdown work, tackling, and in particular devastating ball carrying.His scrummaging is improving every year, it's a long time since someone's given him a hard time in that area.He seems to carry a lot less fat, than the other props, and as a result seems to be a lot fitter, and often is still making rampaging carries in the last quarter of the game.Props like Gethin and Cole(I know he's a tighthead), are mobile for props with decent ball carrying, however they surely can't compare to Healy!!!!Although at times he needs to control his anger ,and looses his discipline, a minor blip..... vomit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOPBwC0ZITs

by Artful_Dodger Sun 12 May 2013, 10:08 pm

I'd rate him as the best in Europe, with Domingo not far behind. I'd say hes on a par with anything in the SH as well.

by Norfolklass Sun 12 May 2013, 10:16 pm

A fine player, but a volatile temperament. Surely the Aussies will look to wind him up.

by welshboii15 Sun 12 May 2013, 10:17 pm

The man is built like a tank him jones and hibbard would make a monster front row

by bedfordwelsh Sun 12 May 2013, 10:21 pm

welshboii15 wrote:The man is built like a tank him jones and hibbard would make a monster front row

by RubyGuby Sun 12 May 2013, 10:34 pm

I think Healey Hibbard and Cole would offer the power and dynamism we need against Australia and a better balance thumbsup

by Golden Sun 12 May 2013, 11:16 pm

Hes also a decent painter Smile

by maestegmafia Sun 12 May 2013, 11:18 pm

Golden wrote:Hes also a decent painter

As in house painter or artist?

by whocares Sun 12 May 2013, 11:23 pm

You seem to imply that the first tasks of a prop are ball carrying, breakdown, tackling etc and then finally scrummaging (probably just before place kicking)... Am sorry but i think it's wrong, I know that scrums are being messed by the IRB but props first must scrummage properly the rest being the icing on the cake.

by Golden Sun 12 May 2013, 11:23 pm

Artist.

http://www.rugbyworld.com/news/cian-healy-a-man-of-many-talents/

You cant see them to well here but I cant find the site I saw them before.

by Golden Sun 12 May 2013, 11:24 pm

whocares

Healy is a good scrummager as well.

by maestegmafia Sun 12 May 2013, 11:27 pm

Golden wrote:Artist.

http://www.rugbyworld.com/news/cian-healy-a-man-of-many-talents/

You cant see them to well here but I cant find the site I saw them before.

Well that is an interesting fact.

Blwdi good prop too, will be a huge asset for the lions. Lets hope he gets through two weeks of finals unscathed.

by whocares Sun 12 May 2013, 11:27 pm

I agree but its the way the OP write about it.

by Golden Sun 12 May 2013, 11:31 pm

Ye, someone said on one of the Leinster threads that he was waiting to have surgery in the off season which is kind of worrying. Hopefully nothing that affects his lions performances.

whocares, how has domingo been this season? A couple of years ago I thought he was one of the best around but after he got that lengthy injury last year he hasn't looked as good (although I really haven't seen enough of him to judge).

by whocares Sun 12 May 2013, 11:36 pm

Domingo 2 consecutive knees injuries took a toll on the man and he struggled to come back to his level pre injury. He has made progress in the last 6 month though so getting there hopefully. Seems not as mobile as he once was but doing a bloody good job at the scrum.

by GunsGerms Mon 13 May 2013, 10:55 am

Norfolklass wrote:A fine player, but a volatile temperament. Surely the Aussies will look to wind him up.

Healy in 40 test matches has only got one yellow card for Ireland. He has only received 4 for Leinster in around 100 matches.

The only yellow Healy has ever received for foul play was when he stamped on Cole for slowing down the ball in a ruck.

There is very little evidence that he is a violatile player and indeed Id imagine Healy has one of the best diciplinary records of any Lion. Therefore it would be pretty stupid to assume that Healy is easily wound up.

When Ireland lost to England Healy was wound up but this was because Cole got away with a ridiculous amount of infrindgements without sanction from the ref rather than anyone getting in his face trying to wind him up.

Its more likely that any of the following players will be targeted by the Aussies:

Mike Philips
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Ben Youngs
Manu Tuilagi
Dylan Hartley

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 13 May 2013, 11:00 am

Guns, I'm pretty sure he got a yellow for Ireland against France in Paris a few seasons ago as well. But I agree, I wouldn't say he's a hothead at all.

by GunsGerms Mon 13 May 2013, 11:04 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Guns, I'm pretty sure he got a yellow for Ireland against France in Paris a few seasons ago as well. But I agree, I wouldn't say he's a hothead at all.

He did sorry just 2 in 40+ internationals. I meant prior to the Cole one just one yellow. The stamp on Cole is still the only yellow he has ever got for foul (dirty) play and his only citing for Ireland. Ridiculous to suggest he is a dirty player on one incident.

by RubyGuby Mon 13 May 2013, 11:09 am

I don't think Mike Phillips has even had a yellow for Wales thumbsup

His problems occur off the field not on it

by **Biltong** Mon 13 May 2013, 11:12 am

I think Healy is a great player.

He can scrum, run, tackle, pass and catch.

Everything you want from a modern day prop.

Whether he is the best, well that is subjective reasoning.

by GunsGerms Mon 13 May 2013, 11:17 am

RubyGuby wrote:I don't think Mike Phillips has even had a yellow for Wales His problems occur off the field not on it

Thats fine. He can get involved in a bit of niggle on the field as in the punch up during the last Lions tour after a try was scored. I wouldnt be concerned about him at all. Same with Sexton. All Im saying is that both those guys are closer to being "volatile" than Healy.

by GunsGerms Mon 13 May 2013, 11:18 am

Biltong wrote:I think Healy is a great player.

He can scrum, run, tackle, pass and catch.

Everything you want from a modern day prop.

Whether he is the best, well that is subjective reasoning.

Who do you rate as the best LH in the world?

by **Biltong** Mon 13 May 2013, 11:33 am

GunsGerms wrote:
Biltong wrote:I think Healy is a great player.

He can scrum, run, tackle, pass and catch.

Everything you want from a modern day prop.

Whether he is the best, well that is subjective reasoning.

Who do you rate as the best LH in the world?

Difficult to say. The problem when trying to figure out who is the best loose head is depending on the weekend, for me there are no stand out scrummers at the moment, they will get the better of an opposition player, only to have the next game blown out of the water by a referee, so you aren't always sure why it happens, the weekend after the prop can fold.

The problem with props in general is they can be so much more if the have a decent scrumming lock behind them, so how much of what do you put where?

When it comes to ball carrying there are plenty of props that can run these days, Coenie Oosthuizen this weekend was phenominal for the Cheetahs, he gained the advantage line every time, he bulldozed players , he even took one out on the weekend. He pilfers , he tackles, he passes, offloads etc.

But for me to say he is the best, I have to see him against every other prop on a regular basis, a one off match isn't going to tell you who is the best.

by **rodders** Mon 13 May 2013, 11:36 am

RubyGuby wrote:I don't think Mike Phillips has even had a yellow for Wales His problems occur off the field not on it

Ronald McDonald gave him a straight red ..... thumbsup

by fa0019 Mon 13 May 2013, 11:39 am

Coenie is really coming up strong. Despite the loss on the weekend he put in another barn-storming performance and grabbed himself 2 tries.

I heard he wants to move to tighthead but at the moment he's still playing loosehead and I'd say he right up there and has the physicality to take on the very best tightheads.

Healy is rather polished though... but he hasn't had a great test season thus far, not played bad but not played up to his previous seasons standard. He has some real competition at the moment for the test jersey and its no way gauranteed. Both Gethin and Vunipola are realistic starters also.

by GunsGerms Mon 13 May 2013, 11:40 am

Biltong wrote:
Difficult to say. The problem when trying to figure out who is the best loose head is depending on the weekend, for me there are no stand out scrummers at the moment, they will get the better of an opposition player, only to have the next game blown out of the water by a referee, so you aren't always sure why it happens, the weekend after the prop can fold.

The problem with props in general is they can be so much more if the have a decent scrumming lock behind them, so how much of what do you put where?

When it comes to ball carrying there are plenty of props that can run these days, Coenie Oosthuizen this weekend was phenominal for the Cheetahs, he gained the advantage line every time, he bulldozed players , he even took one out on the weekend. He pilfers , he tackles, he passes, offloads etc.

But for me to say he is the best, I have to see him against every other prop on a regular basis, a one off match isn't going to tell you who is the best.

Healy- best loosehead in the world? Fence_10

by fa0019 Mon 13 May 2013, 11:42 am

Andrew Sheridan... Run

by RubyGuby Mon 13 May 2013, 11:47 am

rodders wrote:
RubyGuby wrote:I don't think Mike Phillips has even had a yellow for Wales His problems occur off the field not on it

Ronald McDonald gave him a straight red .....

He was given a stright red and a party bag - When asked about his experience he said "I'm loving it! thumbsup

by **Biltong** Mon 13 May 2013, 12:07 pm

GunsGerms wrote:
Biltong wrote:
Difficult to say. The problem when trying to figure out who is the best loose head is depending on the weekend, for me there are no stand out scrummers at the moment, they will get the better of an opposition player, only to have the next game blown out of the water by a referee, so you aren't always sure why it happens, the weekend after the prop can fold.

The problem with props in general is they can be so much more if the have a decent scrumming lock behind them, so how much of what do you put where?

When it comes to ball carrying there are plenty of props that can run these days, Coenie Oosthuizen this weekend was phenominal for the Cheetahs, he gained the advantage line every time, he bulldozed players , he even took one out on the weekend. He pilfers , he tackles, he passes, offloads etc.

But for me to say he is the best, I have to see him against every other prop on a regular basis, a one off match isn't going to tell you who is the best.

No fence sitting mate, I just don't easily suggest someone is the best in their position.

Unless of course you are Dan Carter.

by Jhamer25 Mon 13 May 2013, 4:23 pm

No No No
I put Jenkins, Domingo and Ayerza infront of him.
But he is still young mind. He is still a force to be reckoned with though.

by tigertattie Mon 13 May 2013, 5:00 pm

to be better he needs to calm down. Or at least focus his temper.

Too many game syou see him flaring up. Stamping, punching!!! He is a very dirty player

by GunsGerms Mon 13 May 2013, 5:27 pm

tigertattie wrote:to be better he needs to calm down. Or at least focus his temper.

Too many game syou see him flaring up. Stamping, punching!!! He is a very dirty player

I think you need to calm down. Based on your post you seem to be quite reactionary yourself.

by Artful_Dodger Thu 16 May 2013, 12:31 pm

Have a look at Oosthuizen who Biltong mentioned:

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/05/3187/prop-coenie-oosthuizens-knockout-run-and-two-tries-vs-the-hurricanes

by Feckless Rogue Thu 16 May 2013, 3:25 pm

Healy is up there.

However does anyone think he was much better last year? He's been good this season. But phenomenal last season. The fact that there's rumours that he needs surgery suggests to me that he might be carrying an injury.

by reallybored Thu 16 May 2013, 4:05 pm

Ryan Grant has had a fantastic season.

Maybe not be considered a Top Tier prop but gets through a hell of a lot more work than the vast majority and very good in the scrum as well.

Healy would be my choice right now, his ball carrying ability sets him apart.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 May 2013, 4:17 pm

Welsh coming back (for Glasgow) against Leinster was the 1st time in a long time I have seen a tighthead control Healy and not let him destroy the Scrum.

When Welsh went off at Half time and Low came on Healy resumed his nomal wrecking machine service.

by dragonbreath Thu 16 May 2013, 4:38 pm

GunsGerms wrote:
tigertattie wrote:to be better he needs to calm down. Or at least focus his temper.

Too many game syou see him flaring up. Stamping, punching!!! He is a very dirty player

I think you need to calm down. Based on your post you seem to be quite reactionary yourself.

If you must use big words I suggest to look them up in a dictionary first

by Taylorman Thu 16 May 2013, 6:59 pm

Biltong wrote:

When it comes to ball carrying there are plenty of props that can run these days, Coenie Oosthuizen this weekend was phenominal for the Cheetahs, he gained the advantage line every time, he bulldozed players , he even took one out on the weekend. He pilfers , he tackles, he passes, offloads etc.

I'll say, that was unreal last weekend. Is he always like that? A test certainty? Certainly had 'Dont mess with me' written all over him that match it was almost laughable the way he monstered several.

by GunsGerms Thu 16 May 2013, 7:55 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Have a look at Oosthuizen who Biltong mentioned:

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/05/3187/prop-coenie-oosthuizens-knockout-run-and-two-tries-vs-the-hurricanes

Oosthuizen is your typical SA quality loose head prop. He is ferociously strong, ferociously powerful, ferociously mobile and ferociously overweight.

He will go very far.

by GunsGerms Thu 16 May 2013, 8:07 pm

By the way I like the Cheetahs they are defo my favourite SA team, Tahs favourite Aussie team and maybe Chiefs from NZ.

by Norfolklass Thu 16 May 2013, 9:51 pm

GunsGerms wrote:
Norfolklass wrote:A fine player, but a volatile temperament. Surely the Aussies will look to wind him up.

Healy in 40 test matches has only got one yellow card for Ireland. He has only received 4 for Leinster in around 100 matches.

The only yellow Healy has ever received for foul play was when he stamped on Cole for slowing down the ball in a ruck.

There is very little evidence that he is a violatile player and indeed Id imagine Healy has one of the best diciplinary records of any Lion. Therefore it would be pretty stupid to assume that Healy is easily wound up.

When Ireland lost to England Healy was wound up but this was because Cole got away with a ridiculous amount of infrindgements without sanction from the ref rather than anyone getting in his face trying to wind him up.

Its more likely that any of the following players will be targeted by the Aussies:

Mike Philips
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Ben Youngs
Manu Tuilagi
Dylan Hartley

Bungalow was very lucky to stay on the pitch v England. Not just because of the hideous stamp, but because of his general behaviour plus neck face appearance suggesting steroid use. Whether you like it or not Healy has aquired a bad reputation, at least in England.

by Taylorman Thu 16 May 2013, 10:58 pm

GunsGerms wrote:
Artful_Dodger wrote:Have a look at Oosthuizen who Biltong mentioned:

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/05/3187/prop-coenie-oosthuizens-knockout-run-and-two-tries-vs-the-hurricanes

Oosthuizen is your typical SA quality loose head prop. He is ferociously strong, ferociously powerful, ferociously mobile and ferociously overweight.

He will go very far.

"I feel bad for him, hopefully he's okay." Classic! laughing

by Rory_Gallagher Thu 16 May 2013, 11:45 pm

Taylorman wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:
Artful_Dodger wrote:Have a look at Oosthuizen who Biltong mentioned:

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/05/3187/prop-coenie-oosthuizens-knockout-run-and-two-tries-vs-the-hurricanes

Oosthuizen is your typical SA quality loose head prop. He is ferociously strong, ferociously powerful, ferociously mobile and ferociously overweight.

He will go very far.

"I feel bad for him, hopefully he's okay." Classic!

Will he replace The Beast? He has always impressed me the few times I have seen him.

by 100%beefy Fri 17 May 2013, 12:04 am

is healey better than gethin? for me melon is the best footballing loosie in the world and has been around - in the top flight - for 10 years - i don't think healey is yet, perhaps after this tour he will have justified that plaudit

by No 7&1/2 Fri 17 May 2013, 8:03 am

Norfolklass wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:
Norfolklass wrote:A fine player, but a volatile temperament. Surely the Aussies will look to wind him up.

Healy in 40 test matches has only got one yellow card for Ireland. He has only received 4 for Leinster in around 100 matches.

The only yellow Healy has ever received for foul play was when he stamped on Cole for slowing down the ball in a ruck.

There is very little evidence that he is a violatile player and indeed Id imagine Healy has one of the best diciplinary records of any Lion. Therefore it would be pretty stupid to assume that Healy is easily wound up.

When Ireland lost to England Healy was wound up but this was because Cole got away with a ridiculous amount of infrindgements without sanction from the ref rather than anyone getting in his face trying to wind him up.

Its more likely that any of the following players will be targeted by the Aussies:

Mike Philips
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Ben Youngs
Manu Tuilagi
Dylan Hartley

Bungalow was very lucky to stay on the pitch v England. Not just because of the hideous stamp, but because of his general behaviour plus neck face appearance suggesting steroid use. Whether you like it or not Healy has aquired a bad reputation, at least in England.

Quite some accusation to throw around.

by Guest Fri 17 May 2013, 8:21 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:
Norfolklass wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:
Norfolklass wrote:A fine player, but a volatile temperament. Surely the Aussies will look to wind him up.

Healy in 40 test matches has only got one yellow card for Ireland. He has only received 4 for Leinster in around 100 matches.

The only yellow Healy has ever received for foul play was when he stamped on Cole for slowing down the ball in a ruck.

There is very little evidence that he is a violatile player and indeed Id imagine Healy has one of the best diciplinary records of any Lion. Therefore it would be pretty stupid to assume that Healy is easily wound up.

When Ireland lost to England Healy was wound up but this was because Cole got away with a ridiculous amount of infrindgements without sanction from the ref rather than anyone getting in his face trying to wind him up.

Its more likely that any of the following players will be targeted by the Aussies:

Mike Philips
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Ben Youngs
Manu Tuilagi
Dylan Hartley

Bungalow was very lucky to stay on the pitch v England. Not just because of the hideous stamp, but because of his general behaviour plus neck face appearance suggesting steroid use. Whether you like it or not Healy has aquired a bad reputation, at least in England.

Quite some accusation to throw around.

Yeah, probably needs to be cleaned up does that. Pretty libellous, which this site probably wants to avoid.

by LordDowlais Fri 17 May 2013, 8:22 am

Norfolklass wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:
Norfolklass wrote:A fine player, but a volatile temperament. Surely the Aussies will look to wind him up.

Healy in 40 test matches has only got one yellow card for Ireland. He has only received 4 for Leinster in around 100 matches.

The only yellow Healy has ever received for foul play was when he stamped on Cole for slowing down the ball in a ruck.

There is very little evidence that he is a violatile player and indeed Id imagine Healy has one of the best diciplinary records of any Lion. Therefore it would be pretty stupid to assume that Healy is easily wound up.

When Ireland lost to England Healy was wound up but this was because Cole got away with a ridiculous amount of infrindgements without sanction from the ref rather than anyone getting in his face trying to wind him up.

Its more likely that any of the following players will be targeted by the Aussies:

Mike Philips
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Ben Youngs
Manu Tuilagi
Dylan Hartley

Bungalow was very lucky to stay on the pitch v England. Not just because of the hideous stamp, but because of his general behaviour plus neck face appearance suggesting steroid use. Whether you like it or not Healy has aquired a bad reputation, at least in England.

Ok, before I get shafted by my Irish freinds on here, although Healey has improved over the last few seasons, he does seem to be getting a little to big for his boots, he know's that he is the best loose head in Ireland and it seems to have gone to his head a little, he just needs to take step back and just let his ability do the talking. As for the best loose head in the world tag, well, lets just say, not yet. He has the potential to be the best, but at the moment there are better in and around the British Isles never mind the world. Also, Norfolklass is correct, he was lucky to stay on the pitch against England, no matter what any of his fans think. Ale

by red_stag Fri 17 May 2013, 9:06 am

That England game aside have we ever seen him act that way in any game?

For what its worth I dont think he is best loose head in the world.

by GunsGerms Fri 17 May 2013, 9:45 am

[quote="LordDowlais"]

Norfolklass wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:
Norfolklass wrote:A fine player, but a volatile temperament. Surely the Aussies will look to wind him up.

Healy in 40 test matches has only got one yellow card for Ireland. He has only received 4 for Leinster in around 100 matches.

The only yellow Healy has ever received for foul play was when he stamped on Cole for slowing down the ball in a ruck.

There is very little evidence that he is a violatile player and indeed Id imagine Healy has one of the best diciplinary records of any Lion. Therefore it would be pretty stupid to assume that Healy is easily wound up.

When Ireland lost to England Healy was wound up but this was because Cole got away with a ridiculous amount of infrindgements without sanction from the ref rather than anyone getting in his face trying to wind him up.

Its more likely that any of the following players will be targeted by the Aussies:

Mike Philips
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Ben Youngs
Manu Tuilagi
Dylan Hartley

Bungalow was very lucky to stay on the pitch v England. Not just because of the hideous stamp, but because of his general behaviour plus neck face appearance suggesting steroid use. Whether you like it or not Healy has aquired a bad reputation, at least in England.

Doesnt really bother me what reputation he has with casual observers of the game especially when that reputation is at odds with facts. Im not worried at all about what he did in the England game provided he doesnt make a habit of it. There is no facet of his character or behaviour since then that suggests he will.

As usual the English media love to sensationalise incidents as much as possible, the net result some rugby fans lose the ability to think for themselves.

As for the accusations of drug abuse. Its hardly surprising that such accusations will be leveled at him as he is probably the most ripped prop in world rugby. However, for what its worth he has looked like that since he was a 16 year old school boy playing senior cup rugby for Belvedere.

In Irish schools rugby most supplements are frouned upon and some not allowed, creatine is banned and steriod abuse would be cause for expulsion. Belvedere is quite a prestigous school in Dublin so its unlikely that Healy has ever come across steriods.

by Bathman_in_London Fri 17 May 2013, 9:50 am

GunsGerms wrote:
Artful_Dodger wrote:Have a look at Oosthuizen who Biltong mentioned:

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/05/3187/prop-coenie-oosthuizens-knockout-run-and-two-tries-vs-the-hurricanes

Oosthuizen is your typical SA quality loose head prop. He is ferociously strong, ferociously powerful, ferociously mobile and ferociously overweight.He will go very far.

The perfect prop if you will!

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