Ireland's November Series and Beyond...

by RugbyFan182 Wed 16 Oct - 1:31

First topic message reminder :

Right boys, I want you give realistic guess of how Ireland will do in the November tests. I want you to separate your hearts from your heads. How do you predict Ireland will do and how will this set them up for the Six nations based on your poll prediction for the Autumn tests.

Do you believe in Schmidt? Do you believe he is the catalyst for consistent success or will we yet again disappoint by firing hot and cold like recent championships have dictated. Is there cause for quite confidence or should we be holding are cards close to our chest.

Feel free to throw out your wildest aspirations on the table or to throw caution to the wind.

The rest is up to you....

Sat 9th Ireland vs Samoa - Autumn
Sat 16th Ireland vs Australia - Autumn
Sun 24th Ireland vs New Zealand

by GunsGerms Tue 5 Nov - 17:20

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
gleesonisgod wrote:That is the last word I would use to describe Heaslip, especially as his play on the field hasn't very classy for the last while. Yes he has the odd great game for Leinster, but I can't remember the last time he was all that great internationally. I personally wouldn't start the guy.

What is he doing in this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHAr0X4xFqc
Luckilly Leinster, Ireland and Lions coaches disagree (Phew!) The guy rarely has a bad game. He has games when he does more grunt work that showy ball carrying, but rarely has a howler.

What's he doing in the video? Acting the eejit. Have you never done that? Probably were not so many cameras around when you did eh?

Again. If that is your evidence that he is not captain material than you are reaching big time.

What people seem to have a problem with is "THEIR PERCEPTION" of who Jamie Heaslip is. Not who he actually is. Sure he likes to play it cool when he is out and about, but he is a seriously committed professional when it comes to the Rugby.

Guys like Donners act the mick too, (and he is also ultra pro in his Rugby) but they are not criticised for it in the same way.

One can have a perception of a public figure which can be waaaay off once you meet them. For example. Another number 8 Mr L Dayglow.

I thought he was the biggest plonker on the planet. And while he may have plonkerish tendencies, he is a very decent guy in the flesh.

Same with the others mentioned.

100% on everything including Dayglo.

by Sin é Tue 5 Nov - 17:33

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Sin é wrote:He is embarrassing. You'd think he was have learned from the criticism he received for wearing head phones and no shoes at the coin toss.
He is in his 20s what the fock do you want? He is not the type of lad who is going to be out bringing in the sheep or whatever. Get over it.

As an Aulfellah meself I find the trousers round the ankles thing a bit cringe, but that's how dem youngfellahs wear them nowadays. Good youngfellahs AND bad youngfellahs

You are being a bit embarrassing yourself picking out such things. It is the equivalent of an Urban person finding the "down on the farm" thing embarrassing.

He is 30 next month, not 20. BOD did a few things (like the streaks) but he matured and stopped doing it. Ask him now and he will say he is a bit embarrassed by it. I think wearing your jeans around yours knees shows a lack of maturity.

Sin é wrote:
He picked up a yellow card in the Six Nations - that didn't help Ireland chances (and his disciplinary record is poor in comparision to others). i.e., Leinster 8 Yellow Cards. To put that in context, Alan Quinlan got 3 in his Munster career.
Hard to believe that stat, but if it's true you have a point. His kneeing of McCaw (No matter how much we would all like to knee the focker) is another one. He can lose the head on occasion. Its true. (btw, POC has 3 YC for Munster, David Wallace 2, Axel Foley 1, Leamy 3. Heaslip's discipline is shocking.

Sin é wrote:
I think you do POC a disservice by mentioning that a good reason to make him captain is because he isn't from Leinster.
You must have missed this bit.
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:the fact that he is a great leader, great player and great bloke.
Funny how some people only see what they want.

I just think that it isn't necessary to mention what province they are from. POC is the outstanding candidate with Rory Best 2nd as far as I'm concerned.

by Sin é Tue 5 Nov - 17:43

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Guys like Donners act the mick too, (and he is also ultra pro in his Rugby) but they are not criticised for it in the same way.

DOC has been trying very hard to change that image of himself. There is not a huge difference in age between DOC & Heaslip but DOC takes his involvement as a UNICEF ambassador very seriously.

recent tweets from Heaslip:

jamie heaslip ‏@jamieheaslip 5h
New CoD or Battlefield.....decisions!

Donncha O'Callaghan ‏@docallaghan4 1 Nov
I'll be speaking to @MiriamOCal on the @johnmurrayshow between 9 & 10. About rugby and my role with @unicefireland

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 5 Nov - 17:54

Sin é wrote:

He is 30 next month, not 20. BOD did a few things (like the streaks) but he matured and stopped doing it. Ask him now and he will say he is a bit embarrassed by it. I think wearing your jeans around yours knees shows a lack of maturity.

You are just saying Bod is a bit more conservative than Jamie. So focking what? They are different people. Does being conservative make you a better captain?

Some people dress conservatively when they are in their 20s. Some people hang about in jeans and leather jackets in their 70s. Big swingen mickeys!

Sin é wrote:
I just think that it isn't necessary to mention what province they are from. POC is the outstanding candidate with Rory Best 2nd as far as I'm concerned.

That's fine. I would be happy with either of them or Bod or Jamie.

As regards the province thing. I just think Joe will come in for some of the type of criticism that Dekko did in terms of provincial bias. I think choosing a Captain from another province would assuage those fears.

In Dekko's case it was familiarity rather than Bias.

In selecting 17 Leinster players Joe opened the door to something similar. Many of the fringe players selected to Rep opposing teams were Leinster players.

Having said that. I really don't give a sh1te what Joe is accused of as long as all the players from all provinces don't feel that way.

by SecretFly Tue 5 Nov - 17:56

I've just asked a neice for a loan of her Xbox and Grand Theft Auto 5 so that I can parachute off Mount Chiliad... and...em...other things...with guns.... Cool

Does that make me immature??

I should'a got the Greenpeace game instead, right? Bummer!

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 5 Nov - 18:01

Sin é wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Guys like Donners act the mick too, (and he is also ultra pro in his Rugby) but they are not criticised for it in the same way.
DOC has been trying very hard to change that image of himself. There is not a huge difference in age between DOC & Heaslip but DOC takes his involvement as a UNICEF ambassador very seriously.

recent tweets from Heaslip:

jamie heaslip ‏@jamieheaslip 5h
New CoD or Battlefield.....decisions!

Donncha O'Callaghan ‏@docallaghan4 1 Nov
I'll be speaking to @MiriamOCal on the @johnmurrayshow between 9 & 10. About rugby and my role with @unicefireland

5 years between them off the top of my head. Same as between Jamie and Dave Kearney.

You are really clutching at straws to fit your point at this stage. Who gives a sh1te about any of this stuff?

You just don't like (your impression of) Jamie Heaslip. You are judging him on all kinds of irrelevant crap that has shag all to do with rugby.

Carry on.

by Sin é Tue 5 Nov - 18:05

My point is that DOC has matured and changed his image. Jamie at 30 should be at the same place.

Jerry Flannery's take on it is funny:

t’s been mentioned that somebody like Brian O’Driscoll, at this stage, might be a bit intimidating to the young lads (just because of his iconic status and seniority in the game) whereas Jamie would be a bit younger and more accessible and that could help the group, especially the new faces. Jamie also named his dog Jay Z, so this would be a pretty interesting topic for young players that wanted to break the ice and get chatting with him.
Jamie Heaslip -“Frak’s sake, Jay Z took a Poopie on my couch last night!”
Paddy Jackson – “You’ve got to be kidding me, that’s insane! Where did you meet him? Why would he do that, does he have some sort of bowel problems? Was Beyonce there? He hardly took a dump in front of his missus, did he? That’s so HOV!”
Jamie Heaslip – “Ah Paddy! Don’t be silly mate, I’m on about my dog! I’ve only gone and named my dog Jay Z!”
Paddy Jackson – “Jamie, you’re a gas Bar Steward, c’mon lets go win the Six Nations!”
*Christina Aguilera did not play for us, this is a blatant lie.

http://www.joe.ie/rugby/rugby-features/zero-rucks-given-jerry-flannery-on-camp-rala-and-who-should-captain-ireland/

by Sin é Tue 5 Nov - 18:14

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:5 years between them off the top of my head. Same as between Jamie and Dave Kearney.

You are really clutching at straws to fit your point at this stage. Who gives a sh1te about any of this stuff?

You just don't like (your impression of) Jamie Heaslip. You are judging him on all kinds of irrelevant crap that has shag all to do with rugby.

Carry on.

Heaslip 30 next month. DOC 34. D Kearney 24.

Any photos of Dave Kearney or any of the other 20-25 year olds around where their jeans are down at the back of their knees at an official occasion?

I'm judghing him on that (which makes it hard for anyone to take him serious) and on his shocking disciplinary record.

by Golden Tue 5 Nov - 18:19

It's odd how much stock you put in the trousers a player decides to wear.

by Sin é Tue 5 Nov - 18:30

Golden wrote:It's odd how much stock you put in the trousers a player decides to wear.

No problem with his trousers, just his blue knickers on show was a bit unbecoming for the situation he was in.

If you prefer, we could talk about his shocking disciplinary record Wink

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 5 Nov - 18:33

So. you are saying. that Doc is 34. Jamie is 29 and Dave K is 24 then? Laugh

by SecretFly Tue 5 Nov - 18:33

Jamie Heaslip: "Fuk's sake, Jay Z took a schit on my couch last night!"

Paddy Jackson: "Oh yeah? ..... Oh yeah, baby?!!! - And you're schitting me today. Can you rap? Can you rap, whitey? - No! No, you can't rap, Lips! Jay Z knows where it's at in this camp, dude! He's seen the youtube clips. He knows it's only hangin' with me and Zebo - see. That's the only brothers he's interested in hangin' with in this backyard, muddafukaah! Right on??!!! You better believe it, sugaah - Me and my man, ZeeB O. You white jive azzed muddah! Move your trash azz outta my territory, you name droppin' whistlebutt!"

by **Notch** Tue 5 Nov - 18:53

Jerry Flannery wrote:It’s been mentioned that somebody like Brian O’Driscoll, at this stage, might be a bit intimidating to the young lads (just because of his iconic status and seniority in the game) whereas Jamie would be a bit younger and more accessible and that could help the group, especially the new faces. Jamie also named his dog Jay Z, so this would be a pretty interesting topic for young players that wanted to break the ice and get chatting with him.
Jamie Heaslip -“Frak’s sake, Jay Z took a Poopie on my couch last night!”
Paddy Jackson – “You’ve got to be kidding me, that’s insane! Where did you meet him? Why would he do that, does he have some sort of bowel problems? Was Beyonce there? He hardly took a dump in front of his missus, did he? That’s so HOV!”
Jamie Heaslip – “Ah Paddy! Don’t be silly mate, I’m on about my dog! I’ve only gone and named my dog Jay Z!”
Paddy Jackson – “Jamie, you’re a gas Bar Steward, c’mon lets go win the Six Nations!”
*Christina Aguilera did not play for us, this is a blatant lie.

I've always backed O'Connell as Irish Captain over BOD, the only reason I'm not still in Camp O'Connell is the guys injury record. He is clearly the most talismanic leader we have, probably would have Captained the Lions again if we had any other coach but with his struggling for fitness would maybe think his time is nearly passed... however, if he's fully fit for the next three tests I would be delighted to see him given the job.

by Feckless Rogue Tue 5 Nov - 19:22

Just watched against the head. Top quotes.

Alan Quinlan wrote:We all know Joe Schmidt is great at analysis. But I'd like to see him analyse himself.

Eddie O'Sullivan wrote:Squad sessions are good

Wow.

To be fair Quinny is normally a good pundit. Just wasn't even bothered to try yesterday.

But EOS is terrible. Will somebody please put him out of his misery and give him a job as a coach. He's actually pretty good at that. Is there some sort of unwritten rule that the man can never coach in Europe again because Ireland feiced up their preparations for RWC '07?

by **rodders** Tue 5 Nov - 19:24

Sin é wrote:
Golden wrote:It's odd how much stock you put in the trousers a player decides to wear.
No problem with his trousers, just his blue knickers on show was a bit unbecoming for the situation he was in.

If you prefer, we could talk about his shocking disciplinary record

Sins right you know - there's no excuse for a man of that age wearing those trousers. His mini-me (Madigan) might get away with that sort of nonsense but Jamie should really know better by now.

by SecretFly Tue 5 Nov - 19:26

Maybe the IRFU could have done an FAI deal on it and brought Eddie in as an assistant to Schmidt? Em... Schmidt would do his sequence of backs moves and Eddie would have his drawer full. The master and the zen Buddha on one ticket! Doc AJF O'Reilly could fund it all... and World Domination would be the inevitable result.

by **Notch** Tue 5 Nov - 19:31

I wouldn't have any prejudice against Heaslip based on his personality, though he does seem more like the joker type than the 'leader of men' we tend to look for in a Captain. I actually have some sympathy with him in that whoever replaces BOD at 13 is in for a rough ride and whoever replaces him as Captain is in for a rough ride.

I just don't see how he provides that much leadership on the pitch. I guess with O'Connell and O'Driscoll- and O'Gara before he hung on past his prime- we had leaders on the pitch who didn't just talk he talk, they set the example with the quality of their performances too. Heaslip wouldn't be that calibre of player or that calibre of individual in an Ireland shirt. Hopefully one day he might be, but he isn't young anymore. Then you might think he's good at talking through the pressure moments, calming everyone down, keeping everyone focused- haven't really seen that in his Captaincy either.

by Feckless Rogue Tue 5 Nov - 19:34

SecretFly wrote:Maybe the IRFU could have done an FAI deal on it and brought Eddie in as an assistant to Schmidt? Em... Schmidt would do his sequence of backs moves and Eddie would have his drawer full. The master and the zen Buddha on one ticket! Doc AJF O'Reilly could fund it all... and World Domination would be the inevitable result.

Schmidt: Eddie what are you doing there?
EOS: Nothing.
Schmidt: It's just, I had my back to you there and when I turned around I thought I saw you sharpening a knife.
EOS: You must have been mistaken.
Schmidt: Oh, Ok. How's the training session going.
EOS: I want your job.
Schmidt: Excuse me?
EOS: I said they're gone for a jog.

by **rodders** Tue 5 Nov - 19:36

A big part is how referees respond to the captain, you really need a captain who the officials respect and can have a good rapport with. Jamie was pretty poor at this last season in my opinion.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 5 Nov - 19:38

As the man himself might say. Haters gonna hate. Like whatevs.

by Feckless Rogue Tue 5 Nov - 19:49

Off topic. But just saw O'Neill and Keane confirmed as Ireland's new coaching team. Crazy to hire Keane.

by **rodders** Tue 5 Nov - 19:50

He really sayz that? OK you've won me over - Jam master Heaslip for captain.

by SecretFly Tue 5 Nov - 19:51

rodders wrote:A big part is how referees respond to the captain, you really need a captain who the officials respect and can have a good rapport with. Jamie was pretty poor at this last season in my opinion.

You had time to look at the esoteric disciplin of ref/captain relations..................... amongst all the meltdown and Kidney wars that was going down in flames around our sad and sorry heads???

Come on Rodders.......... you just had to be looking at more than Heaslip, and how he might wink in a friendly yet manfully unsexual way at highly strung refs!

"Good day to you ref. Might I enquire humbly if we're still losing this game or whether you might awfully mind giving us maybe a penalty - close and between the sticks - so that we might put on a dashed show for the natives ensconsed in said Lansdowne road, don't you know?"

I don't think it really matters too much how friendly you are as a captain when the team is shyte.

by **Notch** Tue 5 Nov - 20:11

Tbh, I'm much more interested in the will he/won't he over Schmidt potentially resting Sexton this week.

Think it's a good idea. Sexton will be like an angry bear after watching from the sidelines this week.

by **rodders** Tue 5 Nov - 20:18

He won't. Samoa is the big one and we need the strongest possible team.

Win this we get some handy ranking points and then just go for it against the other two - take a few more risks. Lose this and Joe will be under massive pressure as we could be looking at 3 losses, which we can't afford heading into the 6N.

by **profitius** Tue 5 Nov - 21:01

Feckless Rogue wrote:Just watched against the head. Top quotes.

Alan Quinlan wrote:We all know Joe Schmidt is great at analysis. But I'd like to see him analyse himself.
Eddie O'Sullivan wrote:Squad sessions are good
Wow.

To be fair Quinny is normally a good pundit. Just wasn't even bothered to try yesterday.

But EOS is terrible. Will somebody please put him out of his misery and give him a job as a coach. He's actually pretty good at that. Is there some sort of unwritten rule that the man can never coach in Europe again because Ireland feiced up their preparations for RWC '07?

Ever listen to newstalk sports talking about rugby? Its like a talking gossip magazine, more interested about personalites and relationships in the squad than anything approaching being technical.

Rughy coverage in general in Ireland is sh!t.

by **Notch** Tue 5 Nov - 23:32

Dunno man, last week Schmidt said that to make the team you'd preferably need to be training fully today (Tuesday). Thats not a hard rule, I guess, but Sexton sat todays pitch session out.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/doubts-remain-over-paul-o-connell-s-fitness-1.1584547

O'Connell and O'Brien also doubts, O'Connell in particular is touch and go so it will be interesting to see if Schmidt risks them- goal might shift to having everyone fit and firing by the Australia game.

All will be revealed Tuesday lunchtime, but my current guess is; Healy, Best, Ross, Toner, Tuohy, O'Mahony, Henry, Heaslip, Murray, Jackson, McFadden, Marshall, BOD, Bowe, Kearney

by **rodders** Wed 6 Nov - 9:15

Yeah fair enough I just think this is the crux game - it would be an omnishambles to lose this and we'd be looking down the barrel then. Schmidt won't want a loss on his record first game up either.

We need our strongest available team but like you say we need people 100% fit too. I just think if Sexton can start, he will start - O'Connell is a bit more of a risk.

It funny that some think Schmidt will be more radical come selection because the reality at Leinster was that come the big games he was pretty consistent in selection, and put his faith in his stalwarts rather than the young guys, except were injury forced his hand.

What he was very good at though was insuring that anyone who did come in knew all the systems and that there wasn't a drop of in accuracy and intensity due to injury.

I think we may see:

15 Kearney
14 McFadden
13 BOD
12 D'arcy
11 Bowe
10 Sexton
9 Murray
8 Heaslip
7 O'Brien
6 O'Mahoney
5 Touhy/Toner
4 O'Connell
3 Ross
2 Best
1 Healy

Scrum half will be an interesting call because this is the key position in Schmidts attacking game. He may go back to Reddan if Murray can't adapt to the role.

I'd be disappointed to see D'Arcy start ahead of Marshall but I think Marshall isn't as suited to the way Joe plays. He prefers to go through the phases rather than kick possession which renders Marshalls kicking from hand a bit redundant, and Marshall isn't suited to the extra flanker role D'arcy performs.

Either we'll see some players adapt or Joe adapt his tactics -it will be very interesting to see how things go over these 3 games...

by GunsGerms Wed 6 Nov - 10:19

profitius wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:Just watched against the head. Top quotes.

Alan Quinlan wrote:We all know Joe Schmidt is great at analysis. But I'd like to see him analyse himself.
Eddie O'Sullivan wrote:Squad sessions are good
Wow.

To be fair Quinny is normally a good pundit. Just wasn't even bothered to try yesterday.

But EOS is terrible. Will somebody please put him out of his misery and give him a job as a coach. He's actually pretty good at that. Is there some sort of unwritten rule that the man can never coach in Europe again because Ireland feiced up their preparations for RWC '07?
Ever listen to newstalk sports talking about rugby? Its like a talking gossip magazine, more interested about personalites and relationships in the squad than anything approaching being technical.

Rughy coverage in general in Ireland is sh!t.

I disagree. On off the ball the presenters probably arent that knowledgable about rugby but the guests can be. They often have Emmet Byrne on the show who often gives good insights into what its like to be a former professional prop.

I think what you may be picking up on is Gerry Thornley is it? Himself and EOS are two of the few guests that they get on that arent former players so they sometimes talk more about less technical things.

I regularly listen to rugby pod casts from around the world and off the balls offering is without doubt up there with the very best in terms of quality of guests and insight into the game.

This one hosted by Djuro Sen is probably the best around though IMO:

http://ruggamatrix.com/

Havent listened to it in a while but their regular guests used to be Les Kiss and Ewan McKensie who are friends so it was great to hear from Kiss what was going on in the Ireland camp.

Liam Toland in my opinion is the best technical rugby journalist in Ireland.
Matt Williams is my favorite for rugby anecdotes.
Thornley is the best for brown nosing.
Philip Matthews (BBC) best commentator in the NH.
Neil Francis is the best WUM.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 6 Nov - 10:47

rodders wrote:
I think we may see:

15 Kearney
14 McFadden
13 BOD
12 D'arcy
11 Bowe
10 Sexton
9 Murray
8 Heaslip
7 O'Brien
6 O'Mahoney
5 Touhy/Toner
4 O'Connell
3 Ross
2 Best
1 Healy

I think you are fairly spot on there Rodders if everyone is passed fit.

Toner would be instead of POC though rather than as well as. Spot beside POC will be Tuohy/McCarthy.

Toner on the bench. POC doesn't make it it would be Toner with Tuohy/McCarthy.

Bench has more calls on it than the team.

T Court/J McGrath
S Cronin
D Fitzpatrick/S Archer
D Toner
C Henry
E Reddan/Boss
P Jackson/I Madigan
D Kearney/ A Trimble

Reddan, Jackson and Kearney are safer bets, but the props could go any way. The first name in each case would be my choice/guest.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 6 Nov - 11:00

Emmett Byrne is technical to the point of inducing a coma. I love him, but those less interested in rugby would find him difficult. Trevor Hogan can come out with some good stuff too. Even EOS has insights (Bear in mind he coached Ireland to more triple crowns than anyone on here) he just waffles a lot.

GT is a Journo who never played the game at any level. He does have a lot of insights into the behind the scenes stuff and having covered Rugby for probably 15 years is no mug either.

Not saying there is no room for improvement (I hear "against the head" was shocking the other night but haven't seen it) But we are far from having the worst Rugby coverage in the universe.

by GunsGerms Wed 6 Nov - 11:05

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Emmett Byrne is technical to the point of inducing a coma. I love him, but those less interested in rugby would find him difficult. Trevor Hogan can come out with some good stuff too. Even EOS has insights (Bear in mind he coached Ireland to more triple crowns than anyone on here) he just waffles a lot.

GT is a Journo who never played the game at any level. He does have a lot of insights into the behind the scenes stuff and having covered Rugby for probably 15 years is no mug either.

Not saying there is no room for improvement (I hear "against the head" was shocking the other night but haven't seen it) But we are far from having the worst Rugby coverage in the universe.

I really like listening to Emmet Byrne!!!!!! Against the head can be a little flaky. Not a Victor Costello fan at all really. He is quite boring.

Just realised I confused Against the head for Off the Ball. Point taken Profitius!!

by **rodders** Wed 6 Nov - 11:20

Interesting comments from Henry on the captaincy on RTE this morning - The players don't know who it will be but the 4 frontrunners are O'Connell, BOD, Best and Heaslip - no great surprise but O'Connell does seem to be the favourite....

by GunsGerms Wed 6 Nov - 11:32

rodders wrote:Interesting comments from Henry on the captaincy on RTE this morning - The players don't know who it will be but the 4 frontrunners are O'Connell, BOD, Best and Heaslip - no great surprise but O'Connell does seem to be the favourite....

For me those are the top four and I would select in order:

1POC
2Best/Heaslip
3BOD

by **profitius** Wed 6 Nov - 12:20

Gerry Thornley get a lot of stick but I like him even though he does toe the party line a bit.

Breaing news (spotted this on planetrugby) Gerry Thornley's method of getting the teamsheet before everyone else has been found out! Very Happy

Ireland's November Series and Beyond... - Page 11 Dkke

Ireland's November Series and Beyond... - Page 11 Mx19

by Standulstermen Wed 6 Nov - 12:21

According to someone else on Planetrugby sexton won't be involved

by GunsGerms Wed 6 Nov - 12:22

profitius wrote:Gerry Thornley get a lot of stick but I like him even though he does toe the party line a bit.

Breaing news (spotted this on planetrugby) Gerry Thornley's method of getting the teamsheet before everyone else has been found out!

He really does have inside access. I like the way he always says the "most likely team is" or something like then when he knows well what it is.

by Mickado Wed 6 Nov - 12:27

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Emmett Byrne is technical to the point of inducing a coma. I love him, but those less interested in rugby would find him difficult. Trevor Hogan can come out with some good stuff too. Even EOS has insights (Bear in mind he coached Ireland to more triple crowns than anyone on here) he just waffles a lot.

GT is a Journo who never played the game at any level. He does have a lot of insights into the behind the scenes stuff and having covered Rugby for probably 15 years is no mug either.

Not saying there is no room for improvement (I hear "against the head" was shocking the other night but haven't seen it) But we are far from having the worst Rugby coverage in the universe.

Oh yeah it was bad, the "video analysis" given on Schmidt's game plan/style at Leinster was cringey.

by geoff998rugby Wed 6 Nov - 12:27

Hearing rumours that Sexton is struggling with an injury

As to Captain I would not name one for the games and just pick one on a game by game basis

There are disadvantages in all of the candidates - BOD, POC, POM, Heaslip, Sexton, Best, Kearney. Not one stands out.
I'd pick POC is fit with the full realization he is not the long term solution.
I don't rate Heaslip as a captain and reckon it is too soon for POM.
Sexton should not get it as he is not based in Ireland
If Best has a good autumn he could just come up on the rails to be favourite for the 6N

by Mickado Wed 6 Nov - 12:37

Just for the craic, here’s the team I’d like to see this weekend (all fit blah blah):

Healy – Best – Archer
Touhy – POC
POM – Heaslip – SOB
Murray – Jackson
McFadden – Marshall – BOD – Bowe
Kearney

Cronin – McGrath – Moore – Toner – Henry – Boss – Sexton – D Kearney
Everyone to get some time off the bench

Then against Aus:

Healy – Best – Fitzpatrick
POC – McCarthy
POM – Heaslip – SOB
Murray – Sexton
Trimble – Darcy – BOD – Bowe
Kearney
Cronin – Court – Moore – Toner – McLaughlin – Boss – Madigan – D Kearney
Everyone to get some time off the bench

Then for NZ, in any positions where there was a close call between players, pick the ones who performed better in either of these games. And start Mike Ross.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 6 Nov - 12:48

You can't bring Mike Ross of all people into the NZ game with no gametime.

Moore ain't in the squad, but I'm sure he could be at a moment's notice.

by Standulstermen Wed 6 Nov - 12:53

Agreed Jen. Ross will see gametime in one of the first two. If fitz is fit he will get a go too. He has been excellent. Moore won't get in but for injury which is fair enough given his inexperience. If gametime continues for the lad then 6N will see him involved

by **Notch** Wed 6 Nov - 12:56

You know, the one call I couldn't live with for Samoa is D'Arcy over Marshall. I think Tuohy deserves a call-up too but D'Arcy-BOD midfield would be depressing.

We might as well use this final year of BOD to bed in an inside centre and it's not like Luke Marshall isn't ready to step up.

by Mickado Wed 6 Nov - 13:24

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:You can't bring Mike Ross of all people into the NZ game with no gametime.

Moore ain't in the squad, but I'm sure he could be at a moment's notice.

Ok, switch Ross for Moore in both squads then. I know Ross requires gametime to work up a head of steam but other players need gametime in that position too. We can't complain that Ross is the only one capable of playing TH and then (with a relative abundance, for Ireland anyway, of THs available) not give anyone else some time.

by **rodders** Wed 6 Nov - 13:32

Notch wrote:You know, the one call I couldn't live with for Samoa is D'Arcy over Marshall. I think Tuohy deserves a call-up too but D'Arcy-BOD midfield would be depressing.

We might as well use this final year of BOD to bed in an inside centre and it's not like Luke Marshall isn't ready to step up.

I'd go with Marshall everyday of the week and twice on Sundays (actually I'd pick Olding but hey ho).

I just think Schmidt will go with D'arcy, who's been an ever present for him at Leinster and understands the game plan and role inside out. Marshall may need a bit of time to adapt to the way Schmidt plays - which is to play through teams rather than around them.

by Standulstermen Wed 6 Nov - 13:35

I would hope Marshall will start two games (one being NZ). He has played a lot of rugby this season though so I wouldn't be averse to seeing a different 12 for one game (probably samoa)

by **Notch** Wed 6 Nov - 14:22

I also think Olding may well usurp Marshall in the long term, but his season just hasn't got started yet with unfortunate injuries.

Belfast Telegraph seem to think Jackson might start on Saturday- it's gonna be a close call for Sexton. 50/50.

by GunsGerms Wed 6 Nov - 15:03

I must say I am feeling quite positive about this campaign and beyond.

About Schmidt;
Whereas in the past few appointments our coaches have done lots of good things, introduced levels of professionalism and organisation to unprecedented levels in the Irish set up I believe in Joe our squad will progress to the next level because in Joe we have a very creative, innovative and forward thinking coach that can hopefully help Ireland move ahead of the trend rather than match it.

Bravo Two Zebo;
Recent successes have built around ultra-physicality and beating up opposition, a highly combative style of warfare rugby. Our erratic results and busy injury room have shown this is not sustainable. However, we do have a new crop of fast, exciting skilful players such as Simon Zebo, Craig Gilroy and Ian Madigan etc. I think Schmidt will be able to achieve a greater balance of forward and back play that is more sustainable.

The Life of Brian;
Granted one of our brightest stars ever is fading and soon to move on but I think it’s time for Irish fans to look on the bright side of life. There is only so much one man can do and as rugby in Ireland evolves I believe that we are building greater depth all the time which is the most important thing in any post Brian contingency as let’s face it he often did the work of more than one man. Hopefully most people will now soon see the merit in the IRFU introducting quotas on foreign players in certain positions.

by geoff998rugby Wed 6 Nov - 16:18

GunsGerms wrote: Hopefully most people will now soon see the merit in the IRFU introducting quotas on foreign players in certain positions.

That is dead in the water

by GunsGerms Wed 6 Nov - 16:25

geoff998rugby wrote:
GunsGerms wrote: Hopefully most people will now soon see the merit in the IRFU introducting quotas on foreign players in certain positions.
That is dead in the water

Is it? when did that happen?

by Sponsored content

How will Ireland do in the Autumn Internationals?