Ireland's November Series and Beyond...

by RugbyFan182 Wed 16 Oct 2013, 1:31 am

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 Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 07 Nov 2013, 4:36 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Tuohy is not the enforcer lock at Ulster Muller/Stevenson are.

In fact if there was a criticism of Tuohy last year it was hid did too much playing in the loose and not enough at the breakdown.

He offers far more than Toner as a 2nd row in the scrum.
I do accept the point regarding which side of the scrum they pack but it is not unknown for Tuohy to pack behind the LH at Ulster

Fair enough Geoff. Not all locks fall neatly into the 2 categories I defined in the way Bakkies and Matfield do.

Notch wrote:You're right of course Pete. Team selection day is a very emotionally charged day.

I don't agree with the idea that Toner and Tuohy aren't in direct competition. As a lock, Tuohy is an all-rounder. Can call the lineout, carry in wide channels, scrummages very well on either the tighthead side or the loosehead side and has massively improved his work rate in the tight. He's one of the very few locks I'd feel is as comfortable with 4 or 5 on his back. He's the most athletic lock we have, and with Ryan missing and O'Connell just coming back from injury probably the most physically abrasive lock we could have started.

Again fair enough. Not as well up on Tuohy as you guys. I had put him in a role that perhaps I should not have.

Notch wrote:

It may well be that Schmidt and Plumtree are looking to McCarthy to call the lineouts and thats the key reason Tuohy isn't in

Pretty sure Toner does all that when they play together for Leinster

Notch wrote:but I'm astounded there's no place for him against a team like Samoa. He's an athletic, physical guy who would seem perfect for this challenge- maybe they are concerned about his discipline. He can give away silly penalties and Samoa will doubtless bring plenty of niggle.

I hope he gets a chance at some point, he's earned it but this is only the first team Schmidt has named so I should be giving him and the team waaaaay more of the benefit of the doubt than I have been. Fair enough- hope we see Tuohy more as the series goes on. I think if we dominate the breakdown here we'll win this and I'm fairly optimistic about that. Best and Henry will be a complete nuisance on their ball and force them to put a lot of guys into clear them out of rucks on their own ball, hopefully win us a few penalties too- if Schmidt can get us working as hard at the breakdown and clearing it as quickly as he had Leinster we can hurt them.

I think our rucking was down to Jono Gibbes tbh.

Anyway. Bring on the game. Going to it with my whole family.

by GunsGerms Thu 07 Nov 2013, 4:38 pm

rodders wrote:I think Jackson is really well suited to the attacking game Joe will want to play so it should be interesting to see how he goes.

How is his kicking going for Ulster?

by Submachine Thu 07 Nov 2013, 4:51 pm

Suprised at the lack of love for McCarthy. McCarthy/POC will be first choice pairing for Ireland until POC calls it a day even if everyone else including Ryan is fit. He is a workhorse and has been brilliant for Leinster this season carrying on from his consistently excellent displays for a poor Connacht over the last 3/4 years.
Thought Marshall would have got a run out in this game, hope he gets the nod against Australia.

by GunsGerms Thu 07 Nov 2013, 4:52 pm

Submachine wrote:Suprised at the lack of love for McCarthy. McCarthy/POC will be first choice pairing for Ireland until POC calls it a day even if everyone else including Ryan is fit. He is a workhorse and has been brilliant for Leinster this season carrying on from his consistently excellent displays for a poor Connacht over the last 3/4 years.
Thought Marshall would have got a run out in this game, hope he gets the nofd against Australia.

I reckon he (Marshall) will.

by **rodders** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 4:56 pm

GunsGerms wrote:
rodders wrote:I think Jackson is really well suited to the attacking game Joe will want to play so it should be interesting to see how he goes.
How is his kicking going for Ulster?

Hmm a wise guy eh?....

Actually its been pretty good over the past 4/5 games. Missed a couple of sitters here and there but percentages have been good and he's striking the ball well. Kicking from hand would have ROG's wee cheeks going red with jealousy....

by GunsGerms Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:03 pm

Ha, Rodders. Actually I was being serious but good to know its going well.

by **rodders** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:09 pm

It's relative isn't it Guns- I'm not going to say he's Owen Farrell or Leigh Halfpenny but it's been pretty good.

Pienaar's been taking a few obviously but generally when Jacksons kicked he's did the business.

Touch wood he'll go well on Saturday. He is in excellent form....

by hugo124 Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:10 pm

Annoyed Paddy and Ferg got the nod, Mads and Dave Kearns both have more potential! vomit

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:11 pm

Notch wrote:You're right of course Pete. Team selection day is a very emotionally charged day.

I don't agree with the idea that Toner and Tuohy aren't in direct competition. As a lock, Tuohy is an all-rounder. Can call the lineout, carry in wide channels, scrummages very well on either the tighthead side or the loosehead side and has massively improved his work rate in the tight. He's one of the very few locks I'd feel is as comfortable with 4 or 5 on his back. He's the most athletic lock we have, and with Ryan missing and O'Connell just coming back from injury probably the most physically abrasive lock we could have started.

It may well be that Schmidt and Plumtree are looking to McCarthy to call the lineouts and thats the key reason Tuohy isn't in but I'm astounded there's no place for him against a team like Samoa. He's an athletic, physical guy who would seem perfect for this challenge- maybe they are concerned about his discipline. He can give away silly penalties and Samoa will doubtless bring plenty of niggle.

I hope he gets a chance at some point, he's earned it but this is only the first team Schmidt has named so I should be giving him and the team waaaaay more of the benefit of the doubt than I have been. Fair enough- hope we see Tuohy more as the series goes on. I think if we dominate the breakdown here we'll win this and I'm fairly optimistic about that. Best and Henry will be a complete nuisance on their ball and force them to put a lot of guys into clear them out of rucks on their own ball, hopefully win us a few penalties too- if Schmidt can get us working as hard at the breakdown and clearing it as quickly as he had Leinster we can hurt them.

It really is. Particularly with a new coach involved.

I'd have put Tuohy in over McCarthy but hey ho.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:13 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Sin é wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Hate him so much you can't be arsed spelling his name right eh?
Who? Kneeslip?
That's him.

I'll tee them up. You smash them over the net.

Your hatred of him is funny really. Guy is one of the best rugby players on the planet. Arguably only behind Read. But because he wears headphones and loose trousers we should get shut of him?
Sorry Jen, but that really is complete rubbish. I know you are a fan, but Heaslip has been well off the mark compared to many other 8s, never mind being considered one of the best rugby players on the planet..

He has been so inconsistent over the past few years.
I gave up on the Heaslip thing a few pages ago. But I'd just like to point out that this post is from a guy who thought James Cawlin was the "form 8 in Ireland"

As I said earlier. He changed his game for various reasons (mainly because it was the best for the team) from the all singing all dancing carrying game to a more rucking, defensive and breakdown game.

Some people have interpreted this as a "loss of form" He can still turn on the carrying when he wants.

Totally agree. It bothers me when people say he has been playing poorly, when realistically he is just playing differently.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:15 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx5esDMXJ0c

Feel this love

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:21 pm

Thing is, there are three discrete groups.

Those who think Heaslip is world class, those who think is a decent option at test level and valuable but not in the same class as the Parisses, Reads, Lobbes, Picamoles of this world etc. and those who think he's shoite because he has a pair of Beats Headphones and spends his down time opening restaurants instead of farming.

I would put myself in the second group. Doesn't mean I wouldn't pick Heaslip for Ireland or appreciate him as a player. Just means I think you're going way, way overboard in detailing his merits.

by Sin é Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:27 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Sin é wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Hate him so much you can't be arsed spelling his name right eh?
Who? Kneeslip?
That's him.

I'll tee them up. You smash them over the net.

Your hatred of him is funny really. Guy is one of the best rugby players on the planet. Arguably only behind Read. But because he wears headphones and loose trousers we should get shut of him?
Sorry Jen, but that really is complete rubbish. I know you are a fan, but Heaslip has been well off the mark compared to many other 8s, never mind being considered one of the best rugby players on the planet..

He has been so inconsistent over the past few years.
I gave up on the Heaslip thing a few pages ago. But I'd just like to point out that this post is from a guy who thought James Cawlin was the "form 8 in Ireland"

As I said earlier. He changed his game for various reasons (mainly because it was the best for the team) from the all singing all dancing carrying game to a more rucking, defensive and breakdown game.

Some people have interpreted this as a "loss of form" He can still turn on the carrying when he wants.

Totally agree. It bothers me when people say he has been playing poorly, when realistically he is just playing differently.

But what about his shocking discipline Pete Whistle

More Yellow Cards than Stefon Armitage Smile

by GunsGerms Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:29 pm

Steffon Armitage isnt an international rugby player. He got five caps years ago compared to Heaslips 62. Sure hes bound to pick up more cards.

by Sin é Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:36 pm

GunsGerms wrote:Steffon Armitage isnt an international rugby player. He got five caps years ago compared to Heaslips 62. Sure hes bound to pick up more cards.

I was only comparing their club career cards. Jamie has 8 YCs for Leinster. (1 Red & 1 Yellow for Ireland.)
Stefan has 7 at club level.

By the way, whoever was looking for a link to look them up. Here it is:

http://www.itsrugby.com/joueur_953.html

PS - that a link to Denis (very bad discipline who should never play because of it according to the theBoyPete) Leamy's record (3 at club level).

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:36 pm

GunsGerms wrote:Steffon Armitage isnt an international rugby player. He got five caps years ago compared to Heaslips 62. Sure hes bound to pick up more cards.

Where did Steffon Armitage come into this conversation? Lost?

Notch-
I'd put him in the second group learning slightly towards the first. He is not in the top 3 number 8's currently but he is underrated by a lot of people at the moment (moment = last 1.5 years)

by Sin é Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:41 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:Steffon Armitage isnt an international rugby player. He got five caps years ago compared to Heaslips 62. Sure hes bound to pick up more cards.
Where did Steffon Armitage come into this conversation? Lost?

A benchmark as to how poor Jamie's discipline is - the Armitages are noted for getting into trouble.

by Standulstermen Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:51 pm

Definitely don't think McCarthy will be in harness until POC retires. He is slightly fortunate IMO. He has look jaded since the 6N IMO. I would potentially expect one of Tuohy (if he is playing well enough) or Henderson to come in.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 6:27 pm

Yeah I think Ryan, Toner, Tuohy and Henderson will all surpass him (not necessarily in that order)

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 6:34 pm

No Census Johnston for Samoa Yahoo

Mulipola is at tighthead- he's good, but not in the same league as Johnston. Think McGrath will have a few tough moments but generally will be able to handle him. Also no Paul Williams, their inspirational bollock-squeezing Captain.

There's two of the real key Samoan players not involved due to injury as well as no David Lemi or Alesana Tuilagi. Iosefa Tekori starts on the bench as well. Himself and Ti'i Paulo will be good impact players in the second half in the same way as Healy and SOB will be for us, but they are more understrength than we are.

The big threat they possess is in the halfbacks. Tusi Pisi is a great runner, very creative player. Fotuali'i is class.

Samoa (v Ireland): F Autagavaia; A Leiua, G Pisi, J Leota, B Vaalu; T Pisi, K Fotuali’i (capt); S Taulafo, W Ole Avei, L Mulipola; F Lemalu, F Paulo; O Treviranus, J Lam, T Tuifua. Replacements: T Paulo, V Afatia, J Johnston, I Tekori, A Faosiliva, J Sua, I Tuifua, F Otto.

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 6:50 pm

Have also heard good things about Jack Lam (relative of Pat- big family thats big on rugby) and Alapati Leiua.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 6:51 pm

Good news indeed. Smile

My wishlist so....

1) Semi-coherent attacking structure based on quick ball, dynamic running, support lines and good decision making. Tumbleweed

may be a bridge too far in this game.

2) I want our lineout to be a bit more secure than it was in the 6Nations.

3) McGrath, Henry, Jackson all to have good games.

4) No injuries.

5) A dominant win.

....I never ask for much...

by LeinsterFan4life Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:02 pm

Thats dissapointing that Samoa are missing all them players. They don't get to field their first 15 often.

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:08 pm

Lot of people talking about the Samoans coming down Paddy Jacksons channel- I'm not concerned about that. They've got some brilliant carriers but he's tougher than you'd think.

by SecretFly Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:17 pm

Jackson left a message:

Thanks for not being concerned about big Samoans coming down my channel for a full 80 minutes, Notch. Do you want to come down here and take my place on Saturday? Wink

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:22 pm

Hehe, I'll pass. The guy is made of tougher stuff than me!

Very, very excited about the game and the series.

by Cari Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:31 pm

Tommy back in the green jersey!!! Ireland's November Series and Beyond... - Page 16 3933776953

As you were lads...

by Artful_Dodger Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:32 pm

Has Schmidt gone for Henry at 7 because he wants a fetcher type 7 to produce quick attacking a ball and make a mess of the other teams ball? If so and if it works who will miss out to Henry in the future out of O'Mahoney and O'Brien? Assuming the answer is neither thus far...

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:34 pm

He was singing the praises of Henrys breakdown work. Will be interesting if he plays well- we might see O'Brien coming back at 6 and Henry staying.

I see this as shootout between O'Mahony and Henry regarding who starts against Australia. I think O'Brien and Heaslip are certs, then it's Henry at openside with SOB at blindside or POM at 6 and SOB at 7.

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:36 pm

I can't see O'Brien not coming in next week but I do believe Schmidt is appreciative of what Henry can offer at the breakdown and this is a big opportunity for Chris to impress and put his hand up for more caps.

by Standulstermen Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:37 pm

O'Brien is without question our top 7 and he walks into the team IMO. I don't know would Schmidt countenance a

6. O'Brien
7. Henry
8. Heaslip

But I suspect not. Henry has a chance to cement his place in the squad
though and get a jump on O'Donnell and McLaughlin. It's all moot if Ferris is able to get back anywhere near his best (God willing).

On next weeks selection I wouldn't be surprised to see

McLaughlin (injury aside)
O'Brien
Heaslip

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:41 pm

I definitely think he would countenance an O'Brien, Henry and Heaslip backrow! Why not? It's very balanced. All three guys are good all-rounders, all three are good at the breakdown and you have your ball carrying 6, your groundhog 7 and your footballing 8.

Might be one of the best balanced backrows we could put out- all depends on how Henry plays this week.

by Standulstermen Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:43 pm

Shifting SOB though notch. I'm not certain. Henry hopefully will give him food for thought

by Artful_Dodger Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:43 pm

I agree - I think given the emphasis Schmidt puts on attacking rugby he will seriously consider Henry at 7 to produce the quality ball an attacking game thrives on.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:46 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Has Schmidt gone for Henry at 7 because he wants a fetcher type 7 to produce quick attacking a ball and make a mess of the other teams ball? If so and if it works who will miss out to Henry in the future out of O'Mahoney and O'Brien? Assuming the answer is neither thus far...

I'm hoping that is the idea and I'm hoping someone has sat Murray down in a room every day for a good 30mins to tell him that; "the new coach wants quick ball, forget what the last guy said, get it to Paddy, get it to Paddy."

Murray is a great 9 I just hope he can deliver the ball as quickly as needs be, it's definitely not his forte (doesn't need to be) as long as he can do it (if that is indeed the plan in the first place).

by ME-109 Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:47 pm

Or maybe as with POC, SOB is being eased back due to injury

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:47 pm

Standulstermen wrote:Shifting SOB though notch. I'm not certain. Henry hopefully will give him food for thought

Schmidt really had two backrow combinations he used at Leinster depending on the opposition-

6 McLaughlin, 7 O'Brien and 8 Heaslip
6 O'Brien, 7 Jennings and 8 Heaslip

I can definitely see him wanting a specialist fetcher in certain games and being willing to be flexible with where O'Brien plays to accomodate that. The onus is on Henry to put his hand up on Saturday and put himself forward for that role.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:55 pm

Notch wrote:
Standulstermen wrote:Shifting SOB though notch. I'm not certain. Henry hopefully will give him food for thought
Schmidt really had two backrow combinations he used at Leinster depending on the opposition-

6 McLaughlin, 7 O'Brien and 8 Heaslip (6. O'Mahoney, 7. O'Brien and 8 Heaslip)
6 O'Brien, 7 Jennings and 8 Heaslip (6. O'Brien, 7. Henry and 8 Heaslip)

I can definitely see him wanting a specialist fetcher in certain games and being willing to be flexible with where O'Brien plays to accomodate that. The onus is on Henry to put his hand up on Saturday and put himself forward for that role.

In my eyes, the second set translates pretty well. Henry for Jennings with Heaslip and SOB should work.

I do not believe for even a moment that POM is a like for like with McLaughlin. I think POM is a good player but pretty overrated in Ireland as a whole. Even if he was a better player I still believe that leaves the balance of the backrow 'off' as POM doesn't get through enough donkey work to accommodate SOB and Heaslip to do what they do best.

In terms of horses for courses selections though....there aren't enough thumbs to put up to this

by Rory_Gallagher Thu 07 Nov 2013, 7:57 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:Has Schmidt gone for Henry at 7 because he wants a fetcher type 7 to produce quick attacking a ball and make a mess of the other teams ball? If so and if it works how will miss out to Henry in the future out of O'Mahoney and O'Brien? Assuming the answer is neither thus far...

I would love to see Henry have a good game, and if he does, he should be rewarded with a starting place.

It should be Heaslip who misses out, but sure. As vice captain he is a definite starter.

If he can play as he did for that Lions game (can't remember which game) then he would deserve to be a definite starter and I would 100% back him. He is very inconsistent though. No, it isn't because he chooses not to carry and does the donkey work either.. He just has bad games. He is becoming the irish Lydiate it seems.

by **rodders** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 8:44 pm

Notch wrote:
Those who think Heaslip is world class, those who think is a decent option at test level and valuable but not in the same class as the Parisses, Reads, Lobbes, Picamoles of this world etc. and those who think he's shoite because he has a pair of Beats Headphones and spends his down time opening restaurants instead of farming

Yeah I'm defo in group 3. He should be out there milking cows like O'Brien....

In fairness he hit a rich vein of form there at the tail end of last season and on the Lions. He always finds that spring in his step when there's a Lions tour or new IRFU contract to play for .... Cool

He's still a good player but for me not in the same calibre as guys like Reid, Parisse, Picamoles etc. anymore.... he's better than Faletau though ....

by **profitius** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 9:16 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:In my eyes, the second set translates pretty well. Henry for Jennings with Heaslip and SOB should work.

I do not believe for even a moment that POM is a like for like with McLaughlin. I think POM is a good player but pretty overrated in Ireland as a whole. Even if he was a better player I still believe that leaves the balance of the backrow 'off' as POM doesn't get through enough donkey work to accommodate SOB and Heaslip to do what they do best.

In terms of horses for courses selections though....there aren't enough thumbs to put up to this

POM is probably the most underrated player playing for Ireland! He is consistently good to excellent and wins numerous MOTM awards especially in the big games and he is as important to Munster as POC is.

I don't know why you think he doesn't do enough the donkey work to accommodate Heaslip and SOB??

by **profitius** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 9:18 pm

Theres a bit of an overreaction about the team. Schmidt hinted months back that he will rotate the squad a bit so he left some top players on the bench with a view of the next 2 games. Its refreshing to see.

by ME-109 Thu 07 Nov 2013, 9:56 pm

profitius wrote:Theres a bit of an overreaction about the team. Schmidt hinted months back that he will rotate the squad a bit so he left some top players on the bench with a view of the next 2 games. Its refreshing to see.

i believe that is a misconception, if Sexton, SOB, POC and Earls/Zebo were all fully fit they would all be starting. Depending on injuries after Samoa i would expect them to be the only changes. McGrath deserves a go but Healy will come in for Aus as well. Possibly Dec Fitz as well.

by Rory_Gallagher Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:00 pm

profitius wrote:
pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:In my eyes, the second set translates pretty well. Henry for Jennings with Heaslip and SOB should work.

I do not believe for even a moment that POM is a like for like with McLaughlin. I think POM is a good player but pretty overrated in Ireland as a whole. Even if he was a better player I still believe that leaves the balance of the backrow 'off' as POM doesn't get through enough donkey work to accommodate SOB and Heaslip to do what they do best.

In terms of horses for courses selections though....there aren't enough thumbs to put up to this
POM is probably the most underrated player playing for Ireland! He is consistently good to excellent and wins numerous MOTM awards especially in the big games and he is as important to Munster as POC is.

I don't know why you think he doesn't do enough the donkey work to accommodate Heaslip and SOB??

I totally agree, I really do not understand the criticism against POM. He makes a lot of ground with ball in hand yet isn't considered a good ball carrier, he makes significant turnovers and is always in the thick of action but he apparently doesn't do enough work. He contributes a lot in open play, he has fantastic line-out skills and he is a quality leader to boot. Not enough apparently..

I think most people are basing their opinions on POM on what they have seen in the Ireland games. Well, we all know that the players haven't been playing to their strengths for Ireland, which I hope will change with Schmidt. I am convinced that he will produce the same performances that he has for Munster on the world stage.

by Gibson Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:04 pm

profitius wrote:Theres a bit of an overreaction about the team. Schmidt hinted months back that he will rotate the squad a bit so he left some top players on the bench with a view of the next 2 games. Its refreshing to see.

Do ya know what it is Prof?

You save so much time man. guinness

by Gibson Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:20 pm

ME-109 wrote:
profitius wrote:Theres a bit of an overreaction about the team. Schmidt hinted months back that he will rotate the squad a bit so he left some top players on the bench with a view of the next 2 games. Its refreshing to see.
i believe that is a misconception, if Sexton, SOB, POC and Earls/Zebo were all fully fit they would all be starting. Depending on injuries after Samoa i would expect them to be the only changes. McGrath deserves a go but Healy will come in for Aus as well. Possibly Dec Fitz as well.

So what's the problem then? This is good. He's blending youth and experience already. Transitioning in his first game. Brave move.

by Golden Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:33 pm

Actually kind of excited about these international games. Its been a long time since thats happened.

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:33 pm

Golden wrote:Actually kind of excited about these international games. Its been a long time since thats happened.

Same as that.

by **Notch** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:36 pm

ME-109 wrote:
profitius wrote:Theres a bit of an overreaction about the team. Schmidt hinted months back that he will rotate the squad a bit so he left some top players on the bench with a view of the next 2 games. Its refreshing to see.
i believe that is a misconception, if Sexton, SOB, POC and Earls/Zebo were all fully fit they would all be starting. Depending on injuries after Samoa i would expect them to be the only changes. McGrath deserves a go but Healy will come in for Aus as well. Possibly Dec Fitz as well.

I wouldn't be too keen on Deccie Fitz. If picked he will do a great job for us in the scrum but not do much anywhere else... He's not the most athletic and will possibly be exposed by a more fleet-footed Aussie when he is caught in the defensive line. But then, Mike Ross isn't offering very much outside the scrum these days either.

by Gibson Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:38 pm

Notch wrote:I can't see O'Brien not coming in next week but I do believe Schmidt is appreciative of what Henry can offer at the breakdown and this is a big opportunity for Chris to impress and put his hand up for more caps.

Heard him being interviewed. Watched him play. He's a very determined clever bollix. Like the cut of his jib. Hope he displaces and moves SOB to 6. That would be nice.

I don't give a flying phooke what ye peasants say, but to move on up, like all great sides, we need a proper basterd 7. I reckon Henry could be the One.

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