Ireland v New Zealand

First topic message reminder :

Right what's done is done regarding Aus. Time to move on and look forward to the ABs. This could be one to watch from behind the couch.

I don't expect any major changes in the team. Murray for Redden being the only obvious change, possibly at tighthead, possibly in the second row. Sexton is doubtful, maybe Earls is available.

My only expectation for this game is for an improved performance as the required level of aggressiveness was just non existent last Saturday. Otherwise we are looking at some hammering.

Without stating the obvious...I would like to see our players try to copy the All Blacks in certain aspects of the game. Namely
1. Passing the ball to another Irish player who is moving forwards and preferably in space
2. When running with the ball try to avoid the opposition players as much as possible instead of seeking out contact.
that is all.

Suas an bothair agus ar aghaidh an tarbh.

Updated with Teams
All Blacks
15 Dagg,14 jane, 13 B Smith, 12 Nonu, 11 Savea, 10 Cruden, 9 A Smith
8 Read, 7 McCaw, 6 Luatua, 5 Whitelock, , 4 Romano, 3 Faumoina, 2 Hore , 1 Crockett

Ireland
R Kearney; T Bowe, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross, D Toner, P O’Connell, P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, D Fitzpatrick, M McCarthy, K McLaughlin, I Boss, I Madigan, L Fitzgerald.

Taylorman wrote:

The Saint wrote:All Blacks to choke. They never win all of their games in a season.

True. Though this is the first time theyve set it as a goal. Last year it was winning the first R Championship and retaining the Bledisloe. This year theyve added one more to that and are on track so far.

Savea looks to be out through injury?

Yeah, one step at a time and everything.... Who will take the place of Savea if he's out?

Piatau

Finally we get to test out the widely accepted theory that Leinster are better than the All Blacks  

Feckless Rogue wrote:Finally we get to test out the widely accepted theory that Leinster are better than the All Blacks  

No 2 years ago we were better than the All Blacks but without Leo,Richardt O'Straussaigh and Shaggy there's too much dead weight on the team  

New Zealand are better than they were 2 years ago too

Engine#4 wrote:New Zealand are better than they were 2 years ago too

Yeah don't take it seriously,I don't actually believe any of that.

Neither do I, just poking fun. They only won a world cup 2 years ago after all. Should have added the  

I have a feeling Ireland might just do it.

Would have agreed with you before the oz match but the defence was just so poor the ABs will exploit it. Not the sort of thing you can easily fix in a week.

We will be hammered - live with it

they've never been 1 game out from a perfect season either.

if i were an irish fan i would be very nervous.

There's not much to be nervous about. Everyone expects us to lose, I expect us to lose, so there's no pressure.

fair enough. i am definitely rooting for Ireland anyway.

Hansen is showing more of his learning as a coach by changing four of the five in the engine room to remove any fatigue issues if there are any. Whether that backfires in a new setup not being able to combine could play into the Irish hands but I think its a good move.

The energy and enthusiasm is supposed to make up for the lack of time together so although the set pieces may struggle they should make up for it around the park.

Taylorman wrote:Hansen is showing more of his learning as a coach by changing four of the five in the engine room to remove any fatigue issues if there are any. Whether that backfires in a new setup not being able to combine could play into the Irish hands but I think its a good move.

The energy and enthusiasm is supposed to make up for the lack of time together so although the set pieces may struggle they should make up for it around the park.

Taylorman thoughts for tomorrow:

Scrums: 5 changes, 4 in the tight 5. Could be interesting, especially if the referee takes a dislike to Crockett. Should be ok, given the Irish scrum isn't seen as one of their strengths.

Lineout: Probably one the tallest lineouts overall we've picked, so should go all right.

Mauls: see scrums

Ruck: It could be interesting I think we have a bit of a size advantage in the forwards. I have no doubt we'll struggle a bit with the interpretation.

Defence out wide: Not sure Smith is there yet. he got abit exposed against Australia and felt Jane did against France. May not be a problem if we can limit the Irish opportunities.

Kick return: Should be good. back three has a nice mix.

Offence: Should be good. Potentially the best mix this year. More of a power dimension. Should be difficult for Ireland to contain.

Kicking game: Dagg and Cruden. If there's a question mark it's Cruden's ability to kick the ball long. Our kick chase has usually been v good.

maestegmafia wrote:I have a feeling Ireland might just do it.

Do what?

I would be happy if Ireland got within 20 points of the AB's myself.

Be a big shame if Savea doesn't start. For him rather than NZ as he missed Paris and looked good against England. Piutau is used to these late call ups.

Dagg can always come up as first receiver bc to take the long kicks. We need to control our territory better and choose the right moments to kick. A Smith was mostly awful against England.

Will have to be on my best Behaviour as I'm watching the match with some Irish friends but inwardly I'm confident that we can pull this off.

Matt Williams isn't impressed by all the doom and gloom surrounding this game;

http://www.newstalk.ie/Dont-Fear-The-Bloody-New-Zealanders

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Be a big shame if Savea doesn't start. For him rather than NZ as he missed Paris and looked good against England. Piutau is used to these late call ups.

Dagg can always come up as first receiver bc to take the long kicks. We need to control our territory better and choose the right moments to kick. A Smith was mostly awful against England.

Will have to be on my best Behaviour as I'm watching the match with some Irish friends but inwardly I'm confident that we can pull this off.

Only inwardly?  

Like I said mate, on my best behaviour!

Engine#4 wrote:Neither do I, just poking fun. They only won a world cup 2 years ago after all. Should have added the  

Yeah smilies are the important extra when you're making a jokey post  

I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Not even Gordon D'Arcy?  

rodders wrote:I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Not even Bowe!

The Great Aukster wrote:

rodders wrote:I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Not even Bowe!

Lol never thought of that.

rodders wrote:I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Would you tell that to Schmidt! He is basically picking the players that he knows from Leinster plus a few big names! Marshall and cave were class last night yet he persists with picking bod who has possibly 4 or 5 more games left! Toner useless beanpole! Kearney like leaky tap! Ah I give up

I've been saying for a wee while now Trimble is in better form than Bowe

Trimble had a relatively quiet game last night actually, but Craig Gilroy will be right up there come the Six Nations. He could really add something to this team.

BlueMuff wrote:

rodders wrote:I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Would you tell that to Schmidt! He is basically picking the players that he knows from Leinster plus a few big names! Marshall and cave were class last night yet he persists with picking bod who has possibly 4 or 5 more games left! Toner useless beanpole! Kearney like leaky tap! Ah I give up

For someone who was so hyper sensitive to any criticism of Kidney to suddenly change your tune and start having a go at the new coach only 3 games in to a tough schedule is the height of hypocrisy.I have to say fair play to Sin é and ME-109 they have held fire until he actually gets a run of games under his belt.

Personally I'm disappointed in a few of the selections and both performances although I think the last 15 minutes of the 1st half against Oz show a hint of what Schmidt is trying to get the team to do.I'll admit I thought he would improve things quicker than he has but I'm still very confident we'll be much stronger in the 6N.

One thing I will say is that he's rotating more than any Irish coach ever has before,you might disagree with the choices he's made but at least he's trying players out instead of waiting for injuries to force his hand.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

BlueMuff wrote:

rodders wrote:I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Would you tell that to Schmidt! He is basically picking the players that he knows from Leinster plus a few big names! Marshall and cave were class last night yet he persists with picking bod who has possibly 4 or 5 more games left! Toner useless beanpole! Kearney like leaky tap! Ah I give up

For someone who was so hyper sensitive to any criticism of Kidney to suddenly change your tune and start having a go at the new coach only 3 games in to a tough schedule is the height of hypocrisy.I have to say fair play to Sin é and ME-109 they have held fire until he actually gets a run of games under his belt.

Personally I'm disappointed in a few of the selections and both performances although I think the last 15 minutes of the 1st half against Oz show a hint of what Schmidt is trying to get the team to do.I'll admit I thought he would improve things quicker than he has but I'm still very confident we'll be much stronger in the 6N.

One thing I will say is that he's rotating more than any Irish coach ever has before,you might disagree with the choices he's made but at least he's trying players out instead of waiting for injuries to force his hand.

BlueMuff has every right to attack Schmidt's selections. I happen to think he is a top class coach but the selection of Darcy to name one is inexplicable.

theslosty wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

BlueMuff wrote:

rodders wrote:I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Would you tell that to Schmidt! He is basically picking the players that he knows from Leinster plus a few big names! Marshall and cave were class last night yet he persists with picking bod who has possibly 4 or 5 more games left! Toner useless beanpole! Kearney like leaky tap! Ah I give up

For someone who was so hyper sensitive to any criticism of Kidney to suddenly change your tune and start having a go at the new coach only 3 games in to a tough schedule is the height of hypocrisy.I have to say fair play to ME-109 he havs held fire until he actually gets a run of games under his belt.

Personally I'm disappointed in a few of the selections and both performances although I think the last 15 minutes of the 1st half against Oz show a hint of what Schmidt is trying to get the team to do.I'll admit I thought he would improve things quicker than he has but I'm still very confident we'll be much stronger in the 6N.

One thing I will say is that he's rotating more than any Irish coach ever has before,you might disagree with the choices he's made but at least he's trying players out instead of waiting for injuries to force his hand.

BlueMuff has every right to attack Schmidt's selections. I happen to think he is a top class coach but the selection of Darcy to name one is inexplicable.

If he hadn't defended the inexplicable selections Deccie made down the years I'd agree with you.I also disagree with the D'Arcy selection and I think Tuohy should have had a chance at some stage this series but other than that there's nothing really to complain about,you can quibble with a few little things but in reality they won't make any difference.

Just as a quick aside (because I feel he is getting way too much stick -hehe) Toner carried for more yard than any other member of our pack other than O'Brien.

Put that in yer pipes and shmoke it  
http://www.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/match/180661.html

Anyways...my wishlist for the game


1) Ireland play with a bit of fire
2) Ireland play with a bit of cohesion
3) Ireland attack with a multi-phase/multi-option running  game plan
4) Ireland defend better (hard against AB's) particularly in the centres
5) Mike Ross shows up (he needs to or else he will be gone and having options is a good thing)
6) Ditto the above but with BOD
7) Sexton and Murray gel the way we know they can

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

theslosty wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

BlueMuff wrote:

rodders wrote:I'll tell you all something for nothing....

there's not a single member of that Irish backline who'd make the Ulster team based on last nights performance.

FACT.  

Would you tell that to Schmidt! He is basically picking the players that he knows from Leinster plus a few big names! Marshall and cave were class last night yet he persists with picking bod who has possibly 4 or 5 more games left! Toner useless beanpole! Kearney like leaky tap! Ah I give up

For someone who was so hyper sensitive to any criticism of Kidney to suddenly change your tune and start having a go at the new coach only 3 games in to a tough schedule is the height of hypocrisy.I have to say fair play to  ME-109 he havs held fire until he actually gets a run of games under his belt.

Personally I'm disappointed in a few of the selections and both performances although I think the last 15 minutes of the 1st half against Oz show a hint of what Schmidt is trying to get the team to do.I'll admit I thought he would improve things quicker than he has but I'm still very confident we'll be much stronger in the 6N.

One thing I will say is that he's rotating more than any Irish coach ever has before,you might disagree with the choices he's made but at least he's trying players out instead of waiting for injuries to force his hand.

BlueMuff has every right to attack Schmidt's selections. I happen to think he is a top class coach but the selection of Darcy to name one is inexplicable.

If he hadn't defended the inexplicable selections Deccie made down the years I'd agree with you.I also disagree with the D'Arcy selection and I think Tuohy should have had a chance at some stage this series but other than that there's nothing really to complain about,you can quibble with a few little things but in reality they won't make any difference.

the vast majority of kidneys selections were fine. Can you name one specifically that was inexplicable?

Paddy Wallace for the third test springs to mind!  

Selections were not people's gripe with Kidney it's true ME-109. The problem was his tactics and his lack of attacking intent. Sadly matches like the first half of Wales this year were rarities and attritional victories or near misses like the RWC or the second test were spaced too far apart to justify the faith he placed in those kinds of games.

Sometimes he was very indecisive. Dropping Paddy Wallace for the NZ tour and then reaching over several other players to recall him off a beach for the final test. Deciding not to drop O'Gara before the last six nations despite his poor form and keeping him as second choice, only to change his mind halfway through the tournament and deciding to switch to Paddy Jackson.

At times in his last year he just didn't seem to know his own mind.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Paddy Wallace for the third test springs to mind!  

Selections were not people's gripe with Kidney it's true ME-109. The problem was his tactics and his lack of attacking intent. Sadly matches like the first half of Wales this year were rarities and attritional victories or near misses like the RWC or the second test were spaced too far apart to justify the faith he placed in those kinds of games.

I think that is a little harsh especially considering the last two games under Schmidt (however I do agree its early days yet)...I haven't seen any green shoots so to speak especially considering he has basically the heart of the Leinster backline.

He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

Very good...and I guess picking Redden last week was good right? Seemed inexplicable to a lot of people. As does Darcy. That's just two in two games so far.

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

Very good...and I guess picking Redden last week was good right? Seemed inexplicable to a lot of people. As does Darcy. That's just two in two games so far.

Made sense to me because unlike Deccie he actually explained his decision.He wanted to try out new combinations and now Murray hasn't been flogged 3 weeks in a row,I guess it's hard for Deccie fans to understand that Schmidt won't pick his 1st 15 every time but will actually plan for the future by making gradual changes and additions to the squad.
McGrath,Archer,Henshaw,Jackson,Madigan,Marshall,Deccie Fitz and D Kearney have all got decent gametime so far and they weren't injury enforced picks or up against complete no hopers.Unfortunately Sexton got injured just as he was starting to control the game v Aus,imo it would have been a very different 2nd half had he stayed fit.

The game last week didn't make for pretty viewing. I'm not saying Schmidt is a better coach. Like you say it's too early to say. I'm just saying why Kidney no longer has the job.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

Very good...and I guess picking Redden last week was good right? Seemed inexplicable to a lot of people. As does Darcy. That's just two in two games so far.

Made sense to me because unlike Deccie he actually explained his decision.He wanted to try out new combinations and now Murray hasn't been flogged 3 weeks in a row,I guess it's hard for Deccie fans to understand that Schmidt won't pick his 1st 15 every time but will actually plan for the future by making gradual changes and additions to the squad.
McGrath,Archer,Henshaw,Jackson,Madigan,Marshall,Deccie Fitz and D Kearney have all got decent gametime so far and they weren't injury enforced picks or up against complete no hopers.Unfortunately Sexton got injured just as he was starting to control the game v Aus,imo it would have been a very different 2nd half had he stayed fit.

Could have picked Marmion, Marshall, Boss.

gleesonisgod wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

Very good...and I guess picking Redden last week was good right? Seemed inexplicable to a lot of people. As does Darcy. That's just two in two games so far.

Made sense to me because unlike Deccie he actually explained his decision.He wanted to try out new combinations and now Murray hasn't been flogged 3 weeks in a row,I guess it's hard for Deccie fans to understand that Schmidt won't pick his 1st 15 every time but will actually plan for the future by making gradual changes and additions to the squad.
McGrath,Archer,Henshaw,Jackson,Madigan,Marshall,Deccie Fitz and D Kearney have all got decent gametime so far and they weren't injury enforced picks or up against complete no hopers.Unfortunately Sexton got injured just as he was starting to control the game v Aus,imo it would have been a very different 2nd half had he stayed fit.

Could have picked Marmion, Marshall, Boss.

Yep he could have although he picked Marshall against Australia,if he rates D'Arcy as his starting 12 then that's a huge leap from what we're used to where Deccie would never try out a player against a top team like that.Now I don't agree that D'Arcy should be first choice but it's still a massive progression from what we're used to.Picking Boss (who's on the bench so he hasn't completely ignored him) or Marmion wasn't an option if he picked Reddan,again you can disagree with him for picking Reddan but you can't argue the logic of him wanting to explore his options at this level and he can't try out 4 different scrum halve in 3 games,as it is he's using 3 in 3 games.

I see Mr Healy has his own way of relating to the AB's:

"It's just a haka," said Healy. "It's something I loved when I was a kid and something I hate now. People treat it in different ways, but it's going to be there so you have to just deal with it.

"It's just you have to stand against it. We don't play our two anthems in different countries.

"I don't draw inspiration from it. I think they are entitled to do it, it's part of their history and I'm certainly not saying they shouldn't.

"But it's just how I treat it myself."

Healy is clearly a provocative type as he also told reporters in Dublin that he doesn't like to call this week's opponents the All Blacks because he doesn't believe in adding to the "myth" of the world's No 1 team.

"I don't really like putting them on a pedestal or any of that," said Healy. "I constantly do call them New Zealand in my head, because I don't like the name the All Blacks.

"It's something that I don't like putting any team on a pedestal - when you do that you find yourself below them already without anyone else's mark.

"So that's my way of going about it and thinking about it."

Interesting...For me if you have to 'keep thinking; about all that stuff just to be able to face them a lot of energy could be leaking from where its really needed.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/9435874/Ireland-prop-gives-All-Blacks-haka-motivation

Its just his opinion on it. I don't understand why its even a story, not everyone has to like the haka. Pretty sad that something has been made of his comments.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

Very good...and I guess picking Redden last week was good right? Seemed inexplicable to a lot of people. As does Darcy. That's just two in two games so far.

Made sense to me because unlike Deccie he actually explained his decision.He wanted to try out new combinations and now Murray hasn't been flogged 3 weeks in a row,I guess it's hard for Deccie fans to understand that Schmidt won't pick his 1st 15 every time but will actually plan for the future by making gradual changes and additions to the squad.
McGrath,Archer,Henshaw,Jackson,Madigan,Marshall,Deccie Fitz and D Kearney have all got decent gametime so far and they weren't injury enforced picks or up against complete no hopers.Unfortunately Sexton got injured just as he was starting to control the game v Aus,imo it would have been a very different 2nd half had he stayed fit.

Could have picked Marmion, Marshall, Boss.

Yep he could have although he picked Marshall against Australia,if he rates D'Arcy as his starting 12 then that's a huge leap from what we're used to where Deccie would never try out a player against a top team like that.Now I don't agree that D'Arcy should be first choice but it's still a massive progression from what we're used to.Picking Boss (who's on the bench so he hasn't completely ignored him) or Marmion wasn't an option if he picked Reddan,again you can disagree with him for picking Reddan but you can't argue the logic of him wanting to explore his options at this level and he can't try out 4 different scrum halve in 3 games,as it is he's using 3 in 3 games.

That's a great excuse ASLS...because he explained himself it was ok. Even though everyone else seemed to think otherwise. I don't think Redden/Sexton was a new combo for example. Also given Boss was starting in the big games for Leinster (HC) it seemed even more confusing. Now Boss is on the bench and Redden is dropped completely. Seems like confusion to me?

Oh and everyone and their dog know that Marshall is a better player than Darcy. And the explanation was not to pick Marshall with PJ even though they have played well together (and are a combination). But then Holy Joe picks Darcy with Sexton even though his reasoning for not picking Marshall was because because he didn't want the comgination with Jackson.....all very clear no?

Oh and Kidney is the past so no point in bringing him into it. This is the present. It doesn't matter a bit what Kidney did..its all about Joe. The excuses already are hilarious

ME-109 wrote:
That's a great excuse ASLS...because he explained himself it was ok. Even though everyone else seemed to think otherwise. I don't think Redden/Sexton was a new combo for example. Also given Boss was starting in the big games for Leinster (HC) it seemed even more confusing. Now Boss is on the bench and Redden is dropped completely. Seems like confusion to me?

Oh and everyone and their dog know that Marshall is a better player than Darcy. And the explanation was not to pick Marshall with PJ even though they have played well together (and are a combination). But then Holy Joe picks Darcy with Sexton even though his reasoning for not picking Marshall was because because he didn't want the comgination with Jackson.....all very clear no?

Oh and Kidney is the past so no point in bringing him into it. This is the present. It doesn't matter a bit what Kidney did..its all about Joe.  The excuses already are hilarious

No excuses here,I've already said I don't agree with D'Arcy ahead of Marshall and I think it was okay if he ddn't want to flog Murray for 3 games in a row,again you can argue about who he brought in but if you think he dropped Murray cos he thought Reddan was the better player then I just fundamentally disagree.

I'm as disappointed as anyone that things haven't improved straight away but since it's only 3 games in I still have confidence he can improve things whereas with Kidney by the WC he had a track record of the team getting worse the longer he had control.

As to your last point I only brought up Kidney to highlight the hypocrisy of BlueMuff criticising him for stuff he defended Kidney for,I also noted how you had refrained from this yet now you're at it too.Why did you not complain about the many inadequacies of Kidneys regime in the 4 years he was coach yet Schmidt is a couple of months into the job and your tune has now changed,hypocrisy!

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

ME-109 wrote:
That's a great excuse ASLS...because he explained himself it was ok. Even though everyone else seemed to think otherwise. I don't think Redden/Sexton was a new combo for example. Also given Boss was starting in the big games for Leinster (HC) it seemed even more confusing. Now Boss is on the bench and Redden is dropped completely. Seems like confusion to me?

Oh and everyone and their dog know that Marshall is a better player than Darcy. And the explanation was not to pick Marshall with PJ even though they have played well together (and are a combination). But then Holy Joe picks Darcy with Sexton even though his reasoning for not picking Marshall was because because he didn't want the comgination with Jackson.....all very clear no?

Oh and Kidney is the past so no point in bringing him into it. This is the present. It doesn't matter a bit what Kidney did..its all about Joe.  The excuses already are hilarious

No excuses here,I've already said I don't agree with D'Arcy ahead of Marshall and I think it was okay if he ddn't want to flog Murray for 3 games in a row,again you can argue about who he brought in but if you think he dropped Murray cos he thought Reddan was the better player then I just fundamentally disagree.

I'm as disappointed as anyone that things haven't improved straight away but since it's only 3 games in I still have confidence he can improve things whereas with Kidney by the WC he had a track record of the team getting worse the longer he had control.

As to your last point I only brought up Kidney to highlight the hypocrisy of BlueMuff criticising him for stuff he defended Kidney for,I also noted how you had refrained from this yet now you're  at it too.Why did you not complain about the many inadequacies of Kidneys regime in the 4 years he was coach yet Schmidt is a couple of months into the job and your tune has now changed,hypocrisy!

But Bluemuff didn't bring up Kidney nor did I except in rebuttal. BM just criticised Joes selection that is all. You are the one making (incorrect) comparisons with Kidney. All that is being pointed out are the inconsistencies with Joes selections, even Kidney had dispensed with Darcy at the end of the 6ns. What would you like me to complain about for Kidney. Our Grandslam, our best ever World cup, beating a SH team away from home. The goals for Schmidt are clear in terms of what he has to achieve. What is wrong with having this expectation? Kidney is the past...only you or other blue rinsed brigade members seem to be obsessed with him.

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

Very good...and I guess picking Redden last week was good right? Seemed inexplicable to a lot of people. As does Darcy. That's just two in two games so far.

Made sense to me because unlike Deccie he actually explained his decision.He wanted to try out new combinations and now Murray hasn't been flogged 3 weeks in a row,I guess it's hard for Deccie fans to understand that Schmidt won't pick his 1st 15 every time but will actually plan for the future by making gradual changes and additions to the squad.
McGrath,Archer,Henshaw,Jackson,Madigan,Marshall,Deccie Fitz and D Kearney have all got decent gametime so far and they weren't injury enforced picks or up against complete no hopers.Unfortunately Sexton got injured just as he was starting to control the game v Aus,imo it would have been a very different 2nd half had he stayed fit.

Could have picked Marmion, Marshall, Boss.

Yep he could have although he picked Marshall against Australia,if he rates D'Arcy as his starting 12 then that's a huge leap from what we're used to where Deccie would never try out a player against a top team like that.Now I don't agree that D'Arcy should be first choice but it's still a massive progression from what we're used to.Picking Boss (who's on the bench so he hasn't completely ignored him) or Marmion wasn't an option if he picked Reddan,again you can disagree with him for picking Reddan but you can't argue the logic of him wanting to explore his options at this level and he can't try out 4 different scrum halve in 3 games,as it is he's using 3 in 3 games.

That's a great excuse ASLS...because he explained himself it was ok. Even though everyone else seemed to think otherwise. I don't think Redden/Sexton was a new combo for example. Also given Boss was starting in the big games for Leinster (HC) it seemed even more confusing. Now Boss is on the bench and Redden is dropped completely. Seems like confusion to me?

Oh and everyone and their dog know that Marshall is a better player than Darcy. And the explanation was not to pick Marshall with PJ even though they have played well together (and are a combination). But then Holy Joe picks Darcy with Sexton even though his reasoning for not picking Marshall was because because he didn't want the comgination with Jackson.....all very clear no?

Oh and Kidney is the past so no point in bringing him into it. This is the present. It doesn't matter a bit what Kidney did..its all about Joe.  The excuses already are hilarious

The only thing that is "hilarious" is fans already calling for Schmidt's head.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:He also persisted with DoC when Ryan was starting ahead of him and playing well for Munster.He persisted with both Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald in the run up to the 2011 WC when both were playing terribly before dropping them at the last scond thus wasting all the time and effort invested in them.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head but those and the ones mentioned above are enough.

Very good...and I guess picking Redden last week was good right? Seemed inexplicable to a lot of people. As does Darcy. That's just two in two games so far.

Made sense to me because unlike Deccie he actually explained his decision.He wanted to try out new combinations and now Murray hasn't been flogged 3 weeks in a row,I guess it's hard for Deccie fans to understand that Schmidt won't pick his 1st 15 every time but will actually plan for the future by making gradual changes and additions to the squad.
McGrath,Archer,Henshaw,Jackson,Madigan,Marshall,Deccie Fitz and D Kearney have all got decent gametime so far and they weren't injury enforced picks or up against complete no hopers.Unfortunately Sexton got injured just as he was starting to control the game v Aus,imo it would have been a very different 2nd half had he stayed fit.

Could have picked Marmion, Marshall, Boss.

Yep he could have although he picked Marshall against Australia,if he rates D'Arcy as his starting 12 then that's a huge leap from what we're used to where Deccie would never try out a player against a top team like that.Now I don't agree that D'Arcy should be first choice but it's still a massive progression from what we're used to.Picking Boss (who's on the bench so he hasn't completely ignored him) or Marmion wasn't an option if he picked Reddan,again you can disagree with him for picking Reddan but you can't argue the logic of him wanting to explore his options at this level and he can't try out 4 different scrum halve in 3 games,as it is he's using 3 in 3 games.

That's a great excuse ASLS...because he explained himself it was ok. Even though everyone else seemed to think otherwise. I don't think Redden/Sexton was a new combo for example. Also given Boss was starting in the big games for Leinster (HC) it seemed even more confusing. Now Boss is on the bench and Redden is dropped completely. Seems like confusion to me?

Oh and everyone and their dog know that Marshall is a better player than Darcy. And the explanation was not to pick Marshall with PJ even though they have played well together (and are a combination). But then Holy Joe picks Darcy with Sexton even though his reasoning for not picking Marshall was because because he didn't want the comgination with Jackson.....all very clear no?

Oh and Kidney is the past so no point in bringing him into it. This is the present. It doesn't matter a bit what Kidney did..its all about Joe.  The excuses already are hilarious

The only thing that is "hilarious" is fans already calling for Schmidt's head.

When did that happen?

Not so much on here except for maybe Kiarose, but on other forums like Boards, there are fans calling for his head already. They must be soccer fans or something.