England vs Ireland, Part 2

by **Notch** Thu 13 Feb 2014, 5:49 pm

First topic message reminder :

For continuing discussion of Ireland vs England in Round 3 of the Six Nations

Previous thread; https://www.606v2.com/t51752-england-vs-ireland

Ireland have released various players to the provinces; starting for Ulster against the Scarlets on Friday are Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall, Darren Cave and Iain Henderson. Leinster have named Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Martin Moore, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan and Fergus McFadden in their team to face Newport-Gwent Dragons. Tommy O'Donnell and Felix Jones will feature for Munster.

There's a lot of competition, mainly for the spots on the bench and possible starts later in the tournament. Can Madigan oust Paddy Jackson? Can Jordi Murphy or Rhys Ruddock force their way in ahead of Tommy O'Donnell? Can McFadden or Simon Zebo force their way into the back three? Who will replace the injured Dan Tuohy; Iain Henderson, Mike McCarthy or Donnacha Ryan? The latter is back from injury and likely to play some part for Munster.

Dan Tuohy has been ruled out of the tournament while Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald and Tommy Bowe are still injured and everyone is praying Johnny Sexton doesn't pick up a knock; he's expected to be riding the pine for Racing Metro.

Any English posters want to update us on their squad?

by **Notch** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:18 pm

According to Thornley, Schmidt will assuredly name the same team barring the addition of Henderson to the bench in place of Tuohy. Donnacha Ryan is still considered to be hors de combat due to his lack of game time. Iain Henderson has put his hand up for selection and it's felt he's the best option to keep up the Irish momentum.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:25 pm

So Schmidt has Spoken!

We Hear you Thornley and we Obey!

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:26 pm

Isn't it pointed in recent years that - well, I can't remember the idea of a Triple Crown being mentioned here by anybody (maybe I just overlooked a mention somewhere).

I've heard it a few times in the media who like to talk up plates and silver - and Olympic Podiums Wink

- and anything that looks good enough to make an already good enough prospect (the game itself) look even more appetising.

But all eyes are on the Championship - just as I've always argued that it should be. Eyes on that target and you won't go too far wrong in having a chance at a Triple Crown. But as a motivational tool in its own right? I think its day is well and truly gone.

by **Notch** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:31 pm

http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2014/02/20/nation-learns-to-hate-england-again-6-nations/

Waterford Whispers wrote: People up and down the country are willfully utilising the usually dormant part of their brain which feels unrestrained hate for all things English just in time for Ireland’s crucial 6 nations clash this Saturday.

Ireland are set to face off against England in Twickenham at 4pm this Saturday and will be cheered on by a nation which has spent much of week preceding the tie making snide remarks and looking down on everything England. “My best mate is English, love him to bits,” remarked avid Irish rugby fan Lorcan Hughes, “but for some reason any time I’ve talked to him this week I’ve just been thinking ‘what a colossal Tinkywinky’ and I realise now it’s because of the match.” Lorcan went on to state he had also deleted the latest series of Downton Abbey off his UPC box in a fit of anti-English rage.

Tempers flared when an article written in the Sunday Times claimed that Brian O’Driscoll, regarded by many as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, was nowhere near the quality of some English guy who has played 2 games of international rugby.
Fans, understandably, reacted angrily to the article. “D!ickheads,” began an open letter directed at the Sunday Times which was written by the Irish Rugby Supporters Club. “Let us repeat: d!ckheads,” concluded the letter.

Some Irish people have taken their renewed hate for the English even further. “I’ve stop following Stephen Fry on Twitter, he’s probably put two and two together but I can’t help it. This game is so big, I’m finding anything with a whiff of Englishness incredibly irritating,” shared die hard rugby fan from Kildare Laura Ward.

While political, cultural and social links with the English are arguably at their strongest since the foundation of the state a poll conducted by WWN this week revealed 7 in 10 Irish people want Joe Schmidt’s men to ‘make orphans of the oppositions’ children’ even though it wasn’t an answer option.

All available evidence reveals Irish people have taken very well to suddenly hating the English again.

Finally Irish prop Cian Healy seemed to embrace the current mood amongst the Irish public when he took to his twitter account to write ‘@englishrugby Healy smash!’

England vs Ireland kicks off at 4pm this Saturday, February 22nd.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:38 pm

Well at least they're trying to stoke themselves up!
There is no stomach for it here. I was delighted when I woke up this morning and thought it was Friday. I said to myself at least the games are starting again today so all talk is over.

Big disappointment when I realised it was still only Thursday

by Big Mac Michael Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:39 pm

Jordi Murphy in for TOD, nice to see Thornley making the odd mistake in his predictions

by WELL-PAST-IT Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:45 pm

Pot Hale wrote:Quick General trivia quiz:

Who has the best tries to caps ratio on each team on Saturday?

Who's gone the longest since scoring an International try?

Burrell 100% two tries two caps

by Big Mac Michael Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:50 pm

As noted by Stephen Jones, he destroys Drico in the stats. Drico's pitiful .35 tries per cap simply cannot compete with an incredible 1 try per cap record set by Burell

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 12:57 pm

It is a bad showing by Drico sure enough.

There was another lad though who could score a try and a half with a single cap..... He was the Georgie Best of his era (about one season) and he isn't on the team now.

Time can be impatient with genius.

by GunsGerms Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:11 pm

Good to see Jordi and Henderson get to nod. Youth over experience on the bench. Love your work Schmidt. Back your players!

by Mickado Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:17 pm

Good to see Schmidt reward young players who play with a smile on their face and can add a bit of a spark to a game. He's rewarded their honesty and passion and it's well deserved.

by **rodders** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:42 pm

Is the team up lads?

by geoff999rugby Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:44 pm

Big Mac Michael wrote:Jordi Murphy in for TOD, nice to see Thornley making the odd mistake in his predictions

You were saying?

by geoff999rugby Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:44 pm

rodders wrote:Is the team up lads?

Yep Murphy,Hendo on for TOD, Tuohy otherwise unchanged 23

by **rodders** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:51 pm

Interesting - I've been really impressed with O'Donnell and he offers a ball carrying option of the bench and something different - I like the look of Murphy too but it's interesting to go with the less physical option here....

by Breadvan Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:52 pm

Notch wrote:http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2014/02/20/nation-learns-to-hate-england-again-6-nations/

Waterford Whispers wrote: People up and down the country are willfully utilising the usually dormant part of their brain which feels unrestrained hate for all things English just in time for Ireland’s crucial 6 nations clash this Saturday.

Ireland are set to face off against England in Twickenham at 4pm this Saturday and will be cheered on by a nation which has spent much of week preceding the tie making snide remarks and looking down on everything England. “My best mate is English, love him to bits,” remarked avid Irish rugby fan Lorcan Hughes, “but for some reason any time I’ve talked to him this week I’ve just been thinking ‘what a colossal Tinkywinky’ and I realise now it’s because of the match.” Lorcan went on to state he had also deleted the latest series of Downton Abbey off his UPC box in a fit of anti-English rage.

Tempers flared when an article written in the Sunday Times claimed that Brian O’Driscoll, regarded by many as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, was nowhere near the quality of some English guy who has played 2 games of international rugby.
Fans, understandably, reacted angrily to the article. “D!ickheads,” began an open letter directed at the Sunday Times which was written by the Irish Rugby Supporters Club. “Let us repeat: d!ckheads,” concluded the letter.

Some Irish people have taken their renewed hate for the English even further. “I’ve stop following Stephen Fry on Twitter, he’s probably put two and two together but I can’t help it. This game is so big, I’m finding anything with a whiff of Englishness incredibly irritating,” shared die hard rugby fan from Kildare Laura Ward.

While political, cultural and social links with the English are arguably at their strongest since the foundation of the state a poll conducted by WWN this week revealed 7 in 10 Irish people want Joe Schmidt’s men to ‘make orphans of the oppositions’ children’ even though it wasn’t an answer option.

All available evidence reveals Irish people have taken very well to suddenly hating the English again.

Finally Irish prop Cian Healy seemed to embrace the current mood amongst the Irish public when he took to his twitter account to write ‘@englishrugby Healy smash!’

England vs Ireland kicks off at 4pm this Saturday, February 22nd.

Ace....

by **profitius** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 1:54 pm

rodders wrote:Interesting - I've been really impressed with O'Donnell and he offers a ball carrying option of the bench and something different - I like the look of Murphy too but it's interesting to go with the less physical option here....

Might be a simple case of wanting to expand the squad? I think TOD will start against Italy among other changes.

by geoff999rugby Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:00 pm

I think he feels it gives him better cover at 8 whilst allowing him time to blood another new boy.

by **profitius** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:01 pm

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 51
14. Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) 52
13. Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) 130
12. Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 76
11. Dave Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) 4
10. Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92) 40
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 24
1. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 44
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) 72
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 36
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 12
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 89 capt
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 21
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 11
8. Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) 62

Replacements

16. Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 32
17. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 5
18. Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) 2
19. Iain Henderson (Ballinahinch/Ulster) 7
20. Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
21. Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster) 19
22. Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) 7
23. Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 23

by **rodders** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:04 pm

Fair enough, its just a surprising one tactics wise saying TOD has looked good off the bench and hasn't doesn't anything wrong... I've no issue, both good players, just trying to think if there is a tactical rational. Given the physicality of England TOD just seemed a more obvious pick to me.

by GunsGerms Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:09 pm

rodders wrote:Fair enough, its just a surprising one tactics wise saying TOD has looked good off the bench and hasn't doesn't anything wrong... I've no issue, both good players, just trying to think if there is a tactical rational. Given the physicality of England TOD just seemed a more obvious pick to me.

Jordi Murphy is pretty physical himself. Not sure you lose much in terms of physicality at all. In any case if that was the main concern then maybe Copeland should have been selected ahead of them both.

Schmidt said that he wanted them both to have game time. O'Donnell had only just come back from injury whereas Murphy had a good run of form and fitness prior to the 6n so deserved his chance too.

by Metal Tiger Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:12 pm

Breadvan wrote:
Notch wrote:http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2014/02/20/nation-learns-to-hate-england-again-6-nations/

Waterford Whispers wrote: People up and down the country are willfully utilising the usually dormant part of their brain which feels unrestrained hate for all things English just in time for Ireland’s crucial 6 nations clash this Saturday.

Ireland are set to face off against England in Twickenham at 4pm this Saturday and will be cheered on by a nation which has spent much of week preceding the tie making snide remarks and looking down on everything England. “My best mate is English, love him to bits,” remarked avid Irish rugby fan Lorcan Hughes, “but for some reason any time I’ve talked to him this week I’ve just been thinking ‘what a colossal Tinkywinky’ and I realise now it’s because of the match.” Lorcan went on to state he had also deleted the latest series of Downton Abbey off his UPC box in a fit of anti-English rage.

Tempers flared when an article written in the Sunday Times claimed that Brian O’Driscoll, regarded by many as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, was nowhere near the quality of some English guy who has played 2 games of international rugby.
Fans, understandably, reacted angrily to the article. “D!ickheads,” began an open letter directed at the Sunday Times which was written by the Irish Rugby Supporters Club. “Let us repeat: d!ckheads,” concluded the letter.

Some Irish people have taken their renewed hate for the English even further. “I’ve stop following Stephen Fry on Twitter, he’s probably put two and two together but I can’t help it. This game is so big, I’m finding anything with a whiff of Englishness incredibly irritating,” shared die hard rugby fan from Kildare Laura Ward.

While political, cultural and social links with the English are arguably at their strongest since the foundation of the state a poll conducted by WWN this week revealed 7 in 10 Irish people want Joe Schmidt’s men to ‘make orphans of the oppositions’ children’ even though it wasn’t an answer option.

All available evidence reveals Irish people have taken very well to suddenly hating the English again.

Finally Irish prop Cian Healy seemed to embrace the current mood amongst the Irish public when he took to his twitter account to write ‘@englishrugby Healy smash!’

England vs Ireland kicks off at 4pm this Saturday, February 22nd.

Ace....

Can't say that I've witnessed this myself Run

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:22 pm

Mickado wrote:Good to see Schmidt reward young players who play with a smile on their face and can add a bit of a spark to a game. He's rewarded their honesty and passion and it's well deserved.

Careful! Touchy point. Some might say the smiliest face of them all and the player with most spark is not even in the squad...... Thread softly Wink

by gregortree Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:26 pm

"...deleted the latest series of Downton Abbey off his UPC box in a fit of anti-English rage "
Laugh

ha ha playing the 'hate' card. Psychological warfare...it's kicked off already. How dare they talk about saint BOD the hateful swine.

PS: I dont like Downton Abbey either.

by GunsGerms Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:26 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Mickado wrote:Good to see Schmidt reward young players who play with a smile on their face and can add a bit of a spark to a game. He's rewarded their honesty and passion and it's well deserved.

Careful! Touchy point. Some might say the smiliest face of them all and the player with most spark is not even in the squad...... Thread softly

Luke Fitzgerald? Just kidding...

Tommy Bowe obviously.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:28 pm

Tom Court actually - the Cheshire cat of Mirthdom

by kunu Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:32 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:
Big Mac Michael wrote:Jordi Murphy in for TOD, nice to see Thornley making the odd mistake in his predictions

You were saying?

Think he meant Thornley didn't predict it, as he named O Donnell on the bench in the IT today.

by GunsGerms Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:32 pm

SecretFly wrote:Tom Court actually - the Cheshire cat of Mirthdom

Think he should start at tight head. We would probably still win.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:35 pm

kunu wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:
Big Mac Michael wrote:Jordi Murphy in for TOD, nice to see Thornley making the odd mistake in his predictions

You were saying?

Think he meant Thornley didn't predict it, as he named O Donnell on the bench in the IT today.

But that was his usual stunt to keep it looking like it's his brain coming up with the team-sheets. He always lets one or two drop over the 6N season to keep it natural looking. But we ain't fooled, Thornley, you cute hoor you! Wink

by Metal Tiger Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:38 pm

I've got that awful feeling we are gonna get humped at the scrum. It's not really filling me with confidence when our replacement tighthead doesn't think he will last until half time and has spent most of the season eating pies while nursing a poorly leg.

Although I hear there is a plan... Bomber is going to get Rowntree to run up to the touchline at scrum time and wave a picture of an Ulster Fry at Healy to put him off.

#UlsterFry... Healy... Smash... Diet Again.

angel

by Mickado Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:39 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Mickado wrote:Good to see Schmidt reward young players who play with a smile on their face and can add a bit of a spark to a game. He's rewarded their honesty and passion and it's well deserved.

Careful! Touchy point. Some might say the smiliest face of them all and the player with most spark is not even in the squad...... Thread softly

I know what I meant Smile

by gregortree Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:42 pm

Hartley will have a nibble or two at the rucks.

by **rodders** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:45 pm

Metal Tiger wrote:
Although I hear there is a plan... Bomber is going to get Rowntree to run up to the touchline at scrum time and wave a picture of an Ulster Fry at Healy to put him off.

#UlsterFry... Healy... Smash... Diet Again.

Actually the distribution of Ulster fries is outlawed in Dublin since 1922.

by geoff999rugby Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:46 pm

kunu wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:
Big Mac Michael wrote:Jordi Murphy in for TOD, nice to see Thornley making the odd mistake in his predictions

You were saying?

Think he meant Thornley didn't predict it, as he named O Donnell on the bench in the IT today.

Got yer

by geoff999rugby Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:47 pm

gregortree wrote:Hartley will have a nibble or two at the rucks.

Told you - Healy will be having the English TH for breakfast Very Happy

by gregortree Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:51 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:
gregortree wrote:Hartley will have a nibble or two at the rucks.

Told you - Healy will be having the English TH for breakfast

Good, that will slow him down further in the loose. Jonny May will line him up like Riverdance and vault over him to score under the posts..

by mystiroakey Thu 20 Feb 2014, 2:58 pm

Metal Tiger wrote:I've got that awful feeling we are gonna get humped at the scrum. It's not really filling me with confidence when our replacement tighthead doesn't think he will last until half time and has spent most of the season eating pies while nursing a poorly leg.

Although I hear there is a plan... Bomber is going to get Rowntree to run up to the touchline at scrum time and wave a picture of an Ulster Fry at Healy to put him off.

#UlsterFry... Healy... Smash... Diet Again.

2 years ago . England dominated Ireland in the mauls and the scrum.. It was such a dominant performance that it makes you wonder if that was motivation for Ireland playing this style they are today.

To be honest I couldnt be happier with the way England are playing. Heck we may not be leading but for once we are playing the most expansive!!

But if that doesnt work v the Irish we still have the forwards to match or dominate the irish at Twickenham(key being at home)

by SecretFly Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:07 pm

That's 'style they've been playing so far', mystir.

By all means expand against us... and we'll shoot up the middle Wink

by **rodders** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:23 pm

mystiroakey wrote:2 years ago . England dominated Ireland in the mauls and the scrum.. It was such a dominant performance that it makes you wonder if that was motivation for Ireland playing this style they are today.

It motivated them so much it took 2 years to try to emulate it?

by gregortree Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:25 pm

rodders wrote:
mystiroakey wrote:2 years ago . England dominated Ireland in the mauls and the scrum.. It was such a dominant performance that it makes you wonder if that was motivation for Ireland playing this style they are today.

It motivated them so much it took 2 years to try to emulate it?

Yes, you'll get there one day Whistle

by Mickado Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:30 pm

mystiroakey wrote:
Metal Tiger wrote:I've got that awful feeling we are gonna get humped at the scrum. It's not really filling me with confidence when our replacement tighthead doesn't think he will last until half time and has spent most of the season eating pies while nursing a poorly leg.

Although I hear there is a plan... Bomber is going to get Rowntree to run up to the touchline at scrum time and wave a picture of an Ulster Fry at Healy to put him off.

#UlsterFry... Healy... Smash... Diet Again.

2 years ago . England dominated Ireland in the mauls and the scrum.. It was such a dominant performance that it makes you wonder if that was motivation for Ireland playing this style they are today.

To be honest I couldnt be happier with the way England are playing. Heck we may not be leading but for once we are playing the most expansive!!

But if that doesnt work v the Irish we still have the forwards to match or dominate the irish at Twickenham(key being at home)

5 tries for Ireland, 4 for England. Come at me brah!

by Geordie Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:39 pm

Im not worried about Wilson not lasting the game...its the fact Henry Thomas is the replacement.

All i hear is he is great in the loose..woopdidooo....hes a prop.

Marler was the same and its taken some time for him to become solid at the set piece at this level.

Its interesting...Sam said something ...maybe Lancs doesnt rate the scrum and is happy with props who are "solid" at scrum time but immense in the loose. Maybe hes got a point.

by GunsGerms Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:43 pm

Cant remember the last time Ireland have had a better front row on the pitch and on the bench than England.

by gregortree Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:44 pm

Relax. There will be no scrums. England will kick run and pass, and never knock on or fumble. And England will win most of the lineouts and rucks and run in a few tries. This was all revealed to me in a vision angel

by yappysnap Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:53 pm

gregortree wrote:Relax. There will be no scrums. England will kick run and pass, and never knock on or fumble. And England will win most of the lineouts and rucks and run in a few tries. This was all revealed to me in a vision

Won't Ireland just knockon on purpose?

by GunsGerms Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:54 pm

England are in 4th in lineouts won in this championship so far. Ireland are first. Line outs will be tough for Engerland. Ireland are also ahead of England in rucks won stats and superior in the number lost.

by gregortree Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:58 pm

Ahhhh ye havn't met France yet though....or been to Twickenham. And Wales in Dublin doesn't count anyay. According to my vision.

by **rodders** Thu 20 Feb 2014, 3:59 pm

GunsGerms wrote:England are in 4th in lineouts won in this championship so far. Ireland are first. Line outs will be tough for Engerland. Ireland are also ahead of England in rucks won stats and superior in the number lost.

Are we just saying here that Ireland are just plain old better and there isn't much point to this game at all?

by mystiroakey Thu 20 Feb 2014, 4:00 pm

GunsGerms wrote:England are in 4th in lineouts won in this championship so far. Ireland are first. Line outs will be tough for Engerland. Ireland are also ahead of England in rucks won stats and superior in the number lost.

yes but looking at the last game only.... Hartleys form in the line out was a masterclass

by lostinwales Thu 20 Feb 2014, 4:02 pm

I think its just funny that if England were playing the Ireland way they would be accused of being boring

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