Ireland 2014/15 season

First topic message reminder :

The season has just started and yet the autumn internationals are just around the corner. Time for a new Ireland thread.


This season in the Pro 12 the internationals look like they're coming back a few weeks earlier than usual. This should allow them to be more match sharpe when the november internationals against South Africa, Georgia and Australia come round.

Here are the fixtures during the season.

November 2014
Sat 8th Nov 14 17:30
GS Ireland  v   South Africa
AVIVA Stadium

Sun 16th Nov 14 14:30
GS Ireland  v   Georgia
AVIVA Stadium

Sat 22nd Nov 14 16:30
GS Ireland  v   Australia
AVIVA Stadium

February 2015
Sat 7th Feb 15 15:30
6N Italy  v   Ireland
Stadio Olimpico

Sat 14th Feb 15 17:00
6N Ireland  v   France
AVIVA Stadium

March 2015
Sun 1st Mar 15 15:00
6N Ireland  v   England
AVIVA Stadium

Sat 14th Mar 15 14:30
6N Wales  v   Ireland
Millennium Stadium

Sat 21st Mar 15 14:30
6N Scotland  v   Ireland
BT Murrayfield



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After the first weekend of the Pro 12 Stuart Olding was the stand out Irish player. Theres talk about himself and Payne being the Ireland centers but I'd love to see Olding and Henshaw. Henshaw returns for Conancht next weekend.
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Ireland Squad (Guinness Series 2014, South Africa, Georgia, Australia- Aviva Stadium)

Forwards (21)
Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution/Munster) 2
Rodney Ah You (Corinthians/Connacht) 1
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) 77
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster) 1
Sean Cronin (St Mary's College/Leinster) 35
Robbie Diack (Malone/Ulster) 1
Dave Foley (UL Bohemians/Munster) *
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 16
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) 67
Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 10
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 15
Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster) 10
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 94 CAPTAIN
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) 4
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 23
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 41
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) 3
Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster) *
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) 4
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
Nathan White (Galwegians/Connacht)*

Backs (16)
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 54
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 79
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster) 5
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3
Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster) 6
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 55
Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster) 2
Darragh Leader (Galwegians/Connacht) *
Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster) 10
Kieran Marmion (Galwegians/Connacht) 2
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 28
Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 1
Jared Payne (Ulster) *
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 55
Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) 45
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 8

*Denotes uncapped player

We're blessed with depth at LH right now,how times change.TH is still a difficult spot,Ross looks like age is catching up with him but he looked like that last season too and then after Christmas had a great finish to the season.Moore is unlucky with his injuries and Furlong needs some big game experience before he gets a look in.Archer is doing well and White is decent too but I'd rather we kept the project players to a minimum where possible.

Henshaw looks by far the best bet at 13 and D'Arcy will probably hold his place but McCloskey has really bolted into the frame.I love the way he makes a break and seems able to wait for support and then find a player with a lovely little one handed pop pass.If McCloskey and Henshaw both make it we'd have a monstrous midfield with pace,power and some nice handling skills (although I think Henshaw still has a way to go there).

Zebo and Bowe look to be our wing options,probably Gilroy on the bench as everyone else is crocked.

Can Dave Foley or Mick Kearney make a breakthrough?We're short at lock so it'd be nice to build some more depth there.

My team as it stands;

1) Jack McGrath
2) Rory Best
3) Mike Ross
4) Devin Toner
5) Paul O'Connell (c)
6) Peter O'Mahony
7) Chris Henry
8) Jamie Heaslip
9) Conor Murray
10) Johnny Sexton
11) Simon Zebo (lack of form players on the wing)
12) Stuart McCloskey
13) Gordon D'Arcy
14) Andrew Trimble (fingers crossed its not too bad)
15) Rob Kearney

16) Sean Cronin 17) Andrew Warwick 18) Stephen Archer 19) Mike McCarthy 20) Robbie Diack 21) Eoin Reddan 22) Ian Madigan 23) Tommy Bowe

I don't see Jared Payne or Robbie Henshaw as being ready for that first test, Cave has been pushed out of the frame, D'Arcy is a stopgap. Moving him out to outside centre is a way of getting through until those guys are ready. He can fill in for us there. With all the talent at 12 it just makes sense to push D'Arcy out one. I would start with Robbie Henshaw against Georgia. We're unlucky to be missing Henderson and Tuohy at the same time, both would make my 23.

Notch wrote:My team as it stands;

1) Jack McGrath
2) Rory Best
3) Mike Ross
4) Devin Toner
5) Paul O'Connell (c)
6) Peter O'Mahony
7) Chris Henry
8) Jamie Heaslip
9) Conor Murray
10) Johnny Sexton
11) Simon Zebo (lack of form players on the wing)
12) Stuart McCloskey
13) Gordon D'Arcy
14) Andrew Trimble (fingers crossed its not too bad)
15) Rob Kearney

16) Sean Cronin 17) Andrew Warwick 18) ?? 19) Mike McCarthy 20) Robbie Diack 21) Eoin Reddan 22) Ian Madigan 23) Tommy Bowe

I'd agree with most of that but I'd have Marmion ahead of Reddan right now and Archer at TH.Cronin would also be giving Warwick a run at LH but it's a position where there isn't much difference in the quality of the different options (in a good way for once,usually when we say that it's cos they're all crap).

I'd have Henshaw at 13,D'Arcy is a 12 or nothing at international level for me.I'd love to pick McCloskey ahead D'Arcy of him just to see that midfield but I can't see Schmidt changing it up that much.

Martin Moore has been ruledout for 12 weeks with a shoulder injury. Good chance for Furlong to gain some experience.

I think the 3 tightheads for the AI's wil be Ross, Archer and White. I'd say we can forget about Deccie Fiz now. He has been riddled with injuries.

So whats the best policy going into this season. Play every game with your best team or pick the team with one eye on the world cup? Personally I think Schmidt won't change the team around much. There'll be minimum changes from last year, even against Georgia.

With the amount of injuries at the moment even by playing our strongest team plenty of players will get a run out. I'd expect a bit of rotation in the centres as it's unclear on our best combination. Hopefully Olding and Henshaw get some decent game time in the AIs.

1) Jack McGrath
2) Rory Best
3) Mike Ross
4) Devin Toner
5) Paul O'Connell (c)
6) Peter O'Mahony
7) Chris Henry
8) Jamie Heaslip
9) Conor Murray
10) Johnny Sexton
11) Tommy Bowe
12) Stuart McCloskey
13) Robbie Henshaw
14) Andrew Trimble
15) Rob Kearney

16) Sean Cronin 17) Andrew Warwick 18) Stephen Archer 19) Mike McCarthy 20) Rhys Ruddock 21) Kieron Marmion 22) Paddy Jackson 23) Jared Payne

Gawd we are so fooked this season..... Ulster and Connacht apart the country is in dire straights... if this keeps up might have to start watching soccerball or that bouncy ball sport the culchies play on a sunday...

Luke Fitz is back for Leinster (on the bench). I'd imagine if he stays fit he will get a go.

Payne looks to be the choice for 13.

rodders wrote:1) Jack McGrath
2) Rory Best
3) Mike Ross
4) Devin Toner
5) Paul O'Connell (c)
6) Peter O'Mahony
7) Chris Henry
8) Jamie Heaslip
9) Conor Murray
10) Johnny Sexton
11) Tommy Bowe
12) Stuart McCloskey
13) Robbie Henshaw
14) Andrew Trimble
15) Rob Kearney

16) Sean Cronin 17) Andrew Warwick 18) Stephen Archer 19) Mike McCarthy 20) Rhys Ruddock 21) Kieron Marmion 22) Paddy Jackson 23) Jared Payne

Gawd we are so fooked this season..... Ulster and Connacht apart the country is in dire straights... if this keeps up might have to start watching soccerball or that bouncy ball sport the culchies play on a sunday...

The team will be something like that alright, Rodders. Even though I havn't see much of Warwick, I think James Cronin will be on the bench and might push McGrath for a starting place. Archer needs to keep up his good work so far this season. We've seen before that he can blow hot and cold with his scrummaging. He needs consistency now and if he gets that consistency it'll be another solid option for Ireland. Personally I think Nathan White will make the bench spot and Furlong is a wildcard.

Not sure about McCarthy either. Dave TRM Foley might have played himself ahead of McCarthy.

Don't think Ruddock would be a good bench option. Either he starts or nothing. Schmidt likes a bench to make an impact. So Sean Cronin for example is the ideal substitute. Depending how he goes, Copeland could be a the player.

McCloskey IMHO looks a mighty prospect. The find of the season so far as far as Ireland is concerned. Keep up his current form and he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet. I think Schmidt will play himself and Payne against the Boks. Henshaw is a bit raw but very talented and along with McCloskey gives Ireland the option of having a big, physical center paring. Things are looking healthier there now.

For the next year or so Olding will be mainly used as an impact player off the bench I feel. When teams tire and gaps start to appear in defences, Olding can exploit that.

Wingers will be Bowe and Trimble barring injury. Great to see Bowe back. He should give Ireland some added attacking edge out wide.

Fullback Kearney although I get the feeling Schmidt likes Felix Jones and FJ's form has picked up since he was involved with the Ireland camp. So Jones to Start against Georgia I'd say.

When is Stander eligible? If Payne is allowed to play for Ireland, Stander definitely deserves a shot. He is the form 8 in Ireland.

I think it'll be this time next year before he's eligible but that's just off the top of my head.

Listen, I'm as selfish as anyone and want Ulster to keep our homegrown talents at home, but I find it bizarre that Munster have Denis Hurley at 12 for a big game like this in Europe and Luke Marshall is playing in the British and Irish Cup because he can't make our match day 23. There's such a big gulf in class between Ulsters third-string 12 and anyone else in irelands first choice and Nucifora must be looking at that, surely?

Get us some better cover in the back row and second row on loan and maybe we can look at farming one of our 12s out somewhere else- wouldn't it make sense for everyone?

Notch wrote:Listen, I'm as selfish as anyone and want Ulster to keep our homegrown talents at home, but I find it bizarre that Munster have Denis Hurley at 12 for a big game like this in Europe and Luke Marshall is playing in the British and Irish Cup because he can't make our match day 23. There's such a big gulf in class between Ulsters third-string 12 and anyone else in irelands first choice and Nucifora must be looking at that, surely?

Get us some better cover in the back row and second row on loan and maybe we can look at farming one of our 12s out somewhere else- wouldn't it make sense for everyone?

The Munster midfield are looking dire. It would make a lot of sense but I don't see it happening any time soon. Leinster are also a bit bare in the centres, it is strange not to at least consider such a manoeuvre.

I think it'll balance out in time, Notch. Depends really on the number of centers coming through the provinces. Leinster look alright because they have some centers in the academy who are a few levels above the likes of Brendan Macken. Theres also a few promising ones in Munster academy so I can see the tide starting to turn a bit.

As for Ulster, I don't think Chris Farrell will come back unless Ulster lose a few others. Luke Marshall and Cave could be the ones to leave and will likely go to France.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:When is Stander eligible?  If Payne is allowed to play for Ireland, Stander definitely deserves a shot.  He is the form 8 in Ireland.

November next year (just after the world cup). He is turning into a really fine player for Munster and he is only 24. He is really coming into his prime now.

How impressive is Duncan Casey? Only one misthrow into the lineout this season so far (out of about 55). Top tackler for Munster yesterday as well.

Casey gets more impressive every time he plays....should get into the squad but wont...

Fantastic from Casey. To get into the Ireland team now will depend on his play in the loose. What extras can he bring to the table. Best and Cronin are different type of players but both very good outside the set piece. One things for sure, he gives the team great confidence in that they dont have to worry about him messing up the lineout.

Axel asked about Duncan Casey & CJ on Off the Ball last night. Axel converted him from loosehead prop when coaching U20s. Says he is a terrific guy to work with. Has to be only told something once. Says he is now the starting hooker for Munster and only 23. Watch this guy do a Conor Murray with Ireland.

His throwing starts for the season so far are 54/55. Munster's top tackler at the weekend with 13.

Great darts. Even if that was all he had he would be worth a look. Looks like a decent player around the park too.

Anyone any idea about what the centres will look like?

Last year there were 4 centres picked for the AI squad. Seems to be many options this year with no stand out choices.

Marshalls injury probably saves him been dropped from the squad. Can't see cave been picked with his lack of game time. McCloskeys emergence in the first team may limit Oldings chances.

I think Darcy, Henshaw, Payne and one of McCloskey and Olding will be in the squad (would prefer Olding myself).

Golden wrote:Anyone any idea about what the centres will look like?

Last year there were 4 centres picked for the AI squad. Seems to be many options this year with no stand out choices.

Marshalls injury probably saves him been dropped from the squad. Can't see cave been picked with his lack of game time. McCloskeys emergence in the first team may limit Oldings chances.

I think Darcy, Henshaw, Payne and one of McCloskey and Olding will be in the squad (would prefer Olding myself).

I'd agree with you there. I think Henshaw or Payne at 13 with D'Arcy at 12. McCloskey and Olding are both top prospects. Both are a level above Luke Marshall, who is a good player himself.

The midfield was the main weak point last season especially against the big English and French boshers so I think Schmidt will pick at least 1 big man ie Henshaw or McCloskey. D'Arcy starts or doesn't play.

Sin é wrote:Axel asked about Duncan Casey & CJ on Off the Ball last night. Axel converted him from loosehead prop when coaching U20s. Says he is a terrific guy to work with. Has to be only told something once. Says he is now the starting hooker for Munster and only 23. Watch this guy do a Conor Murray with Ireland.

His throwing starts for the season so far are 54/55. Munster's top tackler at the weekend with 13.

I didn't know he was a converted loosehead. All underage props should practice throwing IMO. If they're not great scrummagers then they might have another chance to make it through other talents.

Ireland Squad (Guinness Series 2014, South Africa, Georgia, Australia- Aviva Stadium)

Forwards (21)
Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution/Munster) 2
Rodney Ah You (Corinthians/Connacht) 1
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) 77
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster) 1
Sean Cronin (St Mary's College/Leinster) 35
Robbie Diack (Malone/Ulster) 1
Dave Foley (UL Bohemians/Munster) *
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 16
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) 67
Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 10
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 15
Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster) 10
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 94 CAPTAIN
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) 4
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 23
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 41
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) 3
Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster) *
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) 4
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
Nathan White (Galwegians/Connacht)*

Backs (16)
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 54
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 79
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster) 5
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3
Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster) 6
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 55
Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster) 2
Darragh Leader (Galwegians/Connacht) *
Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster) 10
Kieran Marmion (Galwegians/Connacht) 2
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 28
Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 1
Jared Payne (Ulster) *
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 55
Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) 45
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 8
*Denotes uncapped player

37 man squad.
5 new caps.
14 players have 3 caps or less.
NO Jackson, McCloskey, Casey, Boss

He must have picked every project player going which is a joke.

Ah You
Diack
Payne
White
Strauss


Players unavailable for selection due to injury include Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald (returning from long term injury), Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Dave Kearney, Luke Marshall, Fergus McFadden, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Donnacha Ryan, Mike Sherry, Dan Touhy, Andrew Trimble and Damien Varley.

profitius wrote:Ireland Squad (Guinness Series 2014, South Africa, Georgia, Australia- Aviva Stadium)

Forwards (21)
Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution/Munster) 2
Rodney Ah You (Corinthians/Connacht) 1
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) 77
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster) 1
Sean Cronin (St Mary's College/Leinster) 35
Robbie Diack (Malone/Ulster) 1
Dave Foley (UL Bohemians/Munster) *
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 16
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) 67
Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 10
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 15
Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster) 10
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 94 CAPTAIN
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) 4
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 23
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 41
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) 3
Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster) *
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) 4
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
Nathan White (Galwegians/Connacht)*

Backs (16)
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 54
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 79
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster) 5
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3
Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster) 6
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 55
Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster) 2
Darragh Leader (Galwegians/Connacht) *
Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster) 10
Kieran Marmion (Galwegians/Connacht) 2
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 28
Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 1
Jared Payne (Ulster) *
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 55
Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) 45
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 8
*Denotes uncapped player

37 man squad.
5 new caps.
14 players have 3 caps or less.
NO Jackson, McCloskey, Casey, Boss

He must have picked every project player going which is a joke.    

Ah You
Diack
Payne
White
Strauss



Players unavailable for selection due to injury include Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald (returning from long term injury), Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Dave Kearney, Luke Marshall, Fergus McFadden, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Donnacha Ryan, Mike Sherry, Dan Touhy, Andrew Trimble and Damien Varley.

It's a 37 man squad to cover three tests one of which will probably be somewhat experimental. With the huge number of players not involved due to injury what would you have done differently? Strauss is an established international. Diack impressed on the tour to Argentina. Payne is the great white (fern) hope to replace the BOD. White is probably the best tight head in the country and Rodney ah Jaysus carries a mean tackle bag. What’s the cause of your fury?

5 uncapped players, Zebo included and no Dave Kearney?

The real question is is there anything left for Dod and Siné to whinge about?

Submachine wrote:
It's a 37 man squad to cover three tests one of which will probably be somewhat experimental. With the huge number of players not involved due to injury what would you have done differently? Strauss is an established international. Diack impressed on the tour to Argentina. Payne is the great white (fern) hope to replace the BOD. White is probably the best tight head in the country and Rodney ah Jaysus carries a mean tackle bag. What’s the cause of your fury?

I don't like project players. I've complained about it before when England and France were doing it and I'll complain about Ireland doing it. It cheapens international rugby.

McGrath
Best
Ross
Toner
POC
POM
Henry
Heaslip

Murray
Sexton
Zebo
DArcy
Payne
Bowe
Kearney

Cronin, Cronin, Archer, McCarthy, Diack, Marmion, Madigan, Henshaw

Not too bad a team considering the injuries but facing the Boks missing so many players could get nasty.

Healy
Sherry
Moore
Tuohy
Ryan
Henderson
SOB
Murphy

Thats a hell of a pack to be missing.

A team of missing players.

Healy
Sherry
Moore
Tuohy
Ryan
Henderson
SOB
Murphy

Jackson
L Mcgrath
Fitzgerald
Hanrahan
McCloskey
Trimble
Earls

Golden wrote:Cronin, Cronin, Archer, McCarthy, Diack, Marmion, Madigan, Henshaw

I think your team is spot on, but Joe will pick the below bench:

16. Cronin, 17. Cronin 18. White 19. McCarthy 20. Ruddock, 21. Reddan, 22. Madigan 23. Henshaw

I can see him loving White now he's (unfortunately) qualified, and he as a strange lack of love for Marmion, though he really deserves his chance on the last two seasons.

wolfball wrote:

Golden wrote:Cronin, Cronin, Archer, McCarthy, Diack, Marmion, Madigan, Henshaw

I think your team is spot on, but Joe will pick the below bench:

16. Cronin, 17. Cronin 18. White 19. McCarthy 20. Ruddock, 21. Reddan, 22. Madigan 23. Henshaw

I can see him loving White now he's (unfortunately) qualified, and he as a strange lack of love for Marmion, though he really deserves his chance on the last two seasons.

For me Diacks versatility might get him ahead of Ruddock on the bench.  Agree with White hes a good player, would just rather it was Archer. I really hope we see Marmion get at least the georgia game and a bench place in one of the big 2. Reddan was really slow at the weekend.

Like it or not the projects are here to stay. What versatility does Diack offer over Ruddock. And why is Jackson missing? He's not injured is he?

Jackson is a weird one. I presume if Sexytoes gets injured then Jackson would be parachuted back in and into the starting lineup but if Sexton is fit he wants to have the versatility of Madigan covering 10-12-15 (but not wing, we saw against Wade he can't cover a wing!).

I get the sense that McCarthy is kind of an auto pick onto the bench for lock. Has anyone seen this fella 'play' this season? I think he has been shocking, Foley is a far better proposition. McCarthy's performances have dropped off a cliff this season.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Jackson is a weird one.  I presume if Sexytoes gets injured then Jackson would be parachuted back in and into the starting lineup but if Sexton is fit he wants to have the versatility of Madigan covering 10-12-15 (but not wing, we saw against Wade he can't cover a wing!).

Don't think so. He's only gone and picked Keatley in the initial squad. As much as I think Keatley deserves a go I think it's incredibly hard on Jackson.

Its not really hard on Jackson. If you aren't sure who your second choice OH is for the WC then now is the time to test some guys out. Madigan, Keatley and Jackson are all around the same level right now.

Jackson has been good for Ireland but he hasn't set the world on fire without doing much wrong.

Its surprising to see Jackson dropped from the squad and it will be very hard for him to get back in as he would need to be training with the team if he was going to be parachuted in.

The big plus about Keatley is that he has a good partnership now with Murray. He got some very difficult kicks at the weekend under pressure as well. I think he has earned his chance (unlike some).

Not much opinion on this squad... only that I hope Schmidt can work some magic with this mediocre bunch of journeymen and unproven scalleywags and save us from the dross that the provinces are serving up this season.....

I don't think its surprising at all Jackson isn't in the squad. He wasn't fit to do pre-season or start the season as Ulsters out half, he had the same back problem that ruled him out of the summer tour. So no pre-season training or kicking for him. The first game he started was against Cardiff were he looked unfit and rusty, understandably. The second game was against Edinburgh were he came off with concussion. He then missed Glasgow and started against Tigers were he still looked out of sorts.

So whats the value in picking a player who is still in the later stages of recovery from a long-term back injury when he clearly needs more game time at provincial level? He will start for Ulster against Toulon, Dragons and Ospreys and hopefully regain form and fitness over that period. But he's at least a month of provincial rugby off being in any condition to take to the pitch in international rugby. Joe Schmidt is not going to pick a semi-unfit player.

I am pretty happy with the squad.

1) Hope Henshaw is given the 13 jersey as he has been the form OC this season so far and hope that he and Olding are paired together in the Georgia game with a view to them for Oz perhaps. Hard luck Luke Marshall.

Our front 5 looks seriously weak IMO.
Healy, Moore, Ryan and Hendy are huge losses I think and we could find ourselves underpowered hugely.

1. McGrath
2. Best
3. Ross
4. Toner
5. PoC
6. Ruddock
7. Henry
8. Heaslip

9. Murray
10. Sexton
11. Zebo
12. D'Arcy
13. Henshaw
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. Cronin
17. Cronin
18. White
19. Foley
20. PoM
21. Marimon
22. Madigan
23. Payne

This would be my team for the 1st test. Without some of our best ball carriers in the front 5, we will need Ruddock's carrying. So he gets the nod at 6, it will allow Heaslip to play further away from the ruck and run at 10s and 12s. Ruddock is prop the best carrier in the tight exchanges. PoM can then be released from the bench as teams tire where the opposition won't ruck as hard, and he win the ball. He is also better suited for when the game breaks up.

Would love to start Olding over D'Arcy...

profitius wrote:Irelands new jersey launched.

Someone should tell Kearney that flatulence is eminently treatable these days.

So when number 3 gets sin-binned for infringements in the scrum will the entire team have to leave the field for 10 minutes? Ross better be on his best behaviour.

the-goon wrote:1. McGrath
2. Best
3. Ross
4. Toner
5. PoC
6. Ruddock
7. Henry
8. Heaslip

9. Murray
10. Sexton
11. Zebo
12. D'Arcy
13. Henshaw
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. Cronin
17. Cronin
18. White
19. Foley
20. PoM
21. Marimon
22. Madigan
23. Payne

This would be my team for the 1st test. Without some of our best ball carriers in the front 5, we will need Ruddock's carrying. So he gets the nod at 6, it will allow Heaslip to play further away from the ruck and run at 10s and 12s. Ruddock is prop the best carrier in the tight exchanges. PoM can then be released from the bench as teams tire where the opposition won't ruck as hard, and he win the ball. He is also better suited for when the game breaks up.

Would love to start Olding over D'Arcy...

Is Ruddock your new favorite Leinster player to moan about Dod?

Nope...good player but nowhere near ready a start as an international.

He got his first cap for Ireland four years ago when he was 19. He is ready.

Whats your beef with Schmidts squad selection this time?

No beef given the injuries...btw Daverage is still injured so cant complain there...although Fanning is doing well in his place(at least he scores tries and doesnt fall over two metres from the line).

Jackson out is a surprise....would have liked to have seen Casey been given a closer look in camp or even Mccloskey.

Will be interesting how Easterby does as forwards coach.....not really convinced on that appointment..after Plumtree did such a good job.

Just in relation to Ruddock...dont think he is good enough to be honest. Got handed his ass on a plate last weekend....only for J'aime not worrying about his hair and tweets it could have been a different story.

ME-109 wrote:

Jackson out is a surprise....would have liked to have seen Casey been given a closer look in camp or even Mccloskey.

As Notch already said Jacksons been injured and needs to get back up to speed as he hasn't looked sharp plus Keatleys earned his place so hopefully he grabs it, plus it'll give Hanrahan a run of games for Munster.

The bench will be interesting with Madigan and Olding both able to cover 3 positions,Henshaw 2 and an argument could be made for Olding to cover 13.

ME-109 wrote:No beef given the injuries...btw Daverage is still injured so cant complain there...although Fanning is doing well in his place(at least he scores tries and doesnt fall over two metres from the line).

Jackson out is a surprise....would have liked to have seen Casey been given a closer look in camp or even Mccloskey.

Will be interesting how Easterby does as forwards coach.....not really convinced on that appointment..after Plumtree did such a good job.

Just in relation to Ruddock...dont think he is good enough to be honest. Got handed his ass on a plate last weekend....only for J'aime not worrying about his hair and tweets it could have been a different story.

So youre happy a player is injured? Nice.

Submachine wrote:

ME-109 wrote:No beef given the injuries...btw Daverage is still injured so cant complain there...although Fanning is doing well in his place(at least he scores tries and doesnt fall over two metres from the line).

Jackson out is a surprise....would have liked to have seen Casey been given a closer look in camp or even Mccloskey.

Will be interesting how Easterby does as forwards coach.....not really convinced on that appointment..after Plumtree did such a good job.

Just in relation to Ruddock...dont think he is good enough to be honest. Got handed his ass on a plate last weekend....only for J'aime not worrying about his hair and tweets it could have been a different story.

So youre happy a player is injured? Nice.

The question was any complaints about the squad...the answer was in relation to Mr Average being injured so that I couldnt complain he was in the squad.....go find a mirror and start an argument with yourself please...