Ireland's top 50 [according to Irish Indo].

Ireland's top 50

Tuesday May 31 2011
WITH the season concluding on a high, it is now all about the World Cup and whether the latest crop of players can finally produce a productive campaign for the national side in rugby's marquee competition.

And the indications are favourable. The season had its share of low points -- Munster's European woes and Ireland's early Six Nations difficulties chief among them -- but with the continued excellence of veteran performers such as Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Rory Best, Shane Horgan, David Wallace, Donncha O'Callaghan and Gordon D'Arcy, allied to the emergence of fresh talents like Conor Murray and Nevin Spence, the prognosis is positive looking down the road.

There is also a middle tier of players such as Sean O'Brien, Cian Healy, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble and Jamie Heaslip who are now firmly established as quality internationals with long careers still ahead of them. Throw in a scrum that can now be depended upon and, hopefully, the successful reintroduction of the injury afflicted (Jerry Flannery, Stephen Ferris, Rob Kearney, Tomas O'Leary) and Ireland coach Declan Kidney has the raw materials to make an impact in New Zealand.

Picking the top 50 Irish performers from 2010/11 is no easy task and is complicated by differing levels of exposure, but that in itself is a healthy indicator.

1 SEAN O'BRIEN We expected a big season from the Tullow man -- but not this big. O'Brien was explosive for Leinster and Ireland, picking up a host of man-of-the-match awards as well as being named European Player of the Year. An automatic selection for the World Cup, with the only issue being where to select him -- the general consensus is to put him on the blindside flank.

2 jonathan sexton The out-half had a wonderfully assured season and, on the really big days (against England and in the Heineken Cup knockout stages), Sexton raised his game to an entirely new level. His performance in the European final against Northampton was truly extraordinary, backing up inspirational words with action to the tune of 28 points.

3 mike ross Arguably the single most important player for Ireland's World Cup campaign, with Ross at tight-head, Ireland finally have a scrum they can depend on. The ultimate technician, Ross' dependability allows others to flourish around him and he has worked hard on his loose game to good effect. All he needed was game time.

4 ronan o'gara Superbly consistent, at 34, O'Gara is as essential to Munster's well-being as he was in his breakthrough season 12 years ago -- as he showed with that beautiful cross-kick for Keith Earls' decisive try in the Magners League final. Had an excellent Six Nations to boot and Ireland head to the World Cup with out-half strength that is the envy of most of the contenders.

5 brian o'driscoll Given the punishment he has taken over his long and storied career, O'Driscoll's continued powers of inspiration emphasise his status as the greatest player this country has produced. Despite being troubled by a knee injury, Ireland's captain rounded off his season magnificently. A good rest and he has the opportunity to add a successful World Cup to his glittering CV.

6 fergus mcfadden Despite failing to nail down a place with his province or country, McFadden produced big performance after big performance across the three-quarter line, exhibiting power, pace, intelligence and skill. Has to travel to New Zealand.

7 david wallace The ultimate professional. Now in his mid-30s, there are no signs of Wallace's powers waning. Excellent in the Six Nations and Munster's man of the match in the Magners League final.

8 leo cullen The man oozes presence and it was no coincidence that Cullen's return from early-season injury coincided with the upturn in Leinster's fortunes. Calm authority in the second row was backed up by industrious play all over the park. Has a big role to play at the World Cup.

9 jamie heaslip Stalled by a rare injury problem but the Kildare man proved once again what a big-game player he is, from captaining Leinster to a seminal victory over Munster in October to terrorising England in the Six Nations. At the peak of his powers and will head to New Zealand ready to right a few wrongs.

10 mike mccarthy Still under the radar but McCarthy was immense for Connacht this season, playing all 22 Magners League and six Challenge Cup matches. Superbly athletic and versatile, if he gets the chance to prove himself in August he can book his place on the plane to the World Cup for the second/back-row slot.

11 james coughlan Munster's Player of the Year is an example to every AIL player with the dedication to chase ambition. Played 25 times for his province and was as effective in May as he was in September.

12 cian healy Gets better every year. Nothing fazes the young prop, who continues to profit under the scrutiny of Greg Feek at scrum-time and is a phenomenal presence in the loose. Excellent campaign.

13 donncha o'callaghan A very productive campaign. Continues to work hard on his disciplinary issues and relishes the nitty-gritty work that is essential to any team he plays for. Ireland are well served in the engine room.

14 rory best South Africans dominated the headlines up north but, while he had to battle injury concerns, Best was a totemic presence at hooker and a solid performer for Ireland in Jerry Flannery's absence.

15 keith earls Overcame worrying injury issues early on in the campaign and from the middle of the Six Nations was in electric form. Can give Ireland an attacking edge at the World Cup.

16 Shane horgan No slow wind-down for the veteran winger, who had his best season in years (26 matches, nine tries) for Leinster, passing the 200-appearance mark and putting himself firmly back in the World Cup mix.

17 jamie hagan Massive loss for Connacht, Hagan's consistency in the scrum and power in the loose could find a home in the World Cup 30 and needs to be nurtured at Leinster next season.

18 gordon d'arcy Rebounded from the missed tackle against France in the Six Nations to produce a string of compelling displays and was a key figure in Leinster's march to European glory.

19 nevin spence Looked completely at home when making the step up to Heineken Cup level. The poster boy for Ulster's flourishing Academy.

20 Shane jennings Along with Cullen, a massive presence for Leinster, as his second-half introduction against Northampton proved. Driven to succeed, Jennings would add to Ireland's efforts in New Zealand and will be hoping his arm injury won't hamper his preparations.

21 paul o'connell Given his prolonged absence through injury and suspension, O'Connell's influence on the season was remarkable, culminating in his fantastic contribution in the Magners League final. Fresh from the lay-off, the Munster colossus is ready to explode upon the World Cup.

22 eoin reddan Slick and confident for Leinster and Ireland, Reddan should travel to the World Cup as Ireland's first-choice scrum-half.

23 isaac boss Dovetailed beautifully with Reddan for Leinster, adding that extra back-row, physical edge in attack and defence.

24 conor murray Burst on to the scene with the spring blossom and immediately looked at home as a top-drawer professional. Lack of experience counts against an Ireland call-up, but what a season.

25 tom hayes Earned rave reviews for his consistent effectiveness in the Exeter Chiefs' back-row to the point where he has been linked with an England call-up.

26 felix jones Recovered from a horrible injury to bring an extra dimension to Munster's attacking play. Wonderful willingness to attack from full-back and defined by his bravery in defence.

27 tommy bowe The Ospreys had a typically frustrating season but Bowe remains a quality, versatile presence in their backline and a world-class finisher on the right wing for Ireland.

28 kevin mclaughlin Another to bounce back from injury with a series of big performances and played his part in Leinster's Heineken Cup surge. Smart, physical and a good line-out option, McLaughlin will push McCarthy and Donnacha Ryan for a World Cup role.

29 fionn carr Connacht's most dangerous attacker and arguably the most lethal finisher in the country. Used his pace and evasion skills to score some superb tries on the left wing.

30 willie faloon Injury and Afrikaners affected his capacity to contribute to the Ulster back-row but when Faloon played, he made his presence felt. A quality openside.

31 gavin duffy Had claims on a Six Nations role when Ireland were struggling for full-back security and a leading figure for Connacht whose utility qualities place him in the World Cup frame.

32 dominic ryan A serious talent who stood up to the challenge of Heineken Cup rugby when called upon by Leinster. Equally at home at six or seven, international elevation seems a matter of when rather than if.

33 james downey A go-to carrier in Northampton's drive to the Heineken Cup final. Lacks subtlety in midfield but the big centre does what he does extremely well.

34 jonny o'connor A massive influence for Connacht along with the likes of Michael Swift, O'Connor's feral displays at openside harked back to his international breakthrough seven years ago.

35 ian humphreys Will never be a destructive defender but Humphreys is a supremely talented footballer and, although ignored early in the campaign, when Ulster hit their purple patches it was Humphreys pulling the attacking strings at out-half.

36 sean cronin Incredibly dynamic in the loose, Leinster look set to use Cronin and Richardt Strauss on a Reddan/Boss basis next season. Continues to work on his tight game but should be in New Zealand in September.

37 roger wilson Like Downey, Wilson is out of the Ireland picture but a key figure for the Saints who reminded everyone of his qualities with an excellent display in the Heineken Cup final.

38 gareth steenson Another Ulster man playing in England, Steenson stood out in Exeter's fairytale debut Premiership season. A tidy operator at out-half and superb place-kicker.

39 eoin o'malley An exciting midfield talent who provided a cutting edge whenever called upon by Leinster and proved in Clermont that he has the stomach for battle to go with his jinking abilities.

40 donnacha ryan Second-row is clearly Ryan's best position but his height and power was used to good effect in the Munster back-row too. Could do a job in New Zealand.

41 andrew trimble Injuries continue to dog the Ulsterman but his hard running was well utilised by Brian McLaughlin and had a good day against Chris Ashton in Ireland's final Six Nations outing.

42 mick o'driscoll One of Munster's great contributors over a career dating back to the late 1990s and a comforting presence in O'Connell's absence. A World Cup campaign cannot be ruled out.

43 brett wilkinson With his ability to prop on both sides, Ireland could use Wilkinson in the autumn and the South African-born prop had a good season for Connacht. Needs to be tested in August.

44 john hayes The season seemed to have passed by the old warrior, but the 37-year-old finished spectacularly. Rounding off the campaign with an excellent 80-minute contribution and penalty try could ensure a third World Cup for Hayes.

45 denis leamy Stood up as stand-in Munster captain early on but lost out to Coughlan as the season progressed. Some excellent contributions off the bench but under pressure to make the World Cup squad.

46 rhys ruddock Intense competition limited his opportunities in the Leinster back-row but Ruddock was still able to give indication of his potential -- a frightening physical specimen.

47 david kearney Again, limited exposure due to the back-three strength at Leinster but, in his 13 appearances (six off the bench), the younger Kearney showed his attacking potential, picking up four tries to boot.

48 damien varley Stepped up for Munster with Flannery injured and was excellent around the park while working hard on his scrummaging. If his line-out issues were sorted Varley would be a World Cup certainty.

49 luke fitzgerald Tough season for Fitzgerald as he battled fluctuating fitness and form but his class is evident and, though not at his mesmerising best, Joe Schmidt's loyalty was rewarded with some superb cameos -- notably his fantastic try against Ulster in the Magners League semi-final.

50 peter stringer No longer the go-to scrum-half for Munster or Ireland, Stringer's zeal remains undiminished, as does the bullet-pace of his passing -- has a third World Cup in him.

SEASONS TO FORGET

Tomas O'Leary -- Was never right due to injury but could still be first-choice Ireland scrum-half come September.

Tony Buckley -- Exposed by the Ospreys, usurped by Ross, and on his way to Sale.

Jerry Flannery -- Cursed by injury, Flannery's recovery in time to make the plane to New Zealand would be a massive boost.

Rob Kearney -- Badly missed in the Six Nations but fit again and can still have a meaningful 2011.

Stephen Ferris -- Mostly missed out on Ulster's best season in years due to knee issues.

SIX FOR THE FUTURE

Danny Barnes -- Shone against the Ospreys and stood up well to O'Driscoll in the Magners League final.

Mike Sherry -- Looks to have the right stuff at hooker for Munster.

Ian Nagle -- Wonderful display against Australia, should come on again next season.

Craig Gilroy -- Has lots of pace and youthful enthusiasm out wide for Ulster.

Eoin Griffin -- Talented young Connacht centre profiting from Eric Elwood's guidance.

Simon Zebo -- When Doug Howlett does move on, Munster could already have a home-grown replacement.

Irish Independent

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/irelands-top-50-2661568.html

Notch! - you...sorry Paddy Wallace is not in the top 50 (although amazingly D'Arcy is) or the bottom six! Mid table mediocrity! Is there anything worse!

I think 33 is far too low for Downey given the season he has had at Saints, particularly is McFadden (who doesn't even start for anyone) is as high as 6.

I agree wholeheartedly with the top three however. Ireland's three key men for the World Cup.

"25 tom hayes Earned rave reviews for his consistent effectiveness in the Exeter Chiefs' back-row to the point where he has been linked with an England call-up." - oh dear, oh dearie me

The only reason Downey, Wilson and Steenson are so low, just because they don't play in Ireland. It's a bit unfair on them as they have all had incredible seasons.

Scotland I equally think that there is plenty of positive discrimination afoot and people overcompensate due to what they feel is them being out on plaudits.

Downey over Wallace Glas? Not my impression given the respective performances in the Heineken Cup quarter-final; get a hold of that game and you'll see what I mean

Putting people like O'Malley and Downey in the mix ahead of him comes across as being rather silly.

Even if you look at the Ulster players included, you have Faloon, who has been a peripheral figure for us, and Spence who is a fantastic young player who only really thrives outside a creative centre. I'm all for praising him for looking good, but what about the 10-12 axis of Wallace and Humphreys who made him look good? Spence can run onto Wallaces passes and earn headlines, whilst the provider gets nothing but stick. Then we'll put him outside a big, one-dimensional basher of a centre and wonder why he's lost form. 'Tis the Irish way.

red_stag wrote:Scotland I equally think that there is plenty of positive discrimination afoot and people overcompensate due to what they feel is them being out on plaudits.

The problem is illustrated by Johne Murphy; had a great season for Leicester and went to Munster for more international recoginition, but his career has arguably gone backwards, and can't get into the current Munster team.

" 'Tis the Irish way."

And at a guess, the Indo doesn't sell many copies in Belfast?

Glas a du wrote:" 'Tis the Irish way."

And at a guess, the Indo doesn't sell many copies in Belfast?

They own the Belfast Telegraph and generally a fair bit of common material - particularly in sport.

I have no idea what you're talking about Glas! They have their market and they give them what they want. We don't really get the Irish papers up here although I often read them online

Their sister paper is the Belfast Telegraph who have a quite different editorial policy on rugby; at least when it comes to local journalism. You can tell the difference between content from the Indo and a local journalist a mile off. If you read them both you get a balanced view, perhaps. Again, they give their readers what they want.

In all seriousness, when it comes to rugby journalism they have a more tabloid reputation compared to the Irish Times' broadsheet fare.

Why is Gilroy "One for the Future" and Conor Murray is in the fifty? Gilroy played more games, despite being injured at the start of the season, and was Ulster's leading Magners try-scorer (he wasn't initially registered for the HEC squad because of that injury). He put in some fantastic performances for one so green.

Leamy gets on the list despite losing his place to Coughlan? Stringer and Fitzgerald shouldn't be in that list. A couple of good performances at the end of the season don't eradicate a lot of duff perfomances from Luke.

Also, no mention of Paddy McAlister? Come on.

After the top twenty, it's just a list of Irish players the journo's heard of in a random order.

Shoddy, shoddy journalism.

Don Alfonso wrote:Why is Gilroy "One for the Future" and Conor Murray is in the fifty?

- Murray played in Europe
- Murray was first choice by end of season
- Murray won the Magners League
- There is greater competition at wing than scrum half

- Murray played in Europe
As did Gilroy, he was added to the HEC squad. I said he was not initially in it.

- Murray was first choice by end of season
Fair enough.

- Murray won the Magners League
Really? What did fourteen other Munstermen do? Well done, Conor.

- There is greater competition at wing than scrum half.
What's that got to do with assessing their performances? There aren't a representative amount of players picked for each position. And that also explains why your second point might not indicate a better performance.

Don the fact is that people are talking up Murray to start for Ireland. He is clearly amongst the top 50 or so players in the country. Gilroy isn't even first choice for Ulster.

red_stag wrote:

Don Alfonso wrote:Why is Gilroy "One for the Future" and Conor Murray is in the fifty?

- Murray played in Europe
- Murray was first choice by end of season
- Murray won the Magners League
- There is greater competition at wing than scrum half

... and scrumhalf is a very demanding position to play perhaps? For one so young, he did very, very well.

Would Gilroy be first choice now for Ulster?

Mind you, I'd have him before Luke Fitz and Fionn Carr. Though he had a fairly quiet season this year.

Don Alfonso wrote:Shoddy, shoddy journalism.

From Hugh Farrelly that can't be... oh. He's chucked Tom Hayes in there; he obviously hasn't seen him play, he doesn't even know what position he plays. But he heard his coach talking him up in the media.

This list is a pointless exercise. Who's better- the tighthead prop, or the fullback? How are you going to compare that? Ranking Irish players 1-50 on some exceptionally vague criteria tells us nothing of any importance.

What would have been better is to predict the 50 players in the wider training squad.

Would Conor Murray start at Ulster? No. What's your point?

red_stag wrote:What would have been better is to predict the 50 players in the wider training squad.

I would bet a lot of those payers and the few from the six for the year to forget will be in it though.

I've made my point. My point is I believe Murray had a better season than Gilroy.

MR. scotland27 wrote:

red_stag wrote:What would have been better is to predict the 50 players in the wider training squad.

I would bet a lot of those payers and the few from the six for the year to forget will be in it though.

Exactly.

Stag - then why not just say that, rather than offering four brusque factoids that had little in the way of logical explanation? Because then it would be clear it was only your opinion? Or that there might be an element of hype?

I agree about the wider squad comment, but that would actually take some knowledge amd thought on behalf of the journos.

Because I was saying why he had a better season. Gilroy made appearances when the 1st choice boys were away and by and large did very well. Conor Murray has managed to climb ahead of 2 Irish internationals and keep a hold of his place. He finished the season with a Magners League medal playing in serious knock out rugby. He would rank higher amongst Irish scrumhalves than Gilroy would amongst Irish wingers.

That was what I said in my points.

That's the thing about this silly rankings system- it's not really relevant is it? Arguing about which of two players is better when they play completely different positions and fulfil completely different roles...

Some better questions might be; why can Fergus McFadden rank as sixth despite only getting to play his preferred position under the same circumstances as Gilroy? (ie. not first choice in any position at his province) and why would Fionn Carr be ahead of Gilroy after scoring less tries in more minutes on the pitch? Hmm, Detective Notch is on the case

And my point is that it's not defined by position. Why would it matter that Murray ranks higher amongst Irish scrumhalves? If this is an assessment of players' seasons, why would it matter how other players in their positions have played? It's not relative. There are an awful lot of back-towers on that list - by your logic, we'd have to drop them and include more centres.

Anyway... Let's move on. The season to forget thing is about injury, not performance, so I don't think it would reflect poorly for those guys to feature. Although I'd rather O'Leary didn't.

I can't really understand the point of a top 50 of Irish players. Top 10 makes sense as a list of the best performers, but 50 is close enough to being a list of the well-known players, just in a particular order. It will probably be quite similar to Kidney's extended World Cup squad.

Have to disagree that Murray had a better season than Gilroy. Was Gilroy not the top Irish try scorer in the ML in his debut season. I would like to see Murray get a run with the Irish team but his inclusion would be more to do with the paucity of quality scrumhalves as opposed to anything else. Is Murray not starting for Munster because TOL is injured?

I dont wish to play down his significance because i do believe he should go to the RWC (and Gilroy shouldnt by the way) Its a fairly random list to be honest. I would seriously question Leamy, Fitz and Duffys's inclusion ( also Willie Faloon) as they cant really have been said to have had massively positive seasons.

It's a very debatable list of the top 50 Irish players. It's very hard to compare Murray and Gilroy's seasons since they're playing in different teams. It's true that Gilroy has scored a heck of a lot of try's but has Fionn Carr not done so every single season? In those seasons did we say he was having a better season than others or did we simply argue that he hasn't been involved in the big games? I think it was very much the latter. I'd agree with Stag in that Murray deposed Ireland's two grand slam scrum half's and started Munster's knock out games this season and played very well while doing so. As said, they're both different players so it's hard to compare but my opinion would be that Murray has had a better season.

It's all semantics really though. Who really cares? It's unimportant. However, this top 50 list is ridiculous journalism. There are players there who don't deserve to be and the order of the whole damn thing seems to be exceptionally debatable. Like you Standulstermen I'd very much question Leamy and Fitz's inclusions. However, we all know they'll be going to the world cup so I suppose they have to be in this top 50 because of that

Stand,

O Leary's injury has nothing to do with Conor Murray's progress.
He has stepped up to the mark and in doing so is now the first choice scrum half for Munster.

He is without doubt the best scrum half in Ireland at present.

O'Leary came back from injury several weeks ago but he's not made it back properly into the Munster 22.

This will annoy our Western brethren but....

Am I the only one who doesn't think the Fionn Carr has had as great a season as the media seem to be suggesting?
He made the Magners League team of the season. He's made this list. He's even touted as "the most lethal finisher in Irish rugby". Really?

Yes he's quick, and he's dangerous when given space. But there's way more to International wing play than that. Firstly, you need to have rock solid defence. Secondly, you need to be able to operate in very tight corners. For me Carr doesn't measure up in those areas. Particularly in defence.

I'd have Earls, Horgan, Gilroy, Bowe, and even Fitzgerald ahead of him in an Irish squad.

I will say this in Carr's defence though - it's very hard to score as many tries as he does in a team that's more often and not fighting for scraps in the bottom half of the league each season. I'd quite happily hold my hand up and admit that I was wrong about him if he turns out to have an excellent season with Leinster (and I'm not just talking about scoring tries).

But until such a time, queue the abuse....

Abuse?? I suspect more people will agree than disagree.

You'd EVEN have a Lions winger who started the Heineken Cup final ahead of him MMC?

Wow, I am shocked

Rumours of the demise of Luke Fitzgerald have been highly exaggerated. Wait and see him come back stronger next season.

Yeah I definitely agree with you MMC. He's a great player with bags of potential (isn't he now Connacht's highest ever try scorer or did I dream that) but he has plenty of weaknesses too. He'll have his opportunity with Leinster during the RWC to prove the doubters among us that his weaknesses aren't as bad as made out though. He only has a one season contract at Leinster though so he needs to prove it straight away and not take all season to cop on like Fitzgerald.

Do ye all reckon Fitzgerald will get to the world cup actually lads? There's so few spaces on a 30 man squad really isn't there? There could conceivably be only five places for the back three in that squad so who do you take? Jones, Kearney, Bowe, Earls & Trimble? That would probably be my five with Fitz, Horgan and Georgan Murphy behind them. It depends on Kearney's fitness I suppose.

I'd have Fitzgerald in there certainly.

Who do you leave out though Stag? With so few places in the squad it's such a hard decision to make. And is this based on current form or belief that he rediscovers the player he used to be? Certainly if he performs well in the warm up games it becomes an even tougher decision but based on the player I've seen all season I don't think you could justify bringing him ahead of the others mentioned. (I know this flies in the face of my logic in bringing Kearney but I'd like two proper FB's there during the RWC ideally)

This is who I include/leave out.

Ireland 30 Man 2011 World Cup Squad

Loosehead: Tom Court, Cian Healy
Hooker: Rory Best, Sean Cronin, Damien Varley
Tight Head: Tony Buckley, Mike Ross
Second Row: Leo Cullen, Donnacha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Donnacha Ryan
Backrow: Stephen Ferris, Jamie Heaslip, Shane Jennings, Sean O'Brien, David Wallace
Scrumhalf: Conor Murray, Eoin Reddan, Peter Stringer
Flyhalf: Ronan O'Gara, Jonathon Sexton
Centre: Gordon Darcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Paddy Wallace
Winger: Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Andrew Trimble
Fullback: Felix Jones, Rob Kearney

On Stand By: Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Mick O'Driscoll, Denis Leamy, Tomas O'Leary, Fergus McFadden, Geordan Murphy

Either you bring 4 centres and 5 back three players, or 3 centres and 6 back three players. I believe Kidney will tend towards the latter knowing we have wingers who can cover 13. Alternatively you bring an extra forward and 3 centres and 5 back three players, but I feel that is rather tight.

Tayto wrote:Stand,

O Leary's injury has nothing to do with Conor Murray's progress.
He has stepped up to the mark and in doing so is now the first choice scrum half for Munster.

He is without doubt the best scrum half in Ireland at present.

Tayto. Nah. He's good, fast-improving and a great international prospect - for sure. But that particular privilage, has been fully-earned, in top-level games, by Eoin Reddan. He is Irelands no 1 SH, going into the RWC. Kidney thinks so, so what we say and believe - is meaningless really. Good fun though. Id put Issac Boss just behind him.

That top 50, after the top 15 or so, is so random, its laughable. Lazy journalism, imo.

Interesting statistic from 2007 RWC Squad - we brought 7 players who had less than 10 caps for Ireland.

Gibson wrote:

Tayto wrote:Stand,

O Leary's injury has nothing to do with Conor Murray's progress.
He has stepped up to the mark and in doing so is now the first choice scrum half for Munster.

He is without doubt the best scrum half in Ireland at present.

Tayto. Nah. He's good, fast-improving and a great international prospect - for sure. But that particular privilage, has been fully-earned, in top-level games, by Eoin Reddan. He is Irelands no 1 SH, going into the RWC. Kidney thinks so, so what we say and believe - is meaningless really. Good fun though. Id put Issac Boss just behind him.

That top 50, after the top 15 or so, is so random, its laughable. Lazy journalism, imo.

Gibbo - Kidney was at the match last weekend and saw both scrummies

Reddan is currently the best but he's a dire defender. He's the Ronan O'Gara of scrumhalves when it comes to tackling.

How many played though Stag?

It seemed at the time EOS brought a lot of less experienced players and then never, ever trusted them when the going got tough. The likes of Duffy, Ferris, P. Wallace and, erm, Brian Carney were never in the frame for selection. Reddan got the call, yes, but that was sheer panic!

Notch Eddie only ever played about 17 players anyway.

OK maybe the "even" was unnecessary.

red_stag,
I'd agree with the majority of that squad. You could argue for McFadden as extra centre cover ahead of Wallace but having Wallace there as cover for 10 as well would certainly edge it for him. I certainly wouldn't be aggrieved to see him in the squad.

I think due to the fact that the number is so small that there will always be players that will be very unlucky to leave out.

If Murray and Jones make it I'll be very very happy.

That's true! Probably the main reason we only had so many inexperienced players in the first place

Tell you what though just looking at our squad then. It was actually terrible outside the starting XV. As in REALLY bad.

I would nearly say our 2nd XV now is better than our 1st XV then.

Yup!

Notch wrote:Yup!

+1