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

First topic message reminder :

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

Ah there's my reason Stag, good man

Ah no you're right in a sense really. He probably isn't in pole position but I don't think anyone else is either. I really feel Kearney/Murphy have a heck of a lot to prove in the warm up games to oust Jones (not that Jones doesn't also have to prove himself in those games). It'll be very interesting anyway.

In all seriousness, Kearney is already at the stage where he's doing full physical training. The deadline for the squad announcement is on the 22nd of August, or something in that ballpark. The IRFU have him on a specially tailored fitness program and are looking to get him some gametime in the Southern Hemisphere.

The omens are good for him imo.

Super,
Jones could never be "ousted", purely due to the fact that he has never played in a full international for his country. A minor point,I know, but one to consider.

A good point too Gibbo

Yeah I was very tempted to edit that part after I re-read it and probably should have. Poor choice of words. What I really mean is the boys coming back from injury have to prove they are better options than the in-form Felix Jones. Anyway, it's very nice to have these options this time around. Didn't we bring Gavin Duffy with us the last time? What a difference four years makes. All will be revealed in two months time when the warm up's start anyway boys, and those two months will fly by.

I think Notch has a good point about the IRFU as well. They clearly want Kearney to be fit and firing since they went to the Stormers to try and get him game time. He'd have to make an absolute balls of it in the warm ups to not go (and even if he did, Deccie persisted with Fitz for four games in the 6N so who knows).

Fair enuf Super. To be honest, I'll never understand why Leinster let him go. He is brilliant. Munster are lucky to have him. Cheika was strongly against the move and the boy, through really bad injuries and adversity, has us all talking about him for a shot at the RWC.

I think that says it all.

Sad thing is if he hadn't picked up that nasty long-term injury he'd already be there. Set his career back a year. I expect him to make the grade for Ireland. but he might have to wait until 2012...

Gibson,

I will gladly take you up on your bet that Kearney and Murphy will be on the plane.
Yes Kearney had a great game V SA in the second test but 1 game doesn't make you a success.His form was shoite and I stand by my claim that he tackles like ROG.
I wouldn't pin the blame on Cheilka either for his lack of attacking awareness.

Jones should be a dead cert for NZ.

Just while we’re all on the subject of WC squads - I read the other day that Jennings broke his arm against Munster. Just read in the Indo today that he had surgery yesterday and is facing a race to be fit for the WC.

Massive shame.

Mickado wrote:Just while we’re all on the subject of WC squads - I read the other day that Jennings broke his arm against Munster. Just read in the Indo today that he had surgery yesterday and is facing a race to be fit for the WC.

Massive shame.

Really? Thats a big loss. Him and Ferris would be big losses.

I heard that alright. I also heard that it had been broken for a few minutes before he was substituted. I hope that extra few minutes doesn't turn into extra days/weeks of recovery.

As I said on DOD's article about the game on 606 - I thought that Jennings had a superb game. He's had a fantastic season with Leinster and if it were up to me I'd have him on the plane (pending good performances in the warm ups, as with all of the other 50/50s).

MMC, totally agree. Thought he was our standout player. Made some great carries and at least one linebreak. Thought he out Sean O’Brien’d Sean O’Brien.

A backrow roster of (hopefully all fully fit) Jenning, O’Brien, Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris would be fantastic.

Mickado wrote:A backrow roster of (hopefully all fully fit) Jenning, O’Brien, Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris would be fantastic.

It certainly would be. You just know we're going to get this instead though...

O'Brien, Heaslip, Wallace, an injured or half fit Ferris, and Leamy.

Whilst i would like to see Jones get a run i find it very unlikely that Deccie will throw him in during the RWC. Kearney is much more likely to come back in and failing that i suspect Earls, Bowe and Trimble may feature. I know Earls isnt maybe the best under the high ball but its not as if the wallabies kick much ball away. Against SA it would be different but again would Deccie throw in a guy with so little experience. I doubt it. If he is injury free next season then Luke Marshall should get an A call up. These young guys need to be brought through sooner rather than later

I should addd after the RWC to the end of the above post!

Agreed Stand

Marshall has a great future ahead of him and you are right in saying he needs to be given a go in the Green jersey.

As regards Jones and Murray.
A lot of you on here think that playing these 2 young players in the WC would be a disaster because they do not have International experience.

I totally disagree with you lads on this one.

I would much rather have Jones at FB than depend on the overrated Kearney coming back from missing a whole season through injury.
Murray too has shown that he can mix it with the best and has to be on the plane.

Come on lads,Do you seriously think that we can advance with Kearney and Reddan starting against the likes of Australia.

Yes I do.

Tayto wrote:Come on lads,Do you seriously think that we can advance with Kearney and Reddan starting against the likes of Australia.

Yes.

Yeah i agree with Stag and Notch. Kearney is still very young and cant really be judged on a season in which he has been injured for the most part.

Its not a case of me saying Jones or Murray would be a disaster but i with the pressure out in NZ im not sure it would be entirely fair. We saw how pressure affected Keith Earls on the last Lions tour or Matthew Tait for England on his debut. I would suggest the Aus game in the RWC would be like that magnified tenfold. The focus would inevitably be on the new caps and any mistakes (however minor) would be highlighted. Deccie doesnt seem like the type of coach to expose youngsters to those pressures imo.

I really fail to see what the issue with Reddan is.

2 intercept passes off the same move against SA and England. It’s not Reddan being a terrible SH, it’s the TEAM executing a risky first phase play which didn’t come off either time.

Look at how sharp he was in the HC final! If Ireland can get any sort of dominance over the Aussies up front Reddan is perfectly poised to make hay.

As for Kearney, we’ll have to see how he goes in SA (hopefully he will play down there) but I have every faith in the fact that Kearney is not just a catch and run fullback. He was the best in the world when that style of fullback was in vogue but he’s got plenty more strings to his bow than that.

Mick - he's the Ronan O'Gara of scrumhalves when it comes to defending.

I would suggest someone needs to reign in his tap and go fetish though Mickado

Mickado wrote:2 intercept passes off the same move against SA and England. It’s not Reddan being a terrible SH, it’s the TEAM executing a risky first phase play which didn’t come off either time.

Reminds me of the stick Best got in that South Africa game- the ball being called to the tail of the lineout in torrential rain with the best defensive lineout in the world in between! Just some unwise strategic choices being made. However, players have to be able to change what they are doing on the fly if it isn't on, whether it's going for a risky first phase play or an overly bold lineout call.

It's true he isn;t a great defender though, Reddan.

Oh yeah Notch, I’m not saying he’s perfect. His decision making can be suspect when he’s under pressure, but people seem to have a selective memory about him at international level.

I’d be happy with Reddan, Boss and Murray as the 3 scrum halves. 3 contrasting styles, none of the perfect but they’d provide us with variety and allow us to make horses for courses selections.

Stringer and Reddan for me are definites. I think Stringer is the best bench option Ireland have at scrumhalf. After that Murray, O'Leary or Boss - I don't mind that much. Currently its Murray.

Its just ... his arm is BROKEN? I thought it was just injured/sprained. Well phooke it anyway. This has happened Jennings at so many key times in his career. He finds great form, gets badly injured or suspended and misses the boat/plane/team.

He is not meant to play for Ireland. I give up. It will be a miracle if he makes it now. I'll get the Ma to say a Novena for him. She single-handedly won 2 HC's for Leinster and a SLAM for Ireland.

Gibson, true story. Jennings was jumped by a masked vigilante outside Thomond Park who snapped his arm with real aggression. Declan Kidney is the main suspect!!

All roysh Stag mate? Yerman's name wasn't Dinny, was it?

There are conflicting reports Gibbo. Some reports that he was pelted with turnips and broke his arm trying to defend himself. However the Limerick Leader newspaper reports that Jennings knows he'd get shown up on the World Cup and maimed himself to save himself the shame . . . .

Lads, lets ALL say a Novena for the rest of the squad. WE really DON'T need any more injuries. Our depth is not that deep.

Cut out the middle man and ask your Ma to say a Novena to make us win the WC Gibbo. I wouldn’t care less if it was Jennings, Wallace or oliver bleedin cromwell playing openside then!

Didn't realise Jennings was seriously injured. M'on we'll all head round to his pad and set up one of them oxygen tent thingimys. Then he'll be grand. On 1F's condition anyone know of a pioneering surgeon who'd be willing to do a knee transplant?

Maybe MrP could do it! I’d be willing to donate my knees if that would help!

Whatever about a fit Kearney or Reddan starting against Australia, you won't get both together.

If its Kearney at fullback, it will be O'Leary for his pace, cover defense.

If its Reddan at SH, it will be Jones for his pace, defense.

This is who I think will be in the 50 Man Squad (if all fit)

15: Kearney, Jones, Murphy
14: Bowe, Horgan, Carr
13: BOD, McFaddan, Gavin Duffy
12: D'Arcy, P. Wallace, Downey
11: Earls, Trimble
10: ROG, Sexton
9: O'Leary, Reddan, Stringer, Murray
8: Heislip, Leamy, Coughlan
7: David Wallace, Jennings, Faloon
6: SOB, Ferris, Muldoon
5: POC, Cullen, MOD
4: DOC, D. Ryan, Tuohy
3: Ross, Buckley, Hayes
2: Flannery, Best, Cronin
1: Healy, Court, Horan

Space for 5 more random players - like Ruddock, Dom Ryan - some of the Ulster young lads (who are not at the U20s world cup).

I would offer mine but as I stand at 5'11" I doubt they'd support his bulk.

I trust you mean Healy over Buckley....

Sadly, I think Hayes will go too. D Ryan? No thanks.

4 scrum halves? No chance.

Horgan will be on the plane ahead of Downey.

Flannery? Who hasnt played in how long? Nope.

Jennings arm is broken, so probably not.

MOD? Eh, no. Try McLaughlin if you want 6 2nd rows... which we dont.

Holes everywhere Sine.

Soprry- just saw 50 man squad... which is probably every alive rugby player in the country.

Give us your 30 man WC squad...

I'd be surprised if Carr, Downey or Faloon were there. I expect the likes of Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock. Also Buckley has been selected twice.

15: Kearney, Jones
14: Bowe, Horgan
13: BOD, McFaddan
12: D'Arcy, P. Wallace
11: Earls, Trimble
10: ROG, Sexton
9: Reddan, TOL, Murray
8: Heislip,
7: David Wallace, Jennings
6: SOB, Ferris
5: POC, Cullen
4: DOC, Tuohy
3: Ross, Buckley
2: Best, Cronin
1: Healey, Court

......would be closer to the truth..

I'd much rather have Donnacha Ryan than Tuohy. And you'd need to bring another hooker Boyne.

Boyne wrote:15: Kearney, Jones
14: Bowe, Horgan
13: BOD, McFaddan
12: D'Arcy, P. Wallace
11: Earls, Trimble
10: ROG, Sexton
9: Reddan, TOL, Murray
8: Heislip,
7: David Wallace, Jennings
6: SOB, Ferris
5: POC, Cullen
4: DOC, Tuohy
3: Ross, Buckley
2: Best, Cronin
1: Healey, Court

......would be closer to the truth..

I'd expect that minus Horgan, Tuohy and McFadden, plus Damien Varley, Donnacha Ryan and Luke Fitzgerald.

Boyne wrote:15: Kearney, Jones
14: Bowe, Horgan
13: BOD, McFaddan
12: D'Arcy, P. Wallace
11: Earls, Trimble
10: ROG, Sexton
9: Reddan, TOL, Murray
8: Heislip,
7: David Wallace, Jennings
6: SOB, Ferris
5: POC, Cullen
4: DOC, Tuohy
3: Ross, Buckley
2: Best, Cronin
1: Healey, Court

......would be closer to the truth..

I made an error with regard to Buckley at Loosehead -should have been Healy (I've fixed it now).

Donncha Ryan instead of Tuohy and I don't think Jennings or Shane Horgan will be going. Leamy & Flannery (or Varley) instead.

Is that your 30 or the 30 you think Deccie will bring Boyne? I don't see him bringing 4 centres so I think McFadden will lose out and I don't see horgan going instead of fitzgerald despite the form he's in. I'd also say Ryan will get in ahead of touhy due to versatility in the backrow and then Varley or Flannery will go as hooker. Agree with everyone else you have.

red_stag wrote:I'd be surprised if Carr, Downey or Faloon were there. I expect the likes of Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock. Also Buckley has been selected twice.

Its a 50 man squad. Freshen up the training options/type of players they will be up against.

But Sin you said this is who you think will be in the squad. Some of them should but I don't think they will.

By the way Boyne, you took your time - recuperating after all that stirring you did on 606 before it closed.

Where is Guns? Flanking hasn't made an appearance yet

Anyway, this is really beginning to feel like 'home' now.

Planet Rugby has done a feature 'Form XVs for the RWC'. A team of in-form players from each major rugby nation. Ireland's is;

Ireland: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Leo Cullen, 4 Paul O'Connell, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Not considered due to injury: Rob Kearney, Jerry Flannery, Stephen Ferris.

I like that team, but I'm not too sure of the credibility of an article which names Mike Phillips as the form Welsh scrum-half

Irelands "Form" XV:

15 Jones
14 Horgan
13 Spence
12 Darcy
11 Earls
10 Sexton
09 Murray
01 Healy
02 Best
03 Ross
04 Cullen
05 O'Connell
06 O'Brien
07 Wallace
08 Heaslip

This might just be a Front Row players Bias but i Though Healy was Irelands best performer this year. His work in the scrum was phenomenal.

I guess the Rampaging runs of Sean O'Brien meant he was noticed more than a player like Healy who I thought was outstanding in every facet of the game,

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:This might just be a Front Row players Bias but i Though Healy was Irelands best performer this year. His work in the scrum was phenomenal.

I guess the Rampaging runs of Sean O'Brien meant he was noticed more than a player like Healy who I thought was outstanding in every facet of the game,

You should watch this (from 2 mins in) before claiming that! Healy scrummaging against 37 year old John Hayes, who unlike Healy played the full 80. Watch for two scrums.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHSa41aP0f8&feature=related