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

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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

Yeah there was a lot made out about leaving the likes of Heaslip and Bowe out the last time but some seriously quality players will be left out this time and the people outside the first XV will definitely be challenging and pushing the first's on and that can only be a good thing and was definitely not the case in 2007.

As for Reddan, he is in all fairness playing well at the minute but he has his weaknesses (as do all our SH's in fairness). The lad keeps giving me heart attacks during the game as I, mostly wrongly, anticipate or imagine him giving intercept passes. He has given two away in the last few months (SA in autumn and England in the 6N). I actually like Boss too. Think he's been very underrated. I know it won't happen but imagine if Deccie took Reddan, Boss and Murray. If we were picking on form it's not hard to imagine such a situation. The potential for two grand slam SH's being left out shows how real the threat of quality players being left out for this world cup is.

Were gonna win the world cup!!

Or at least beat either beat Aus or SA. Heard it here first.

The potential for two grand slam SH's being left out shows how real the threat of quality players being left out for this world cup is.

_______


Scrum half has been our weakest position for a long time. Hopefully Conor "Mike Philips" Murray will develop into a class act.

Stag

Murray should go but i agree with Gibbo. If he does go he may get a game against Russia for instance but wont get in the squad for the big games. He could have put Howlett away in the ML final but chose the wrong option. At international level that will kill us and from my own perspective Deccie tends to remember mistakes from challengers more than incumbents. I wouldnt be disappointed at all to see Murray get gametime though i would actually rate Felix Jones as more impressive. Will Kearney be nailed on? IMO our back 3 will be Bowe, Kearney, Earls. After that Trimble and Jones come into play. Just my opinion but i dont think Fitz should go

MMC wrote:

Notch wrote:Yup!

+1

+10

We have come a long, long, way. We now have the sheer luxury of "fighting" over 30 - or more, well-prepared, consumate - pros. I'll give Deccie that much. Some forced on him by injury, but most were prepared & selected by choice.

Steady-Eddie, defined conservatism and nepotism like no other.

Rejoice!

Ah I know scrum half is our weak point leinsterbaby but at the same time TOL was selected to play for the Lions, and Fitz did play for the Lions. The fact we're debating leaving out Lions shows how far Ireland have come in the last four years. We do have a very talented squad. It will mean nothing if we don't perform at the world cup though.

Chris Henry

I would have NO problem with Jones & Murray joining the squad. Their talent is irrefutable. They will take their cause further after the WC. For sure. They would not let us down vs USA and Russia. But, Id rather see our experienced, top 1st choices - make it.Murphy and Kearney at FB. Reddan, Boss & Stringer/TOL at SH. Its a RWC not a testing ground. And have the young lads in the wings - ready to call up. But first, they must be tested and readied in a full Test or 2...


Deccie may surprise us and blood Murray and Jones in the Summer tests. Id love to see them play, surrounded by experienced players. It's the only way to find out. Its getting late in the day, but 5 games is enough to give them a shot. It would also serve to wake up the incumbents too and could be another Kidney Master-stroke in man-management. He did it for Sexton, when Cheika had little or no time for him. He was repaid for it in spades. ROG stepped it up. Sexton stepped it up. Now we have 2 x 1st class international Outhalfs. All Kidney's work. It's what he is a genius at.

I believe in the impetuosity and blind arrogance of youff, surrounded by vastly experienced players. Always have. They could really surprise the lot of us at the WC. And the opposition - who have minimal data on them. Just a thought.

Lot of interesting points made. It has been a bumper season for Irish rugby and we have a lot to be positive about (injuries permitting) going into the world cup.

Few could disagree with Stag's 30 man squad. So I'll pose this question. Given we're hoping for a provisional 50 man squad announcement pretty soon, which players would everyone like to see strut their stuff during the autumn internationals?

For my penny's worth; McFadden, Jones, Kearney, Spence, Murray, Henry, Jennings, Touhy, Ryan and Varley. Several are likely to make the 30 man squad but I think it's important to give the others experience now should the need arise to call them up. Even if it is only an 'off the bench' moment against the Westies.

If Kearney goes to the WC then we can forget about progressing through to the Quarter final.

Bad form pre his injury,zero attacking capability and tackles like ROG.

Tayto,
You are joking yeah?

Admittedly, he has had a bad turn of injuries and loss of form - post the Lions Tour - where he disproves everything you just said and then some. Watch the 2nd Lions game vs SA. Best player on the pitch and he has the capability to show he is the best FB in the World, on the biggest stage of all.

Cheika inhibited him in his last, negative rugby-style year at Leinster. Kidney did the same in his early days with Ireland. All that has changed. It is a crying shame that Schmidt did not have enough time with him this year. Nacewa has been brilliant in his place. But, unlike Kearney, he was given free-reign to run at defences and he is loving it. So will Kearney when he gets back.

Time will tell all.

Never mind what we think, Kidney wants Kearney back and playing as his 1st choice 15.

Im not sure, but I reckon he may know a wee more about rugby than we do.

I know this much. If Kearney and Murphy dont make it - we are phooked. Jones too young and raw to be entrusted to take us through on his own. Fitzgerald is a FB in his own mind and no one else's.

Kearney is an interesting case. A lot depends on how much game time he gets in SA and thus if he features at all in the warm up matches. Jones would consider himself very unlucky to be behind Kearney at this stage given we have no idea of Kearney's form, mindset or fitness. Will he be 'international class' sharp when he plays during the summer? Highly unrealistic.

Consequently I think he may be a bit of a risk. Might we see one or two games with Earls at fb? Or (dare I say) Wallace? Now before everyone jumps down my throat remember Deccie said something along those lines during the 6n.

Japers, Gibbo, what has happened to you? You used to be moaning about Kidney being too conservative Now you want to bring injured geriatrics to the world cup!

- you won't like to hear this, but word on munsterfans is that Jones had to go to be measured for the offical Ireland suit for the rugby world cup. Looks like he has booked his seat on the plane. Probably at the expense of Shane Jennings
Oh, and Rob is getting special training sessions with Les Kis (according to Rob's twitter)

I think Tayto went a bit too extreme on us there but, in fairness, he his attack has raised a fair point. Kearney was in woeful form pre-injury so it is very uncertain how he'll be when he comes back. It's as much of a risk to take Kearney due to his injury as it is to take Jones due to his youth in my eyes.

I think you're right in that Kidney wants Kearney to come back Gibson but sometimes wishful thinking only translates to wishful thinking and nothing of substance. It's all speculation until we see the warm up games but, to my mind, the only viable options at full back are Kearney, Jones, Earls or Geordan Murphy. I think it's very unlikely Geordan will come back and Earls, while a great wing, has not played full back regularly enough to be a competent FB against say South Africa. So, for me, it's going to be Jones or Kearney. Right now Jones is in pole position but it really depends on the warm up games. I hope they both get games and, if Jones is to be seriously considered, he needs to play full back against France away from home so he can be truly tested. In the end I think both Kearney and Jones will go to the world cup though and I think Fitzgerald is in serious trouble for his spot if Deccie only takes 5 back three players with him.

Eh it's a bit early to be measuring suits. That's rubbish. One thing is for sure though Kearney will be back and will be up there with the best of them roish.

Short video of Kearney training with Les Kis last Saturday. (from Kearney's twitter)

http://yfrog.com/f5wlzuz

He looks to be physically ok. Said he was fine after the session.

leinsterbaby wrote:Eh it's a bit early to be measuring suits. That's rubbish. One thing is for sure though Kearney will be back and will be up there with the best of them roish.

You seriously think they are going to wait until a couple of weeks before the world cup they are going to start measuring up for suits?

Sin é wrote:

leinsterbaby wrote:Eh it's a bit early to be measuring suits. That's rubbish. One thing is for sure though Kearney will be back and will be up there with the best of them roish.

You seriously think they are going to wait until a couple of weeks before the world cup they are going to start measuring up for suits?

You seriously think it takes three months to measure a suit?

We're arguing over suits now??

This kind of thing is regularly done Leinsterbaby. Back in the 2009 six nations the entire Irish team was photographed with Lions jersey's on them (as were the welsh/english/scots). They're just being thorough is all!

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail and all that

leinsterbaby wrote:

Sin é wrote:

leinsterbaby wrote:Eh it's a bit early to be measuring suits. That's rubbish. One thing is for sure though Kearney will be back and will be up there with the best of them roish.

You seriously think they are going to wait until a couple of weeks before the world cup they are going to start measuring up for suits?

You seriously think it takes three months to measure a suit?

It would take 10 mins to measure a suit. Issue is that they are going on holiday until July. First game is against Scotland on 6th August.

Jones? In pole-position? Jayzuz lads get a large grip on reality. Sheesh.

He is an outside backup option. At best.

Earls is in the same boat as Fitzy. Been tried and failed at FB. They are wingers/cum centres. Everyone knows that by now.

Sin,
As you know, I like to provoke discussion. But man, it's the feicin World Cup. Let it be a real one. Not the Fairy-tales of Ireland.

Easy now.

My point is nobody knows for sure if they have been picked yet.

I'd imagine the training squad- 50-odd players- will be measured for suits given injuries occur and selection plans change with them. All the back-ups and everyone will be tailored for.

This is knitting circle stuff!

Gibson who is in pole position then?

Sin,
Classic. Nice one man.I bow to you Sir. Next you'll be tellin me they are getting a giant baby jump-suit for The Bull.

I imagine that they are making every effort to get Kearney fit, and if not they will have a look at it.

I actually though Keith Earls had an excellent game at fullback against England, but I doubt he could put in the same performance with our pack on the backfoot and all hell and high balls raining down on him.

Jeezus Gibbo, I nearly swallowed my tongue! You've got to warn me before you say something like that

The Bull would love that as well.

Willy,
They are physically fit. Not match-fit. Yet. Clear to go on the injury-front. They have a multitude of International caps between them. They are being readied for the Summer Tests. You know who they are.

Kidney is not a gobshoite. Conservative maybe, but a cute hoor nonetheless.

Id love him to read this blog. Give him a laugh.

The bold step for you Gibbo!

You know well that Lukey was dropped from the 22 against England and Earls was brilliant in that game at fullback.

A jumpsuit for the bull with matching wellies perhaps?

Well lads, sure this place feels like home already.

The new players I want to see in next years 6 Nations:

Donnacha Ryan at 4
Willie Faloon at 7
Conor Murray (or a revitalised Tomas O'Leary) at 9
Fergus McFadden at 12
Nevin Spence at 13
Felix Jones at 15
Ian Keatley at 21

Not in every game mind you. The rest of team is fine.

Gibson -

Jones is the form Irish qualified full back and his nearest competitors who regularly play full back haven't been seen for months, and when they were seen, they were playing poorly to put it mildly. Therefore Jones is in pole position. If I was asked hand on heart do I think Kidney will pick Jones or Kearney (if Kearney gets match fit) I think Kidney would pick Kearney but, if Kearney doesn't get into some sort of form, I think it would be a mistake.

I dunno what you're on about with Earls though. He had one game at full back against England and didn't put a foot wrong. Was he tested like he would be if we were playing South Africa? No. But he didn't "fail".

You know, I still don't think Nevin Spence is ready to make the step-up. I think he needs to work on offloading the ball out of contact and maybe a bit less tunnel vision. His pace, power and his work off the ball and in defence is sterling. My concern is that he might be too predictable at international level. Also, Faloon has not really established himself as first choice at Ulster.

You know, I'm not slow to talk up an Ulsterman ( ) and I'm very proud to see the quality of young players our academy is churning out but I also wouldn't want to see players thrust into the limelight before they are ready for that honour. I think both can benefit from a bit more gametime with Ulster.

Of course, both could make great progress between now and the Six Nations.

mrsuperclear wrote:Therefore Jones is in pole position.

No he's not.

Gibson that's fair enough but in my opinion Kidney has a balancing act to prepare, between giving Kearney/Murphy gametime and giving Jones/Earls/other gametime. Given the length of their injuries I don't think it's realistic that either will be back firing on all cylinders in time for the world cup. I don't say I know the right thing to do in these circumstances and I suspect form or not at least one of Kearney/Murphy will be on the plane, but I can't see how it's fair or right that one of them strolls back into the team after such a long time out, when a decent player like Jones has been putting in very competent performances.

Notch I am hoping to see them feature in March 2012 which is 11 months away.

You're very quick to give one line answers without providing a reason for that answer Red Stag.

That is true Stag. I suppose we'll have to wait and see how they develop. How Ulster develop.

Oh, the excitement of next season. Is it September yet?

Stag, good chance of winning the 6Ns/GS after world cup.

Since both DOC & ROG have 2 year international contracts, I doubt if they will be straying too far from the Ireland 22 next 6Ns.

Do you seriously think BOD (the Captain) will be dropped to the bench for Spence? And that McFadden (who is a 13 I think) will be starting at 13?

I'd say Faloon, Spence (& probably Dominic Ryan) will be in the A team. Spence & Co will be blooded against Fiji, Canada, US etc. later in the year/Autumn internationals. Not in a winable tournament.

mrsuperclear wrote:You're very quick to give one line answers without providing a reason for that answer Red Stag.

No I'm not.

Oh Sin. Stop it man will ya. Im pishing meself laffing. De Bull doing a river-dance vs NZ, as well, in dem wellies. The Haka would be systematically destroyed and we'd have em in The Final.

Thanks for that.

I pray Kearney and Murphy make it. Both give us everything we need.

If the worst comes to the worst. And it wont. It will be Earls and Fitz. No way would he purposely put Jones up against Russia or the USA. Never mind Oz. Its not the way he works so forget it.

Lads, in other news, us Paddies are upping the rating of this site.

I'd like to see Tuohy get game-time before Ryan. Faloon I'm not sure about - he didn't really kick on the way he could have. I was frustrated by him this season - he slipped off the pace quite noticeably.

You never do know with Kidney though do you? He plays it straight up but every so often he'll deal you a joker.

I'd rather blood in the 6 Nations and use a full strenght side to FINALLY beat NZ. We need to prioritise.

red_stag wrote:I'd rather blood in the 6 Nations and use a full strenght side to FINALLY beat NZ. We need to prioritise.

Sure will we not already have beaten them in the RWC by then? :run2:

'If the worst comes to the worst. And it wont. It will be Earls and Fitz'

Any chance you could use your crystal ball on the Euro millions this week? We'll go halvesies.

Fitz at fb? hope not. Certainly not on the evidence of the 6n. Would much rather see Jones or even Bowe at a push.

I know you all seem very negative towards the idea of blooding a new player in the world cup, and yes there are risks, but dear god Gibson does playing Fitzgerald at full back really seem a more attractive option than Jones? I know there's so many risks in playing Jones but I'd say it's far more likely we'll beat teams like Australia with him than with an out of form Kearney (if he proves me wrong in the warm up's great but I'm sceptical).

You JUST beat me to it, Notcharoo.

Sin é wrote:The bold step for you Gibbo!

You know well that Lukey was dropped from the 22 against England and Earls was brilliant in that game at fullback.

Sin,
He did. In fairness, he didnt really put a foot wrong in that game. But, he wasnt tested. We were too busy mullering them all over the pitch. He is not sure under a high ball. A kind of basic prereq when playing in a WC dont you think?
But, in all honesty, Id have him at FB long before Fitzy.

Its a wee bit early for these convos. Preparations are being made in the background as we speak. Kearney and Murphy will be there. Bet ye all a

Super, if you read back Jones was listed in my squad. However he ain't pole position. Half a dozen exciting games may be enough to buy him a seat on the plane but he has a long way to go to get "pole position".