The Ireland Squad Announcement Thread

[Notch]

First topic message reminder :

Following on from the discussion on the 'Ireland 2016 Squad' thread which can be found here.

Ireland squad has been announced. It contains four uncapped players- Stuart McCloskey, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander. However there is no room for Garry Ringrose. Mike Ross, Cian Healy and Chris Henry have all been omitted due to injury but may feature later as they return to fitness in their provincial set-ups.

Ireland Squad RBS 6 Nations 2016 Rounds 1 & 2

Forwards (19)

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) Captain
Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster)
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)*
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) Vice Captain
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
CJ Stander (Munster)*
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)*
Nathan White (Connacht)

Backs (16)

Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster)
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht)
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)
Stuart McCloskey (McCloskey/Ulster)*
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
Jared Payne (Ulster)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
Simon Zebo (Cork Con/Munster)

*Denotes uncapped player

[Pete330v2]

as an outsider I don't really get the "Payne at 13" thing. He's a solid enough 13, sure, but at 15 whenever I see him he looks genuinely class, just that extra bit of time on the ball seems to suit him, and he uses it well. Obviously hard to compare club vs international, but still, would be a mistake to pick him at 13 IMO, especially given Kearney isn't playing particularly well...

This is the frustrating thing. We have so many much better centres than Payne and nobody better at fullback yet Joe persists with Payne at 13. At 13 he's solid and organises that backline really weel but at 15 I believe he's world class. Yes that 'world class' word again but I think it fits how Payne plays from fullback. He reminds me of Christian Cullen when he has a 15 on his back. In the centre we could do worse than use Ireland best pairing at the moment in McCloskey and Marshall but I think that would be a little unconservative for Irish rugby.

[brennomac]

Henshaw good for Connacht today, Denis Buckley had a monster game and was motm, didn't see Munster game to see how James Cronin played but must be between Buckley and Cronin for bench LH slot. Healy shouldn't be anywhere near

[Marshes]

Henshaw good for Connacht today, Denis Buckley had a monster game and was motm, didn't see Munster game to see how James Cronin played but must be between Buckley and Cronin for bench LH slot. Healy shouldn't be anywhere near

Buckley was brilliant today, I know it was a depleted Scarlets scrum but himself and Bealham obliterated it. In the loose Buckley is a brilliant carrier, good for a turnover and a fine passer (threw one behind his back today the bloody showboat!). I think if he was fit when the squad was announced he was in, just bad timing, but for me he is the best LH in Ireland on current form. McGrath deserves to be starting and Cronin has played well, but Buckley would be in the 23 for me no question. I think unfortunately for Healy he hasn't been the same player since returning from injury, he has not been the same carrying threat. He would benefit from some playing time with Leinster while McGrath is away on national duty.

Henshaw grew into the game I thought, little bit of rust but on that performance I imagine Joe will be giving him one of the centre spots.

Dillane as well could be a bolter for the bench, he brought great impact when he came on as well.

[Rory_Gallagher]

A little off topic as two of these players have not been selected (for obvious reasons) but please oh please may we one day get the chance to see an axis of Jackson, Olding and Ringrose. What a joy that would be to witness.

[Gwlad]

How are Irish fans feeling about the injuries in the camp? I expect us to play a near full strength back line of Biggar, Roberts, JD2, North, James and Liam and believe we will have the edge in that regard but feel the Irish pack at home, especially the front row, will be hard to manage.

[Notch]

Probably just worried about the second row. I think Furlong will do ok.

[mikey_dragon]

Ireland have a lot of good backs right now so I don't think we'll be better there - I'm a little envious because they're full of the flair that we seem to have lost. I think we'll have the advantage up front which is where most games are usually won. I'm predicting a tight game with Wales edging it, similar to our last game in Dublin. I hope we get more tries this time though.

[The Great Aukster]

Think the Welsh halfbacks are on better form than the Irish counterparts, but the game will be won up front...


by Ireland.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Probably just worried about the second row. I think Furlong will do ok.

Although we are well stacked in the back row I think we will miss Peter O'Mahony a lot more than people realise. His leadership, line-out skills and defence in the wider channels especially will be a big loss.

As good as Rhys Ruddock is, I don't think he is as effective as POM. As a blindside flanker I think his only equal is Henderson, who offers something different.

[rodders]

I tell you guys what -watching Henshaw again at the weekend confirmed a few things for me - he's a far better back 3 player than center and in midfield he is nowhere near as effective as Stuart McCloskey.

McCloskey, Olding and Ringrose will make up the Ireland midfield for many years imo, as good as Henshaw is, he doesn't have the variety or creativity of these 3.

O'Hallaran is a classy player and unlucky not to be involved more for Ireland,

Really like Rory Scholes, he reminds me of a young Trimble

[GunsGerms]

Don't care who Joe picks provided we do well.

Toughest fixture list in one year I can ever remember and we need a good year end ranking. Massive challenges for Joe this year and there will be plenty of people (mostly from Munster) sharping their knives after the Argentina loss.

I would be overjoyed with a 3rd 6 nations win but I think top 2 or 3 is a must.

[rodders]

Yup Fixture list is awful.

The first game with Wales will define the tournament a bit - lose and we are staring down the barrel of possibly 3 losses in a row and a likely bottom 2 finish.

A lot of the Welsh guys missed the RWC so they will be a lot fresher mentally - same with England and France will have a lot of new faces and hunger about them.

I think this could be a very tough few weeks for us and if we win the tournament it would be the best achievement yet. Top 3 would be an excellent result.

[GunsGerms]

Yup Fixture list is awful.

The first game with Wales will define the tournament a bit - lose and we are staring down the barrel of possibly 3 losses in a row and a likely bottom 2 finish.

A lot of the Welsh guys missed the RWC so they will be a lot fresher mentally - same with England and France will have a lot of new faces and hunger about them.

I think this could be a very tough few weeks for us and if we win the tournament it would be the best achievement yet. Top 3 would be an excellent result.

Not just the six nations but also the summer tour to SA and two tests v NZ in November.

[rodders]

Without pain, there is no gain! .

[Golden]

Yup Fixture list is awful.

The first game with Wales will define the tournament a bit - lose and we are staring down the barrel of possibly 3 losses in a row and a likely bottom 2 finish.

A lot of the Welsh guys missed the RWC so they will be a lot fresher mentally - same with England and France will have a lot of new faces and hunger about them.

I think this could be a very tough few weeks for us and if we win the tournament it would be the best achievement yet. Top 3 would be an excellent result.

Not just the six nations but also the summer tour to SA and two tests v NZ in November.

Just the one game against NZ no? Irish rugby website has us playing Canada, NZ then Australia in November.

http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/index.php

[GunsGerms]

There will be another game v NZ in Chicago. It hasn't been formally announced yet but the IRFU travel coordinator was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago looking at hotels. I think there is a very good chance that this will go ahead provided that the terms are right and the IRFU are given a reasonable slice of the profits. NZ have already agreed in principle.

[Golden]

Oh first Ive heard of it. Thats in November too? So were following the Welsh and having 4 November games.

[rodders]

There will be another game v NZ in Chicago.

We'll get those bar-stewards yet!

[Notch]

I'm going to judge the selection policy by where it is at the end of the tournament, not the start. If we lose this game we're in serious trouble so I don't think sticking with the tried and tested is a bad idea at all, but I think sticking with it over all five games would be too conservative. I expect Stander and McCloskey to be making their debuts in this tournament, and maybe Jackson to get a start or two as well.

I'm not going to be overreacting if none of these things happen this week, they are more things I want to see happen across the next five games. I'm going down for the Italy game and I think that will be a more interesting selection debate, possibly informed by where we are in the table after that nightmare opening run!

[GunsGerms]

Oh first Ive heard of it. Thats in November too? So were following the Welsh and having 4 November games.

Yes. I think the IRFU need the extra money.

[Golden]

Not sure if its been mentioned on here already but Fitz is out of the 6 nations with a knee injury.

He is incredibly unlucky. Every time hes able to string some good games together and push his way into the Ireland set up he gets injured.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/luke-fitzgerald-set-to-miss-six-nations-with-knee-injury-1.2516922

[rapidsnowman]

I'm not going to be overreacting if none of these things happen this week,

I reserve the right to overreact and launch into a rant, throwing irrational accusations of bias in all directions.
Furthermore, if I do not agree with the team chosen yet it performs well, I reserve the right to nod knowingly and say "I knew Joe had it covered, I can't understand why everyone got so uptight".

These 2 rights I hold to be inviolable in the armchair fans charter.

[Notch]

I'm not going to be overreacting if none of these things happen this week,

I reserve the right to overreact and launch into a rant, throwing irrational accusations of bias in all directions.
Furthermore, if I do not agree with the team chosen yet it performs well, I reserve the right to nod knowingly and say "I knew Joe had it covered, I can't understand why everyone got so uptight".

These 2 rights I hold to be inviolable in the armchair fans charter.

Well those are your rights as an American and I solemnly swear to uphold those rights once elected to office.
<Wild Applause>

[GunsGerms]

Not sure if its been mentioned on here already but Fitz is out of the 6 nations with a knee injury.

He is incredibly unlucky. Every time hes able to string some good games together and push his way into the Ireland set up he gets injured.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/luke-fitzgerald-set-to-miss-six-nations-with-knee-injury-1.2516922

He is made of glass. I wouldn't pick him anyway.

[rodders]

Not sure if its been mentioned on here already but Fitz is out of the 6 nations with a knee injury.

He is incredibly unlucky. Every time hes able to string some good games together and push his way into the Ireland set up he gets injured.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/luke-fitzgerald-set-to-miss-six-nations-with-knee-injury-1.2516922

He is made of glass. I wouldn't pick him anyway.

Sorry to see him injured but I don't think he is there on merit in the first instance. Gilroy is a better winger and he doesn't have the skills for center. He's a good player alright but his status and reputation within Irish rugby is out of sync with his actual performances.

[GunsGerms]

I have to agree. I have never rated him. People like him because a bit like Zebo he is capable of a bit of flair every now and then. However, there isn't enough in between.

[Marshes]

The 42.ie have a poll up about how far Ireland will go in the championship. 60% saying that it will be "no triple crown, no championship". We are fierce optimistic this year!!

[the-goon]

Anyone being drafted in as cover for Fitz?

[GunsGerms]

The 42.ie have a poll up about how far Ireland will go in the championship. 60% saying that it will be "no triple crown, no championship". We are fierce optimistic this year!!

Fans are fickle. We lost two competitive games last year out of 12 and all anyone can remember is the loss to Argentina. Any other year for any country 10 from 12 is a crazy good record.

I think we will come close and given the last two seasons the 6 nations was won on very fine margins, the loss of our captain Paul O'Connell may prove too big a loss. I wouldn't rule out a narrow 6 nations win with no slam.

[rodders]

I'm fed up with winning. I'd like to lose all our games this year except the one in the US against the ABs, maybe beat England at twickers and get a draw against the boks.

[Sin é]

Against the Head is back on RTE1 on Monday evenings for anyone interested. This evenings show had Donal Lenihan, Jackman and Quinlan.

http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/against-the-head-453/

[RubyGuby]

"Fans are fickle. We lost two competitive games last year out of 12 and all anyone can remember is the loss to Argentina. Any other year for any country 10 from 12 is a crazy good record."

I think the fickle part is assuming the Ireland v Wales game in Dublin immediately before the RWC was a non-competitive match - You're on the curve Guns it just happens mate

Irelands biggest asset as they revert to their default is the fact that they will start to become under dogs and we all know what happens then !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maestegmafia]

"Fans are fickle. We lost two competitive games last year out of 12 and all anyone can remember is the loss to Argentina. Any other year for any country 10 from 12 is a crazy good record."

I think the fickle part is assuming the Ireland v Wales game in Dublin immediately before the RWC was a non-competitive match - You're on the curve Guns it just happens mate  

Irelands biggest asset as they revert to their default is the fact that they will start to become under dogs and we all know what happens then !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RG, with all due respect mate, losing is something that benefits the teams progression, trust me i know that from supporting a team with more highs and lows than Modane to Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France.

You didnt just lose to Argentina you got pasted.

It wasnt a friendly it was a RWC quarterfinal secondly they posted 43 points on Ireland in a crucial knock out game.

I know there were injuries to key players and Argentina are a very good side, but to belittle this match in one of only two games you lost is a bit misconstrued mate... Plus you lost to wales twice and Argentina so you lost three games last year.

Its a bit like saying although you lost to wales twice last year it doesn't matter because you beat them once. You lost the one in the Six Nations.

[eirebilly]

"Fans are fickle. We lost two competitive games last year out of 12 and all anyone can remember is the loss to Argentina. Any other year for any country 10 from 12 is a crazy good record."

I think the fickle part is assuming the Ireland v Wales game in Dublin immediately before the RWC was a non-competitive match - You're on the curve Guns it just happens mate  

Irelands biggest asset as they revert to their default is the fact that they will start to become under dogs and we all know what happens then !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jaysus Guru, haven't you realised already that us Irish get extremely nervous when things may look good? Sure, we are a glass 3/4 empty type folk

[rodders]

Sure, we are a glass 3/4 empty type folk

And the bloody 1/4 is made up ex pat Saffer and Kiwis we poached.

[eirebilly]

Sure, we are a glass 3/4 empty type folk

And the bloody 1/4 is made up ex pat Saffer and Kiwis we poached.

I prefer to poach eggs myself but sure you guys up north do what you want

[RubyGuby]

Ha ha - the genial Irish boys - Top of the morning to you lads, just had a rude send off after some comments on another post so back to me emerald Isle fellas who seem to understand Rubys attempts at humour. Its an interesting one this weekend with all home nations games appearing to be 50/50 calls and that "momentum" tag being bantered around. We have a settled team, Ireland are Ireland so a win draw or lose is always possible. Some interesting match ups. On paper and form I'd take Wales by 3-6 pts but we all know that all that counts for sweet FA come the weekend. Good luck lads it should be a cracker. As for my humour, maybe its they way I tell 'em

[RubyGuby]

Sure, we are a glass 3/4 empty type folk

And the bloody 1/4 is made up ex pat Saffer and Kiwis we poached.

I prefer to poach eggs myself but sure you guys up north do what you want

Billy, I can't agree on this occasion, most Irish fans I've met have had a glass 5/4 th's full

[rodders]

Sure, we are a glass 3/4 empty type folk

And the bloody 1/4 is made up ex pat Saffer and Kiwis we poached.

I prefer to poach eggs myself but sure you guys up north do what you want

Billy, I can't agree on this occasion, most Irish fans I've met have had a glass 5/4 th's full

That'll be those Welsh bar staff not used to folks buying a round.

[RubyGuby]

Sure, we are a glass 3/4 empty type folk

And the bloody 1/4 is made up ex pat Saffer and Kiwis we poached.

I prefer to poach eggs myself but sure you guys up north do what you want

Billy, I can't agree on this occasion, most Irish fans I've met have had a glass 5/4 th's full

That'll be those Welsh bar staff not used to folks buying a round.

[rodders]

Sure, we are a glass 3/4 empty type folk

And the bloody 1/4 is made up ex pat Saffer and Kiwis we poached.

I prefer to poach eggs myself but sure you guys up north do what you want

Billy, I can't agree on this occasion, most Irish fans I've met have had a glass 5/4 th's full

That'll be those Welsh bar staff not used to folks buying a round.

[RubyGuby]

Lots of tension around here Rodders - Its that time of year again

[GunsGerms]

Ha ha - the genial Irish boys - Top of the morning to you lads, just had a rude send off after some comments on another post so back to me emerald Isle fellas who seem to understand Rubys attempts at humour. Its an interesting one this weekend with all home nations games appearing to be 50/50 calls and that "momentum" tag being bantered around. We have a settled team, Ireland are Ireland so a win draw or lose is always possible. Some interesting match ups. On paper and form I'd take Wales by 3-6 pts but we all know that all that counts for sweet FA come the weekend. Good luck lads it should be a cracker. As for my humour, maybe its they way I tell 'em

Sometimes a Wales team shows up that seems like they would just rather be at home topping up their tan while watching Gavin and Stacey. Hopefully that team shows up because when Wales are in the mood to dance you better be ready to tango.

As such I haven't a clue how this game will go but I am buoyed that two years ago in Lansdowne we won quite easily without POC.

[eirebilly]

Aaahh, it would not be a true Irish thread without guns having a wee swipe at Munster, their fans or players

[GunsGerms]

Aaahh, it would not be a true Irish thread without guns having a wee swipe at Munster, their fans or players

That's more of a swipe at Wales. Typical Munster fan trying to make it all about Munster.

Oh and by the way Paul O'Connell is not a Munster player.

[rodders]

Oh and by the way Paul O'Connell is not a Munster player.

Ha! Ouch!

[eirebilly]

Aaahh, it would not be a true Irish thread without guns having a wee swipe at Munster, their fans or players

That's more of a swipe at Wales. Typical Munster fan trying to make it all about Munster.

Oh and by the way Paul O'Connell is not a Munster player.

No, he is a Munster legend and was at the time you referred to him in your post

Is this also a swipe at Wales?

Massive challenges for Joe this year and there will be plenty of people (mostly from Munster) sharping their knives after the Argentina loss.

[munkian]

Fitzgerald out of the 6 Nations with Knee injury

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35475865

[eirebilly]

Anyways, all joking aside. I am very interested to see the team Schmidt picks, I truly hope Jackson gets a start and the Ulster lads make up the centres and fullback. Just like to keep the familiarity between Marshall and McCloskey going with Payne brining them into attack from deep. Stuff of dreams

[GunsGerms]

Aaahh, it would not be a true Irish thread without guns having a wee swipe at Munster, their fans or players

That's more of a swipe at Wales. Typical Munster fan trying to make it all about Munster.

Oh and by the way Paul O'Connell is not a Munster player.

No, he is a Munster legend and was at the time you referred to him in your post

Is this also a swipe at Wales?

Massive challenges for Joe this year and there will be plenty of people (mostly from Munster) sharping their knives after the Argentina loss.

Yeah that's true though no? The people that moan about Schmidt tend to be mostly from Munster. Surely you cant argue against that?

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