6 Nations:Ireland v Scotland - An Craic Mór - 10 Mar 2018

First topic message reminder :

Forget the Tiddlywinks at Twickers, this one’s the proper test match with soaring Scotland taking on their Ivernian cousins.  

Ireland have it all to do on their home turf to keep their championship tilt going, and Scotland have the bit between their teeth to snatch it from them and head into the final round ready to rack up a cricket score against the hapless Italians to try reach top of the table.

Scotland started cold and lost heavily to Wales but now they’ve got their game together, they could be on a roll.  But as their coach has pointed out, their away record in the last decade has been dismal.  That’s the hurdle they have to overcome.  They have the players, the skills, and a successful game plan if they can beat Ireland at their own game at the breakdown.  

Ireland started without a few players like O’Brien, Ringrose, and then lost Furlong, Henderson and Henshaw.  All the replacements stood up - VdF, Leavy, Farrell, Porter, Ryan - and then a couple of them got injured.  But the timing looks good as Furlong, Henderson, and Ringrose are ready to re-enter the fray.  O’Brien could be back for the final round.  

Schmidt has some thinking to do on how he can outwit Townsend - attempting 60-70% possession with constant pick and goes isn’t going to cut it.  Will Sexton have his kicking boots back?   Will yet another midfield continue to weaken the defensive line?   On the other hand, will Russell turn from hero to zero if his looping passes fail to hit their target and Fall into the hands of Stockdale or Earls instead?

Both sides haven’t been shy about scoring, although they go about it in completely different ways.   Let’s see if they can keep it up.

Paddies

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 81 caps
14. Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster) 65 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster) 11 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht) 5 caps
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 7 caps
10. Johnny Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster) 71 caps
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 62 caps

1. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 76 caps
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) 109 caps
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) 21 caps
4. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster) 6 caps
5. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 56 caps
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 45 caps
7. Dan Leavy (UCD/Leinster) 7 caps
8. CJ Stander (Shannon/Munster) 21 caps

Replacements
16. Sean Cronin (St Mary's College/Leinster) 59 caps
17. Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster) 45 caps
18. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) 5 caps
19. Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 36 caps
20. Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 18 caps
21. Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) 19 caps
22. Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Leinster) 8 caps
23. Jordan Larmour (St Mary's College/Leinster) 1 cap

Lovely Scotsmen

Whiffy Tops
Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh), Huw Jones Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Saracens), Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russsell (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne),
Beautiful Rumblers
Gordon Reid (London Irish), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh), Simon Berghan (Edinburgh), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors), John Barclay (Scarlets, captain), Hamish Watson Edinburgh), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors).
Extras:
Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors), Willem Nel (Edinburgh), Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors), David Denton (Worcester Warriors), Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors), Nick Grigg (Glasgow Warriors), Lee Jones (Glasgow Warriors).

Scotland team announced.

Same as last time, but Seymour drops out and Kinghorn starts, with Lee Jones taking his spot on the bench.  Only other change is Lawson out and Brown in on the bench.

Soapdodgers:

15. Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) – 58 caps
14. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) – 1 cap
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
12. Pete Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 31 caps
11. Sean Maitland (Saracens) – 32 caps
10. Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors) – 35 caps
9. Greig Laidlaw VICE CAPTAIN (Clermont Auvergne) – 61 caps

1. Gordon Reid (London Irish) – 30 caps
2. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) – 15 caps
3. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh Rugby) – 7 caps
4. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – 21 caps
5. Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 41 caps
6. John Barclay CAPTAIN (Scarlets) – 69 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 18 caps
8. Ryan Wilson VICE CAPTAIN (Glasgow Warriors) – 35 caps

Substitutes

16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) – 29 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) – 6 caps
18. Willem Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) – 20 caps
19. Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) – 34 caps
20. David Denton (Worcester Warriors) – 37 caps
21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
22. Nick Grigg (Glasgow Warriors) – 2 caps
23. Lee Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 7 caps

Soapdodgers is just Glasgow GC

Big show of support for both Swinson and young Kinghorn there.

Both may be mistakes, but let's see.

Would rather have started with the Selkirk Pixie but there we have it.

Seymour is a big loss.

EWT Spoons wrote:Soapdodgers is just Glasgow GC

We are all a bit whiffy now Mr Spoons #AsOne

George Carlin wrote:Soapdodgers:

15. Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) – 58 caps
14. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) – 1 cap
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
12. Pete Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 31 caps
11. Sean Maitland (Saracens) – 32 caps
10. Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors) – 35 caps
9. Greig Laidlaw VICE CAPTAIN (Clermont Auvergne) – 61 caps

1. Gordon Reid (London Irish) – 30 caps
2. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) – 15 caps
3. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh Rugby) – 7 caps
4. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – 21 caps
5. Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 41 caps
6. John Barclay CAPTAIN (Scarlets) – 69 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 18 caps
8. Ryan Wilson VICE CAPTAIN (Glasgow Warriors) – 35 caps

Substitutes

16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) – 29 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) – 6 caps
18. Willem Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) – 20 caps
19. Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) – 34 caps
20. David Denton (Worcester Warriors) – 37 caps
21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
22. Nick Grigg (Glasgow Warriors) – 2 caps
23. Lee Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 7 caps

That's a hell of a side.

Really Scotland? I thought we had a deal?
You were supposed to drop all your good players for this one.
Sneaky sneaky buggers

Big call to ommit Richie Gray, who I would rather have trundling on with 20mins to go, over Swinson.

However, that pales into comparison when you look at the Kinghorn wing selection - is this his first ever start on the wing? He's a huge talent, but that's a big ask. Kinghorn and Hoggy in the same back three is a very exciting prospect.

EST wrote:Big call to ommit Richie Gray, who I would rather have trundling on with 20mins to go, over Swinson.  

However, that pales into comparison when you look at the Kinghorn wing selection - is this his first ever start on the wing?  He's a huge talent, but that's a big ask.  Kinghorn and Hoggy in the same back three is a very exciting prospect.

I've not seen him play there for Edinburgh, so I would assume so. He might have played there as a youngster (I know he primarily played 10, but it's not impossible he ran out on the wing on occasion), but certainly as a Pro, this will be his first start on the wing.

Bet Russell plays like a complete clueless noob this week.

Advantage of Kinghorn starting is he's massive, so very little chance of passes going over his head......well that's the kiss of death then.

I think we can all agree Wayne Barnes isn't a great referee, perceived bias aside.

... Back to the game of rugby. I am very excited by the Scotland squad, interested to see how Kinghorn goes with Hogg beside him.

Great to see Brown on the bench and grigg rewarded for his efforts against England.

I think this is a statement of intent from toonie to continue with our plan regardless of conditions. High risk fun!

Kinghorn has moved to the wing for Edinburgh on a few occasions I think. It must be a much easier adjustment to make than the other way round too. He seemed pretty sound defensively against England too.

George Carlin wrote:Soapdodgers:

15. Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) – 58 caps
14. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) – 1 cap
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
12. Pete Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 31 caps
11. Sean Maitland (Saracens) – 32 caps
10. Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors) – 35 caps
9. Greig Laidlaw VICE CAPTAIN (Clermont Auvergne) – 61 caps

1. Gordon Reid (London Irish) – 30 caps
2. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) – 15 caps
3. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh Rugby) – 7 caps
4. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – 21 caps
5. Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 41 caps
6. John Barclay CAPTAIN (Scarlets) – 69 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 18 caps
8. Ryan Wilson VICE CAPTAIN (Glasgow Warriors) – 35 caps

Well that's a relief.  Ireland's job doesn't look so tough now, to be honest, in all fairness, at the end of the day, yeah, no.

All Ireland have to do is negate Russell, Laidlaw, Barclay, Wilson, Gilchrist, Hogg, Maitland, Watson, Reid, McInally, Berghan, Horne, Kinghorn, Gray and Jones - and we should win easily.[/quote]

Eh you forgot about McInally he breezed through Farrell in Scotland's win over England.

Bit worried about the lack of bulk we have on the bench with only Denton really able to add any size. Brown over Lawson at least gives the reserve front row similar dimensions to the starters (with a similar level of dynamism).

I dislike the Swinson over Gray decision, but Swinson will give his all and carry as much as he can.

Kinghorn is decent under the high ball and that probably earned him the nod going against the Irish. Ireland have to look at what Wales did in the kicking game as Hogg and Kinghorn's specialty is the counter-attack. Any laziness will get punished.

Ireland won't kick. They'll break through the middle using Ringrose as a right/left feeder to Earls and Stockdale.

......................................... I hope

The age of the bludgeon is dead - the age of the precision scalpel is upon us!............................... I hope.

EWT Spoons wrote:

EST wrote:Big call to ommit Richie Gray, who I would rather have trundling on with 20mins to go, over Swinson.  

However, that pales into comparison when you look at the Kinghorn wing selection - is this his first ever start on the wing?  He's a huge talent, but that's a big ask.  Kinghorn and Hoggy in the same back three is a very exciting prospect.

I've not seen him play there for Edinburgh, so I would assume so.  He might have played there as a youngster (I know he primarily played 10, but it's not impossible he ran out on the wing on occasion), but certainly as a Pro, this will be his first start on the wing.

Yes, I don't think he's ever played on the wing.

Would imagine him & Hogg interchanging a bit with licence to attack - both are deadly coming into the line. A sort of NZ style approach, like Smith/Dagg. I can imagine he got the nod as he's good under the high ball, which is an Irish favourite play. Hell, he doesn't even need to jump and he's outjumping Lee Jones (and Keith Earls hopefully, though he's really good in the air too...)

Welsh teams out. but no thread to post on yet.

Wales: L Williams, North, Watkin, Parkes, S Evans; Anscombe, G Davies; Smith, Dee, Francis, Hill, B Davies, Tipuric, J Davies, Faletau (capt).
Replacements: Owens, R Evans, Lee, S Davies, Jenkins, A Davies, Patchell, Halfpenny.

Strange call from Gatland, Connor and Italy will fancy their chances at catching them out.

TightHEAD wrote:Welsh teams out. but no thread to post on yet.

Wales: L Williams, North, Watkin, Parkes, S Evans; Anscombe, G Davies; Smith, Dee, Francis, Hill, B Davies, Tipuric, J Davies, Faletau (capt).
Replacements: Owens, R Evans, Lee, S Davies, Jenkins, A Davies, Patchell, Halfpenny.

Strange call from Gatland, Connor and Italy will fancy their chances at catching them out.

You could create one instead of putting it on Scotland V Ireland...

RDW_Scotland wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Welsh teams out. but no thread to post on yet.

Wales: L Williams, North, Watkin, Parkes, S Evans; Anscombe, G Davies; Smith, Dee, Francis, Hill, B Davies, Tipuric, J Davies, Faletau (capt).
Replacements: Owens, R Evans, Lee, S Davies, Jenkins, A Davies, Patchell, Halfpenny.

Strange call from Gatland, Connor and Italy will fancy their chances at catching them out.

You could create one instead of putting it on Scotland V Ireland...

I get bullied if I do that.

I hope Sexton has his kicking boots on this weekend as I think that points will be at a premium against Scotland.

BTW, I managed to get the bold Jimmy Daly from Tipperary to be Scotland Team bus driver for the duration of their time in Dublin.

Jimmy is a small farmer - 1000 head of cattle on 500 acres of land. But he ain't never been to Dublin in his whole life (he's 68)... and he only knows how to drive a push bike.

eirebilly wrote:I hope Sexton has his kicking boots on this weekend as I think that points will be at a premium against Scotland.

We need four tries for a bonus point, we need a bonus point to be serious about a Title shot (ie. leaving nothing to chance) Tries will be the most important thing on the day.

SecretFly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:I hope Sexton has his kicking boots on this weekend as I think that points will be at a premium against Scotland.

We need four tries for a bonus point, we need a bonus point to be serious about a Title shot (ie. leaving nothing to chance) Tries will be the most important thing on the day.

This is why I'm predicting Ireland to come out all guns blazing at the beginning of the match - maybe run in a couple of early tries.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:I hope Sexton has his kicking boots on this weekend as I think that points will be at a premium against Scotland.

We need four tries for a bonus point, we need a bonus point to be serious about a Title shot (ie. leaving nothing to chance) Tries will be the most important thing on the day.

This is why I'm predicting Ireland to come out all guns blazing at the beginning of the match - maybe run in a couple of early tries.

Well of course Scotland could do the same. The purple patches.... when do the sides get theirs and how long do they last. That's the big questions. Scotland will have their purple patch or two. We got to be on our toes when we sense they are in one of those patches. Sometimes I think Ireland don't compute those periods quickly enough.

SecretFly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:I hope Sexton has his kicking boots on this weekend as I think that points will be at a premium against Scotland.

We need four tries for a bonus point, we need a bonus point to be serious about a Title shot (ie. leaving nothing to chance) Tries will be the most important thing on the day.

We saw against Wales the importance of a kicking game, Ireland scored the try's but missed the kicks and Wales stayed in touch due to the accuracy of Halfpenny.

One part of me wants Sexton to have an off day with the boot as it really spurs him on with the ball in hand.

eirebilly wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:I hope Sexton has his kicking boots on this weekend as I think that points will be at a premium against Scotland.

We need four tries for a bonus point, we need a bonus point to be serious about a Title shot (ie. leaving nothing to chance) Tries will be the most important thing on the day.

We saw against Wales the importance of a kicking game, Ireland scored the try's but missed the kicks and Wales stayed in touch due to the accuracy of Halfpenny.

One part of me wants Sexton to have an off day with the boot as it really spurs him on with the ball in hand.

Exactly. Now I wouldn't be wishing Sexton an off day or anything but yes, the reason we were so aggressive was because we needed to be and the man creating the problems was the man solving them by getting down and dirty. He went from Ireland player to hungry Leinster player and attacked the enemy at the gate.
I wished we were that bit more attacking and aggressive on a regular basis but I'm sure he'll be back to tactics and duty at the weekend. So maybe we need the tries but Joe might be back to talk of caution and wins instead.

Interestingly, five of Scotland's starting backs have played at fly-half in the last two years or so.

Good strong look to the team, shame to see Seymour injured as he has been coming back into good form after a poor autumn.
Kinghorn is a different type of player who may actually suit playing Ireland as he is solid under the high ball and got a good kick return.
Started a couple games for Edinburgh last season on the wing so not totally new to him but would expect the back 3 to interchange a fair bit as Maitlands best position is arguably full back as well.
Would have liked to have seen Gray on the bench instead of Swinson as that would have added even more impact.
The backs subs are interesting, all 3 are smaller in size but pretty electric.

I was thinking about that bru, means we have good options potentially at first receiver. Having essentially 3 fbs gives Hogg a chance to attack more, I'll be watching with interest.

I think it's unlikely that we'll win but if we're still in the game at 60 minutes that could pressure Ireland into mistakes. We have to get out of the blocks quick again

Really can't wait for this one now - heading over on Friday night to sample some Dublin hospitality and then the game on Saturday.

Just hope the forecast clears up, rain isn't our friend.

The roof is staying open anyway.

http://the1014.com/tactics-scotland-v-england/

This has an excellent analysis of the Calcutta Cup match.
He makes a couple of points I found very interesting.
Firstly; in the first half England eschewed the 1-3-1-3pod system in favour of a 1-2-2-2-2 system. I think EJ believed that his big back rowers would blast their Scottish counterparts off the tackle area. In reality this allowed Watson and Barclay space to get over the ball and win turnovers. I can't see the Irish coaching team being so arrogant/deluded.
Secondly; in the first half England used a press defence rather than a drift. I think this is the latest way to describe the umbrella or banana formation that Sarries tend(ed) to use. The advantage of this is that it stops the 10 getting the ball wide quickly. I think England were unfortunate that they hit Dancer when he was playing on a different level from any other 10 on the planet.

In the second half England put more bodies into the breakdown and presented a solid wall in defence (just like Wales did in Caahdiff). England won the second half and Scotland never really looked like scoring.

Now I know that when you're ahead the focus can shift to defending your lead and not taking risks but it's worth noting that the lack of a big ball carrier does make it difficult to break that wall.

I think Toonie expects Ireland to kick long and then smother our counter-attacks in our half and look for penalties or turnovers at the breakdown. Burger Kinghorn could be pivotal in returning kicks with interest. I expect Scotland to play the percentages and only run the ball back if it's really on. Otherwise we'll be happy to give them possession in their half. As has been said on here W Barnes doesn't like scrapping on the floor at breakdown and I think our jackals may just play him better than the Irish.

Strangely enough, my big concern is Hugh Jones; if he's against Ringrose I think Ringrose's attack is better than Jones' defence.
Having said that, Aki can run at Horne Furra all day. Horne will tackle him.

Mind you Ireland will win. We've no chance. None at all.

Really solid team. Can't wait to see what Kinghorn can do, he's a big, quick and powerful. I just hope he doesn't get caught out positionally.

I also think Ringrose is amazing, but how sharp will he be after such a long layoff? I think I said the same thing about Nelly the Scrumephant, and he squeezed a penalty out of Marler at the scrum in his first test match minute for 4 months...

A lot to think about for the weekend!

I have to say I love playing the Scottish teams mainly for trying to to work out who all the nicknames actually are. It's mental gymnastics as most have more than one.
It's honestly been one of the main highlights on this forum for me.

carpet baboon wrote:I have to say I love playing the Scottish teams mainly for trying to to work out who all the nicknames actually are. It's mental gymnastics as most have more than one.
It's honestly been one of the main highlights on this forum for me.

Jimbopip is yer man for this!

Jimbo want to go through the Scotland 23 with their proper names?

RDW_Scotland wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:I have to say I love playing the Scottish teams mainly for trying to to work out who all the nicknames actually are. It's mental gymnastics as most have more than one.
It's honestly been one of the main highlights on this forum for me.

Jimbopip is yer man for this!

Jimbo want to go through the Scotland 23 with their proper names?

Nooooo don't spoil it for me.
Most the fun is working it out. Then trying to understand how the hell they got that nickname

1. Shrek....if you happen to meet Gordie Reid post match and you're drunk do not say, "Hello Shrek". He didn't see the funny side.

2. Rambo. The Luvvies fans overcompensating by giving one of their players a really macho nickname.

3. Berghan no nickname, Rambo was taken.

4. Ickle Jonny Richie's wee brother.

5. Mr Glass injury prone!

8. Batman, dressed as caped crusader for club party, was arrested after early hours kebab shop stramash.

7. Hamish fae the Glen.

6. Barks.

9. Buttons, see the video of him singing after the England game. AKA Frodo.

10. Dancer.

11. Burger Kinghorn

12. Hornee Furra Linee

13. Huge Ones

14. No Maits

15. Stuart Hogg. The lack of a nickname is the only thing dull about him.

RDW, it's late so you can do the replacements.

TightHEAD wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Welsh teams out. but no thread to post on yet.

Wales: L Williams, North, Watkin, Parkes, S Evans; Anscombe, G Davies; Smith, Dee, Francis, Hill, B Davies, Tipuric, J Davies, Faletau (capt).
Replacements: Owens, R Evans, Lee, S Davies, Jenkins, A Davies, Patchell, Halfpenny.

Strange call from Gatland, Connor and Italy will fancy their chances at catching them out.

You could create one instead of putting it on Scotland V Ireland...

I get bullied if I do that.

Agree. It's much safer on here.

jimbopip wrote:1. Shrek....if you happen to meet Gordie Reid post match and you're drunk do not say, "Hello Shrek". He didn't see the funny side.

2. Rambo. The Luvvies fans overcompensating by giving one of their players a really macho nickname.

3. Berghan no nickname, Rambo was taken.

4. Ickle Jonny Richie's wee brother.

5. Mr Glass injury prone!

8. Batman, dressed as caped crusader for club party, was arrested after early hours kebab shop stramash.

7. Hamish fae the Glen.

6. Barks.

9. Buttons, see the video of him singing after the England game. AKA Frodo.

10. Dancer.

11. Burger Kinghorn

12. Hornee Furra Linee

13. Huge Ones

14. No Maits

15. Stuart Hogg. The lack of a nickname is the only thing dull about him.

RDW, it's late so you can do the replacements.

16. Brown Trousers
17. Bhatti Boy
18. Nelly the Elephant
19. Tiny Tim
20. Hands Like Cold Jubblies
21. That's Aldi Price
22. Er. Nick Grigg
23. The Selkirk Pixie

Hogg is sometimes referred to as Mister AP.
AP stands for "Attitude Problem" as homage to the bad old days when he was almost as petulant as the love child of Mike Brown and Danny Grewcock.

I like Didier Hoggba ;-)

I also prefer "The Mishiah" for Watson. But we'll let it slide.

The reported Irish team is:

15. Rob Kearney
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. James Ryan
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Dan Leavy
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Andrew Porter
19. Devin Toner
20. Jordi Murphy
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Joey Carbery
23. Jordan Larmour

No real surprises but it strikes me that demoting Toner to the bench and including Larmour on the bench that Joe has one eye on the RWC and the team is starting to take shape.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting this is not the strongest team available or not, but in the past Joe has put a lot of stock in experience for big games, so the selection of the likes of Porter, Carbury, Larmour, Ryan, Stockdale for these types of games to me presents a change in a approach from past seasons.

If that turns out to be the Irish team then my faith in Joe's thinking has been restored.  We still might lose but putting Larmour back into the 23 is the right thing to do.  Keeping him for Summer is not the right approach.  Games with real serious meaning are the true testers/experience getters.
If he is in the 23, will he even get any quality game time?  Who knows, but at least Joe hasn't forgotten him (until Summer) like I thought might be happening when he got his little cameo against Italy.

Rob Kearney? Really?

Can someone tell me a bit more about Dan Leavy?

Pretty formidable front row and set of front row replacments.

Toner is either a starter or not in the squad for me. He is hardly an impact player.

George Carlin wrote:Rob Kearney? Really?

Can someone tell me a bit more about Dan Leavy?

Pretty formidable front row and set of front row replacments.

Those on here know that I am one of Kearney's biggest critics but in fairness, he has been very good this 6N so deserves his spot.

eirebilly wrote:Toner is either a starter or not in the squad for me. He is hardly an impact player.

A lineout collector is always good at any point in a game, billy. Maybe Ireland intends being down the Scottish end towards the end of the game, either trying to get a bonus point or trying to save a game with a push-over try? Lineout security is worth its weight in gold.