Ireland 2021/22

First topic message reminder :

The squad will be named in about 4 weeks time so that should give players the chance to play their way in or out of the squad.


I think this season will see a number of players breaking into the squad or forcing their way up the pecking order. A few that spring to mind are Dan Sheehan, Hume, Coombes, Casey, Harry Byrne..


Porter to loosehead gives that position a boost although Furlong becomes even more important.
Sheehan has looked very good. Darts seem good and he's good around the pitch.


Doris, Conan and Coombes battling for 6 and 8. Good options. Can Leave get back to near his best.


Casey is pushing hard and there's also the emergence of Doak. All of a sudden a traditional problem position is looking strong.


Carbery has been very poor in the first 2 games. He has to get a grip. Harry Byrne is the hot new talent but I don't think the man can stay fit. Ben Healy could be in with a shout.


I'd have Hume ahead of Ringrose now. Henshaw leading the 12s.


Options in the outside backs also but nearly every option has a question mark around them. Lowes defence, Stockdale errors, Earls' age etc. I think Keenan is first choice 15.

Take all the minute.

There'll be a few land Lords dancing now.

NZ going for three points at 23-17 was a white flag surrender. Their aura has steadily disappeared since the 2019 RWC when England dismantled them. Very well done to Ireland.

What a day.

Hero's all

Still say that Lowe was the player of the match

Well done Ireland - looked the better team all through to be fair even though not always in the lead and it was close until the end

Well done Ireland, best performance I can recall for a long time. Showed incredible intensity and pace.

Bit you can never write off NZ, they only need a hint of an opportunity to score.

Well done Ireland

Impressive win. Aggressive and full of fire and determination.

Well done Ireland

NZ look a much more ordinary team when you can put them under that kind of pressure

It will be a good night in Dublin tonight!

Fantastic win totally deserved.
Special mention to Lowe. Thought he had a great game.

Brilliant stuff

Brilliant Ireland display. James Lowe came of age in an Ireland shirt today. Doris and his mates up front were immense, totally relentless.

I’ll state without hesitation that that was outstanding.
Best game in an Ireland shirt I’ve ever seen from both Lowe and Gibson-Park.

I thought Ringrose was the outstanding back though.
I also thought that the props, locks ( all 3), Conan and Doris were magnificence.
In truth though no one let the side down and that was the key to success - no weak links.

Now they need to back it up against Argentina

Yep, that was a true team performance.

Well played Ireland, that sure was some performance

That truly could be one of the best performances by an Irish team i have ever witnessed. The All Blacks reverted to their old tactics of late hits (especially on Sexton) and did not know what to do under pressure.

I actually think that the score line flatters the AB's somewhat as Ireland were miles ahead today.

NZs tackle stats are outrageous, they will be sore lads tomorrow.

Absolutely delighted for Ireland - a completely absorbing test match.

The best NH pack of forwards, clearly.

Only caught the last 20 minutes (that forward pass call looked very fortunate for us haha) but even before this game I feel Ireland are slightly under appreciated atm. There was a general sense of disgruntlement after the 6N but the dismantling of England was impressive and but for POM's moment of madness we probably would have beaten Wales. Even the defeat against France could be partly excused by the number of injuries we were dealing with that day, and while it was an uninspiring performance we still only lost by a single point.

I believe our pack is very strong atm from 1-8 and are only second to South Africa atm. The backs still need development, but they seemed to do well today even without Henshaw who has comfortably been the best performer in that area in recent times.

Also remarkable that Leinster+ have defeated the world number one.

P.S. What did people make of the ABs try on 65ish minutes being disallowed? The pass looked flat at worst to me, but I didn't have the best viewing angle in the pub

May not have mattered anyway as they still took 3 points and the winning margin was 9 in the end

Nope, pass was forward

It was clearly forward, no great objections from NZ

Great result for Ireland. Commiserations NZ.

Awesome result for Ireland. Really good match to watch.

BigGee wrote:It was clearly forward, no great objections from NZ

Yep even the guy that touched it down was shaking his head ...

Awesome win Ireland!

Great win ,should have been more comfortable but for some ferocious defense from NZ. We need to back it up now in the 6N and when we go down there next years.

The only nitpick is that we should be taking our points. We left at least 15 points out there by going for line-outs instead of taking the kicks.
That said with everyone fit we are now a hell of a team. Porter switching to LH and Kelleher's emergence means we have a tight 5 that's as good as any in the world. That enables everyone else to play the game whatever way they want.

Good game.  Thought the ref was Good and controlled the game.  Both sides seemed to be shouting at the ref but maybe I'm just more use to them because of the covid period when that was all we heard.  He explained things well and I like how he looked at the videos before talking to the TMO.

Ireland's back play did well and it was good to see it could be done against a good side.  Always looked to keep the ball alive rather than the head down running of old.  One worry was yet again our inability to get over the try line when we got there.  Players did well and played well as a unit.  Was nice to see Aki playing smart and using all his skills and I think he sums up the change.  Next year away games in London, France and NZ will be a better indications of how we are progressing as it's away from our safe space.

NZ defence did really well and did very good to stay in touch. They never really got going and only seemed to be able to kick it out of their 22.  The last penalty they choose I think was right at the time but they just couldn't get out their 22 so couldn't add any more.  Big worry for them is their phyiscality.  Since the England game every team that has been aggressive in defence has caused them problems.  Last year it was Argentina who were aggressive in defence and the breakdown and won.  Fiji in their first game caused massive problems but just didn't have the players and bench to see it out, Italy last week were similar.  SA in both games and now Ireland were able to keep them quiet for large chunks.  Their big wins have been built on playing front foot and intercepts racking up lots of tries.

If NZ lose to France which I think is 55:45 chance to NZ what do the ABs do.  They clearly have an issue and their management is either obvious or unable to fix it. Not playing SA SR teams probably doesn't help with the breakdown problems as rucks can be a way to restart play for the current SR teams and that is not going to change.

Fantastic display by Ireland and a great test match.I do think though that the ABS looked tired, perhaps too long away from home and we have caught them at just the right time  having said that Ireland were the better side on the day and deserved the win. 100 odd years of being hammered by the Blacks and now 3 wins in 5 years what a turnaround.

For me the All Blacks are still the best team in the world, however they have not yet achieved the quality of players they had in the last decade.

What is notable though, they have been exposed by Ireland (brilliantly this past weekend) South Africa and England in the recent past.

Physicality and pressure is paramount to beating them, without that you have very little chance of beating them, and I think that is key, regardless of the attacking style of play you employ against them.

I think each of England, Ireland and SA have different manners in how they break down teams on attack and how they play territory. But they all have in common beating the All Blacks up front, in the contact area and with brutal intensity.

What is also notable is that the two teams with the most recent success vs the All Blacks play completely different styles.

Since Rassie took over Boks have played six tests vs All Blacks, with 2 wins, 1 draw and three losses.

Ireland in their last five tests have 3 wins and 2 losses (since 2016)

The ABs probably were a bit tired, Sam Whitelock in particular always looks like he is sbout to fall asleep.

NZs defense was incredible though and for a team that basically never really got going they still were only a few points down with a few minutes to go which is a good sign for them. Think the NZ locks might be a bit past their best, maybe Joe Moody too. Aside from that they have no shortage of really good players. Papalii and Jordan played well. Was a bit surprised how bad they were at the breakdown though.

Great win for us but I think we really need a win in NZ before we can get too far ahead of ourselves. Lowe's interview was hilarious.

I reckon the Lions would have won in SA if Sexton was selected. Really stupid decision leaving him out. Such a winner, really spurs his team on. Cant imagine there are many 10s around with 4 wins v NZ, Pollard maybe.

Pollard has three wins and a draw vs All Blacks

Old Man wrote:Pollard has three wins and a draw vs All Blacks

Thats pretty good, over less games Id imagine? Think Sexton has played 14, won 4 with one draw including Lions tests.

I am not 100% sure collapse, we have played NZ 14 times since he made his debut for the Boks, he missed the 2016 season due to injury.

So I would guess it has been 12 test matches

There were some funny moments in the game yesterday.

When Sexton was subbed off and the ref said that Carbery couldnt kick for goal cause it was tactical then the Ireland waterboy said its a HIA ref to which Sam Whitelock said "get the waterboy off ref" and the waterboy I think responded take a walk Sam as Luke Pierce shepards him away.

Also when Sexton was yapping at the ref and Dan Coles said to the ref hes really mouthy isnt he.

Finally I enjoyed when James Lowe in his interview with C4 said "you bolloxes are always talking about my D but I got up and I wacked Reiko". Classic and also a great moment in the game.

I missed that - why wouldn't Carbery be able to kick for goal?

Once a pen has been awarded you can't make a sub and allow the guy coming on to take it. You can if its an hia and not tactical though.

Ah got it - didn't realise Carberry had come on after a pen was awarded - must pay attention

Wow! I’m astonished by how good Ireland were! I thought the game would be close but that’s as optimistic as I got. That match was as good a performance as I have ever seen from an Irish team and I feel embarrassed that I didn’t have more faith in them. I’m ecstatic! It’s an incredible feeling to have and for someone who remembers the 90s teams it’s a dream come true. I am so grateful to this wonderful team for their hard work, intelligence and skill.

New Zealand were brilliant in defence and with some improvements will be back more dangerous than ever. Next June’s tests should be great.

Intotouch wrote:Wow! I’m astonished by how good Ireland were! I thought the game would be close but that’s as optimistic as I got. That match was as good a performance as I have ever seen from an Irish team and I feel embarrassed that I didn’t have more faith in them. I’m ecstatic! It’s an incredible feeling to have and for someone who remembers the 90s teams it’s a dream come true. I am so grateful to this wonderful team for their hard work, intelligence and skill.

New Zealand were brilliant in defence and with some improvements will be back more dangerous than ever. Next June’s tests should be great.

I agree with this. NZ definitely worked hard to keep the score that close. With 30 minutes of the match left (a very positive start to the second half by Ireland to take the lead) I was getting uneasy about how the Irish team didn't seem uneasy about NZ being within striking distance. There was definitely a change in this Test in the mindset that hasn't been there before against NZ. The last two (only two) wins over NZ were closer to a disbelief sensation, these players expected to win and just knew what they had to do. That was impressive.

I see the BBC is now calling it 'Farrell's Ireland' so it had to be an impressive performance when it's reported as the englishman's side beat the world no.1.

Credit to Farrell in that he put his bet on the table and spun the wheel going full out preparation to beat THE ALL BLACKS and get the journo's off his back. I still worry we'll end this series of games on a crest (at the complete trough of a RWC cycle) and will try to ride this the whole way through to the RWC. That hasn't worked before. What we've really done is given NZ plenty of research tape of how they can be broken down. They'll throw the ball around against France and know where they are at too, and can spend the next 2 years with the changed tactics ready to 'take out' our strengths and exploit the weaknesses once found. But that's for another time to figure out. Win .....and when you win, enjoy the moment.

Interesting claim to fame is that Hugo Keenan, Andrew Porter and James Ryan have all won against NZ in both under 20 and senior level.

Dalton Papali'i and Jordie Barrett played in that under 20s game.

Sexton ruled out for up to 6 weeks. Looks like Carberry has a chance to show the nation he's got the skillset to manage a game from the start against Argentina. Carty has been called up to the squad

Is Sexton's injury due to concussion?

Maine man wrote:Sexton ruled out for up to 6 weeks. Looks like Carberry has a chance to show the nation he's got the skillset to manage a game from the start against Argentina. Carty has been called up to the squad

What happend to Billy Burns?

Old Man wrote:Is Sexton's injury due to concussion?

knee strain I think

majesticimperialman wrote:

Maine man wrote:Sexton ruled out for up to 6 weeks. Looks like Carberry has a chance to show the nation he's got the skillset to manage a game from the start against Argentina. Carty has been called up to the squad

What happend to Billy Burns?

I might be mistaken but I think he picked up a knock playing for Ulster. Even if he was fit I would prefer Carty. He's been playing well.

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:Is Sexton's injury due to concussion?

knee strain I think

He's out because of knee strain, but he could have had multiple injuries going off the field, from that awkward knee position at that one breakdown.... to playing headers with Artie(?) Savea at another breakdown. Even a delayed reaction to shoulder or swinging arm to the head, could have been either from the first half.  Or that late hit.... though which one.


The truth is.................................. the truth is............. it was delayed mental shock at being called a moany cee you next tuesday. That put him in a real tizz.


If Carberry hadn't been allowed to take that kick, Ringrose would have got it, he's fine out at taking kicks.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:Is Sexton's injury due to concussion?

knee strain I think

He's out because of knee strain, but he could have had multiple injuries going off the field, from that awkward knee position at that one breakdown.... to playing headers with Artie(?) Savea at another breakdown. Even a delayed reaction to shoulder or swinging arm to the head, could have been either from the first half.  Or that late hit.... though which one.


The truth is.................................. the truth is............. it was delayed mental shock at being called a moany cee you next tuesday. That put him in a real tizz.


If Carberry hadn't been allowed to take that kick, Ringrose would have got it, he's fine out at taking kicks.

Plus Murray is decent from distance also.

Maine man wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:Is Sexton's injury due to concussion?

knee strain I think

He's out because of knee strain, but he could have had multiple injuries going off the field, from that awkward knee position at that one breakdown.... to playing headers with Artie(?) Savea at another breakdown. Even a delayed reaction to shoulder or swinging arm to the head, could have been either from the first half.  Or that late hit.... though which one.


The truth is.................................. the truth is............. it was delayed mental shock at being called a moany cee you next tuesday. That put him in a real tizz.


If Carberry hadn't been allowed to take that kick, Ringrose would have got it, he's fine out at taking kicks.

Plus Murray is decent from distance also.

Murray's good at the place kicks, I was trying to remember if JGP had been substituted by that stage. I thought it was Ringrose that was standing a couple of metres behind Carberry when the chats were happening but could easily been mistaken.

Maine man wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Maine man wrote:Sexton ruled out for up to 6 weeks. Looks like Carberry has a chance to show the nation he's got the skillset to manage a game from the start against Argentina. Carty has been called up to the squad

What happend to Billy Burns?

I might be mistaken but I think he picked up a knock playing for Ulster. Even if he was fit I would prefer Carty. He's been playing well.

Correct Burns hasn’t been fit for a number of weeks now.
That’s why Doak has been kicking

You feeling a bit better about Farrell as coach now Geoff?