Ireland autumn internationals

What are we expecting?

Who will be the hookers?

Will we see some new back row?

Will a younger center be given a run?

Some of this will be revealed at 3pm stay tuned to your wireless

With my Ulster hat on I expect Izzy and McCann to be involved, possibly Sheridan too.

Stockdales form is good enough to stay in the squad but a lot of competition in the back 3

I'll call it now. I don't think McCann will be in the squad. I think he should. Izzy will. Possibly Sheridan.

Forwards (19):

Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(22)
Finlay Bealham (Buccaneers/Connacht)(42)
Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(52)
Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(43)(captain)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(78)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)(131)
Dave Heffernan (Buccaneers/Connacht)(7)
Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(81)
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(40)
Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster)*
Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(33)
Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(12)
Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)(107)
Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(13)
Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(66)
Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(3)
James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(64)
Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster)(3)
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(64)

Backs (16):

Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(57)
Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(15)
Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(16)
Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(6)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(35)
Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(21)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(74)
Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)(39)
James Lowe (Leinster)(33)
Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(18)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)(118)
Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster)(8)
Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(2)
Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(60)
Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(37)

Training Panellists (5):

Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)*
Alex Kendellen (UCC/Munster)*
Shayne Bolton (Connacht)*
Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster)*
Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)*

No McCann or Sheridan but that Irish backrow is as tough an area to break in to as you'll get in world rugby.

How many injured players has he picked?

Will be honest I'm a little underwhelmed by this squad

Pete330v2 wrote:No McCann or Sheridan but that Irish backrow is as tough an area to break in to as you'll get in world rugby.

It is a tough nut to crack but McCann has put in better performances than Timoney, Baird and Prendergast this season.

Now was the obvious time to give POM a big thanks for his services but it is time to move on.
He has only played 22 minutes all season and has announced his retirement.

Complete farce  

Agreed dull - other than Prendergast (Leinster) and Izzy seemingly being the new trendy players it is a very disappointing and rather dull selection.

Also the cynic in me things Heffernan was cited because Ireland are short of fit Hookers

I know he has spent nearly his whole life in France but I wonder if any of the Irish province's tried to get Josh Brennan back

Aki at 34, McCloskey at 33, Henshaw at 31 and Ringrose at 29. The core centres aren't getting any younger, looking from some what of the outside I thought maybe another young centre might join Osborne in the squad. Is that as expected or is Faz Snr being a bit conservative and probably earmarking next summer for bringing through more of the next generation.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Aki at 34, McCloskey at 33, Henshaw at 31 and Ringrose at 29. The core centres aren't getting any younger, looking from some what of the outside I thought maybe another young centre might join Osborne in the squad. Is that as expected or is Faz Snr being a bit conservative and probably earmarking next summer for bringing through more of the next generation.

For me he's being a bit too conservative. Think he should have brought in at least one young centre even if it was in one of the trainee spots.
Jude Poselthwait or Hugh Gavin would have been my choice

carpet baboon wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Aki at 34, McCloskey at 33, Henshaw at 31 and Ringrose at 29. The core centres aren't getting any younger, looking from some what of the outside I thought maybe another young centre might join Osborne in the squad. Is that as expected or is Faz Snr being a bit conservative and probably earmarking next summer for bringing through more of the next generation.

For me he's being a bit too conservative. Think he should have brought in at least one young centre even if it was in one of the trainee spots.
Jude Poselthwait or Hugh Gavin would have been my choice

You beat me to it. Both of them should have been at least in with the training panels.

Osbourne and Hume are the obvious players but Hume injured.

Agree we Postlewaite and Gavin

POM was always getting in, his contract is being topped up by the IRFU.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:POM was always getting in, his contract is being topped up by the IRFU.

Agreed but its not right.

He should not have been given a top up.

An injured player who is retiring, past his best and not as good as the alternative shouldn't be in the squad PERIOD.

How the hell does Alex Kendellen make the training squad - laughable
A decent provincial player but like Coombes and Timoney just shy of true International quality

Team up for Friday
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (captain).

Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, Jamie Osborne

Slightly underwhelmed with the bench. Carrying too many players coming back from injury. I would have thrown Izzy straight in there ahead of POM.

Definitely agree on the bench. A fully fit Henderson is a great impact, but when was the last time he was fully fit and had a run of games.
POM unfortunately is there on his past exploits. Will he be able to roll the years back for a 30 minute cameo? Would have had Izzy or Baird instead.
NZ showed last week there forward bench packed a punch, and I don't think ours will.
It's going to be a close game

The 1stXV was pretty easy to predict, if I did it then it must be.
The bench is indeed a surprise, POM, Healy and Murray on a pensioners outing. Healy shows a lack of options at LH and Porter could well be expected to do a full 80. Murray has got great experience at seeing out games but do we learn anything from someone who'll not be about much longer. POM might prove us wrong but he's a waste of a bench spot when there's Baird sitting in the wings who is well experienced now. Henderson could add a real heavy punch off the bench if he doesn't get injured sitting on it. The bench looks decidedly fragile.

All Blacks squad

1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Asafo Aumua
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Wallace Sititi
7. Sam Cane
8. Ardie Savea (vc)
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Jordie Barrett (vc)
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Mark Tele’a
15. Will Jordan

16. George Bell
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Samipeni Finau
21. Cam Roigard
22. Anton Lienert-Brown
23. Stephen Perofeta

O'Toole, Frawley and Osbourne aside the Ireland bench looks like a Pensioners outing

Ireland Squad for Argentina:

Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)(40)
Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(22)
Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(61)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(74)
James Lowe (Leinster)(34)
Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(17)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(36)
Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(67)
Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(34)
Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(43)
Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(13)
James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(65)
Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(53)
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(65)
Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(44)(captain)
Replacements:

Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(41)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)(132)
Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)*
Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(22)
Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)(108)
Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(15)
Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(3)

POM is still a waste of a bench spot IMO, Izzy would be of more physical use and if Farrell plays POM for 7 mins or so as last Friday then what really is the point. Can POM shout at the opposition better from the woodwork ?

Absolutely underwhelmed by this team. Beirne should be in 2nd row instead of Ryan, Baird or Izzy at 6 with other on bench.
Healy, POM should be given their bus pass.

I think the pack is decent, would probably be their best if Furlong was available. Always rated Beirne at 6.

Front row and front row replacements are pretty much all we have available at the moment in the squad.
Baird on the bench is an improvement. POM still there seems pointless.
The backs replacements look like they should add some urgency I to the last 20.

We still desperately need to get a few young centers in the squad.

carpet baboon wrote:Front row and front row replacements are pretty much all we have available at the moment in the squad.
Baird on the bench is an improvement. POM still there seems pointless.
The backs replacements look like they should add some urgency I to the last 20.

We still desperately need to get a few young centers in the squad.

Totally agree with that. Ideally there should be younger options in place of Herring and Healy, but they just don't seem to be around. There are some major changes needed before the next World Cup and depth should be starting to be built now. No need to throw everyone over 29 out in one go, but giving youngsters experience off the bench is essential. It's not like POM has been in great form, or even playing much, recently. Every Province has one or more back-rower that needs testing out to see if they are International material, so it's not like there aren't options. Pretty much the same at centre.

Farrell will probably cite the need for leadership but unless Ringrose, JGP, Ryan, Doris and Beirne vanish off the face of the earth we're well stocked in on-field leaders. Otherwise POM offers nothing, I mean he's played sod all rugby all season so carrying passengers is beyond me.
The other issue I have is Prendergast who has not proven himself at Leinster let alone Ireland. Is he being included at the behest of the IRFU because they see him as the anointed one? I've watched all that I have been able to of him and I remain utterly unconvinced. Frawley had a nightmare last Friday and has been cast aside but he's a proven, if inconsistent entity. He covers inside centre, in fact he's played there a lot for Leinster which might be useful as Henshaw is made of bone china.

That aside it's a fine selection
There's been too much made of what people have called a bad performance last week. There were a lot of very uncharacteristic failings from the squad but there are a number of mini transitions going with the nuances between Leinster's playbook and Irelans's playbook. There's a few new coaching heads between the 2 as well but last friday was against the ABs. Most sides with the error count we had would have gone under by twice the points difference so lets keep a little faith. I hope POM and SP prove me very wrong but I know the rest will be improved.

I agree the leadership argument is absolute Bobbins
Im hoping that the Argentina game is POMs farewell dance for Ireland and by 6 nations time he's cheering the team on from the stands.
And to be clear I have loved everything about POM his entire career, but as of the right now he offers Ireland nothing we can't get from younger players and we need to see them on the pitch.

The Frawley/Prendergast situation is a strange one is so far who is considered number one at Leinster this year?
Whoever is should be the only one in serious contention this year for Ireland.
Frawley continuing to be a bit part player for Leinster should debar him from Ireland fly half selection.
Prendergast not being considered number one by Leinster should, considering his inexperience, debar him from Ireland fly half selection.

POM selection over Izzy is a utter joke.

We will be fine at hooker good depth - Sheehan, Kelleher and the two young guys at Ulster will be more than adequate.
It would not shock me if McCormick proves to be a better player than Stewart.

I think Lock is a problem - we have McCarthy but who else is coming through?
We have Izzy, Baird, Ahearn, Sheridan who all seem to be 4/6 players. One of them needs to be a nailed on Lock at International level otherwise we will struggle.
Edogbo may prove to be the best long term option.

I fear that Beirne is being see as the POM replacement.
When we have real potential coming through in the backrow and lock is less certain I would play him in the second row.
Real danger DeFlier, Beirne, Conan and Doris are the only ones getting a look in.
That stiffles the development of the 4/6 player above and the best backrower with potential of the lot - McCann.
Also Doris apart they are all the wrong side of 30.
Also, again, highlights the lack of ambition of Deegan - he should be a contender but he isn't

At centre we need to move on - Henshaw and Aki should be ditched (rumours Aki is away to France next year anyway as no Central Contract on offer).
Younger players need to be incorporated into the set up sooner rather than later.

I am far less sanguine about the long term prospects because I believe we are on the edge of a cliff at Prop and half back.
We've gone over the cliff at 10 and unless Prendergast proves to be boy wonder the drop in quality will be palpable.
At 9 no one close to JGP coming through. Casey is the only viable contender at the moment.

At prop even worse.
After Porter it is a complete and utter void at Loose Head - car crash.
Furlong showing signs of deterioration. Him and Bealham both 32 years old. After them very little.
Not convinced any one of true international class on the horizon (that includes O'Toole and Clarkson).
The fact that I can mention a development player at Ulster (Wilson) as possibly the best long term prospect
shows how desperate the situation is - he is years away.

We've lost 3 or the last 4 games - the cracks are there.
They could widen.

Argentina is tough but with Argentina you never know what team turns up they blow very hot and cold.
Ireland could still win all three games.
A defeat against Fiji or Australia and the alarm bells will be ringing.
I don't think we are good enough for a Grand Slam and if France play to their potential they will be champions.

As far as second row goes I think Joe Hopes could be an option. If he can bulk up a bit I think he has the skills to be a quality 4/5.

Ruben Crothers could be a potential 7 for Ireland but he needs a good run injury free

McCann should already be in the Ireland squad and fighting for the 6 role he has everything you need in that role.

I will say it again but in the centers we need Gavin and Poselthwait to be involved soon as possible.

Prop is extremely worrying. As is 9.not seen anything at any of the provinces that looks like an international class player in waiting.
Doak maybe but he needs to up his game a lot currently he's just about playing as a decent URC player

And for me I think McCormick has a much higher ceiling than Stewart at hooker.

Yes quite Ulster bias but I watch them more than the others

Too early to talk about Hopes (played 15 minutes in total for Ulster)
or indeed Crothers who has only started 4 games, and has a total of just over 200 minutes experience.
Neither has played a single second this year.
Neither were on the Emerging Ireland tour.

In truth the same could be said of of Gavin and Postlewaite but no harm having them in the squad to experience the environment

Sorry to kind of change the subject but on the subject of Irish 10s I thought this was really interesting.


'Meet Caspar Gabriel, the ‘most talented schoolboy I’ve seen’

Teenage fly half has caught the eye of many clubs while shining for Terenure and Leinster Under-19 after making the move from Vienna in Austria

Peter O’Reilly
Sunday September 01 2024, 12.01am BST, The Sunday Times
In a lifetime of reporting on Irish rugby, I can think of only a handful of youngsters whose reputations preceded them, kids I heard about before seeing them perform in the flesh: Brian O’Driscoll, Cian Healy, Luke Fitzgerald, Andrew Porter.

Rugby isn’t big on bigging up the individual, especially if that individual is still in his teens. The team comes first, and all that. But now there’s a new and rather alluring name that can be added to that list: Caspar Gabriel.

One reason people are interested in this 18-year-old fly half is because he comes with an intriguing backstory, having learnt his rugby in his native Vienna, Austria, before being adopted by some canny talent-spotters in Terenure.

But it’s mainly because Gabriel is just an extravagantly gifted rugby player. Judging by clips of games for Terenure and Leinster Under-19, he is tall, quick, elusive, aggressive, skilful, brave, and possesses of a howitzer left boot. He is blessed with the x-factor that is almost discouraged by so many schools coaches who are slaves to structure.

Sean Skehan, his coach at Terenure College’s senior side and someone with extensive experience of working with club and underage representative teams, is simultaneously wary of hyping the youngster and beguiled by his potential.

“He’s the most talented schoolboy that I’ve seen,” Skehan says. “For sure, he has plenty to learn in terms of game understanding, but his skill capacity and athleticism and x-factor is like nothing I’ve ever come across. He has such a high ceiling.”

Probably the biggest compliment Gabriel has received came from Leinster, who have broken with tradition by fast-tracking him directly into their academy — usually, every school-leaving starlet will be expected to spend a year being put through their paces in the centre of excellence. Leinster are also busy trying to ensure that he satisfied eligibility requirements to represent Ireland Under-20 this season.


Gabriel’s progress has been acknowledged back home, too, with a two-page spread in Die Krone, Austria’s biggest-selling newspaper, describing his unlikely journey from club rugby in Vienna towards a career in the professional game.
The key conversation took place about four years ago in a Viennese pub, Flanagan’s, between the proprietor — Alan Field, a Terenure club member — and Caspar’s father, Thomas, a member of Donau Rugby Club and a former president of the Austrian Rugby Federation.

Next thing you know, Donau’s under-16s are on tour in Dublin, playing against Terenure’s Transition Year team. Caspar is two years younger than everyone else on the pitch, but he runs the show. On the final whistle, Skehan seeks out Thomas Gabriel for a chat. Would his son like to attend Terenure?
They found a way to make it work. Ian Morgan, a Terenure stalwart and one of the nicest men in rugby, provided accommodation for Caspar in his family home. Caspar’s desire was strong enough to overcome the constraints of Covid, and a frustratingly long stretch without games.

“The early months were very tough for Caspar,” his dad says. “Covid meant there were so many restrictions and he was homesick, of course. But he had a dream to play professional rugby.

“It started when he was three or four. Me and my brother, we would bring him along when we went to the rugby pitch, so he had no option but to get involved. As an Austrian, if you’re into rugby, you’re very into it. We had a small group of youngsters back then, but now we have about 140 kids playing rugby.”

Austria are 79th out of 113 nations in the World Rugby rankings. It’s a small sport run by enthusiastic locals always happy to receive help and guidance. Irishmen who have shared their knowledge include the former national coach Gerry Murphy and Paul Barr, the present director of coaching in Terenure, both school and club.

When Barr visited Donau, he was impressed by the energy and commitment of the club’s volunteers and also got an idea of how Caspar learnt to play the game with such unfettered joy.

“Donau is an impressive club,” Barr says. “It’s in the shadow of the national soccer stadium but it has a 4G pitch and I was surprised by the number of kids playing, and impressed by the investment of so many volunteers. The coaching would be considered ‘light touch’. It was more about the kids having fun.

“So Caspar came from more or of a feral rugby environment and he’s probably the better for it. He has such good individual skills and it’s probably because he’s never known conformity.”

As coach to the Ireland Under-18 schools’ side last season, Barr selected Gabriel early last season only to discover a hitch. Because the youngster had returned home for a few weeks during Covid, there was a break in his residency period, putting him back to the start of his qualification process which, as things stand, ends in January 2026. This couldn’t stop him from being noticed, though.
Last November, Terenure hosted Paul Roos Gimnasium, from Stellenbosch and presently the top-ranked rugby school in South Africa, who won a tight game on the buzzer. A scout from Toulouse was at the match, reportedly to monitor a couple of Paul Roos second rows. After the game, the only player he wanted to know about was the Terenure fly half.

Suddenly there was competition for Gabriel. Ulster offered him an academy contract, then Connacht. Then there was a gap at Leinster when Jack Murphy — son of Richie Murphy, now Ulster’s director of rugby — was called north. Gabriel has since moved into the Leinster academy lodgings, taking the room recently vacated by Jamie Osborne. While he doesn’t turn 19 until next month, he has been training with the seniors since pre-season.

Leinster aren’t short on fly halves: Ciarán Frawley, Ross and Harry Byrne, Sam Prendergast, Charlie Tector. The fear amongst his admirers is that Gabriel will be moved simply to balance some depth chart, and because his physique and range of skills allow it.

His next competitive rugby will probably be later this month in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League, when Terenure will look to use him in his best position. This will allow him to make a case for the Ireland’s under-20s — pending eligibility, which will require World Rugby to make retrospective allowances for Covid.

Should they do the decent thing, Gabriel will have some interesting competition at fly half: Sam Wisniewski of Old Belvedere, and of Polish stock, and Munster’s Tom Wood, the son of Keith and therefore with x-factor in his genes. How it all plays out will be fascinating.

Ridiculous hyping up teenagers like that. Casper is an interesting story because of where he comes from but talk about him being "blocked" and how he needs to move away from Leinster (he's already moved from his home once) is absolutely bonkers. At least wait till he plays for the u20s.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Ridiculous hyping up teenagers like that. Casper is an interesting story because of where he comes from but talk about him being "blocked" and how he needs to move away from Leinster (he's already moved from his home once) is absolutely bonkers. At least wait till he plays for the u20s.

I thought it was an interesting read is all with all the talk of the next big 10. I don't think this piece overhypes the young lad but highlights the fact that Leinster have seen something in him enough to fast track him. His back story is interesting but not as interesting as how every rule is being massaged in order to secure him as an Irish player. I didn't hear any of the hype behind any of the other pretenders to Sexton's throne other than what's being said about Prendergast who hopefully will get a chance to impress tonight.

Pete330v2 wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Ridiculous hyping up teenagers like that. Casper is an interesting story because of where he comes from but talk about him being "blocked" and how he needs to move away from Leinster (he's already moved from his home once) is absolutely bonkers. At least wait till he plays for the u20s.

I thought it was an interesting read is all with all the talk of the next big 10. I don't think this piece overhypes the young lad but highlights the fact that Leinster have seen something in him enough to fast track him. His back story is interesting but not as interesting as how every rule is being massaged in order to secure him as an Irish player. I didn't hear any of the hype behind any of the other pretenders to Sexton's throne other than what's being said about Prendergast who hopefully will get a chance to impress tonight.

Sorry I wasn't talking about just this piece, he's being hyped to the moon in other places. On the Leinster forum I've seen suggestions that the Byrnes should be moved to make way for him for example. He's often included on the depth chart for Leinster at 10 which is silly at this stage. Let him develop behind the scenes and let's see if he makes the Ireland u20s.

Lucky, lucky, lucky. Not a point in the 2nd half.

Far too many forwards in that second half standing about in midfield watching Ireland lose posession at rucks instead of getting in there and properly securing the ball. Very very lucky to get that win.

Ooft a real get out of jail for Ireland this game. After 10 minutes I thought Ireland would run away with it but Argentina fought back. Ireland discipline then went to sh!t and Argentina got their tails up. Ireland looking fairly dejected at the end there even though they won - shows how tough that was and the acknowledgement it still wasn't a great performance.

Fair play to Argentina they are a proper team now!

Possibly saved by that brainfart from the Argentinian forward

Ireland were good in the first half, but didn't bother coming out for the second! Their discipline was shocking. I'm confused as to why the croc roll wasn't a red, after the one last week. But that's rugby.

Argentina's decision making was poor. Three times they elected to kick the three, rather than go for the corner, when Ireland were down to 14. The worst of which was when they were 22-16 down and had all the momentum and Ireland were creaking.

Ireland very much out of jail.

Cracking game. Jack Crowley had a decent game I thought otherwise no huge standouts from either side. Ireland discipline almost cost them and they need to tighten up the rucks

Nearly from Argentina Deserve their place in the rankings

It was a huge arm wrestle but Ireland, despite the great start looked very much off the pace. The Pumas have beaten everyone else so to avoid succumbing to a similar defeat I suppose is a positive. The lack of discipline needs to be sorted, it's becoming a real problem. I'm not happy, I'm not satisfied but I am relieved.

Ireland dominated for the period Moroni, the leader of the Puma's defence, was off the pitch. Pretty harsh yellow that, had the ref actually gone down the full process on field there's a 50/50 chance that's just a penalty. Ref seemed to want to pass that decision off.

Good game. Ireland's discipline was poor and Argentina just couldn't break Ireland down in their 22 once they were into their phases. Kept things very tight.

Don't think either side will be completely satisfied with that one.

Another game of small margins that could have gone either way - keeps things interesting.

To me the difference was the yellow cards.  Ireland scored two of their three tries during the Moroni yellow (12 of their 22 points) at the very start of the game.  Argentina scored only three penalties during the two Ireland yellows.

The head on head was 100% a solid yellow, never anything more or less. Crowley not having a HIA was a strange one though, he should have been looked at.
Argentina are an excellent side, they very much will go away from that game raging they didn't take their chance to take another big scalp. Ireland are still not playing their best but hopefully can build up to a better 80min performance for the last 2 games. Lots of players off form like Ryan & Hansen so that'll come good but I worry about Ireland's attack. Some evolution needed there, if a side can slow them down there's no plan B and C any more. Also, from my biased view they were slowed due to Argentina being offside constantly but not controlled by the ref who I thought was really harsh on Ireland, yes a biased view.
On a positive note, Clarkson and Prendergast did really well on debut in a very tough arena, talk about being chucked in at the deep end.

RDW wrote:Ooft a real get out of jail for Ireland this game. After 10 minutes I thought Ireland would run away with it but Argentina fought back. Ireland discipline then went to sh!t and Argentina got their tails up. Ireland looking fairly dejected at the end there even though they won - shows how tough that was and the acknowledgement it still wasn't a great performance.

Fair play to Argentina they are a proper team now!

When were Argentina not a proper team?

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

RDW wrote:Ooft a real get out of jail for Ireland this game. After 10 minutes I thought Ireland would run away with it but Argentina fought back. Ireland discipline then went to sh!t and Argentina got their tails up. Ireland looking fairly dejected at the end there even though they won - shows how tough that was and the acknowledgement it still wasn't a great performance.

Fair play to Argentina they are a proper team now!

When were Argentina not a proper team?

At their best, yes, but there's no doubt that they've been massively inconsistent over the years. Getting the odd big win then not following up. Thats even happened this season, albeit they've had some incredible scalps and an amazing season - beat the ABs at home then lose by 30 points away. Beat SA at home then lose by 40 points away.

Theres no doubt they're a lot better now than a year ago though.

Seriously ??
Is nobody here anymore

Ireland (v Fiji):

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(4)
14. Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(23)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(75)
12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(58)
11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(37)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(1)
9. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(16)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(68)
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)*
3. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(44)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(14)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(54)
6. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster)*
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(66)
8. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(45)(captain)

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(35)
17. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(14)
18. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster)(1)
19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(82)
20. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(3)
21. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)(119)
22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(7)
23. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(18).

Big Izzy and Gus MCCarthy getting starting berths is huge. Izzy will hopefully grasp this chance with both hands, he's a phenomenol athlete from 6.
Tom O'Toole covering LH is also huge but puzzling as Ulster can't afford to use him there so I thought that experiment was on hold for now. Options must be more limited than we thought.
I thought Nash would have been in with a solid shout for the 14 shirt with Hansen (IMO) not in great form since his return from injury.

I'm still here. Thought I was all alone.

I think he's trying to let Hansen play himself into some form.
I'm praying Izzy has an absolute Stormer.
Big fan of Osborne, looks class at 15 or centre.
And this could be Stockdales big comeback.

Won't be easy against Fiji

Great to see Izzy and McCarthy (G) getting starts, but missed opportunities to introduce new blood at either 12 or 13, and in the second row (starting or bench). Also good for the Prendergast family with Sam starting and Cian on the bench. I agree with you Pete about Hansen, and surely he should be developing form with Connacht (they have a few games before the 6Ns I believe). the whole O'Toole situation is bizarre and is now showing a glaring area with of terrible development. To be honest I wouldn't have begrudged Healy a record breaking cap off the bench given the current circumstances.

McCloskey on the bench is another puzzler. If he had been English he would had 50+ caps, but he has always been behind Aki and Henshaw, and not always rightfully on their respective form. Given this it seems begrudging to say he is a wasted selection on the bench, but if you aren't going to try new faces against Fiji at home, when are you?