NEWS: Darcy out for next 6 weeks

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Darcy is out for the next six weeks after the ankle injury he picked up in the HCup final. He will miss the Scotland, Connacht and first French game. He will be back around 6 weeks time but we can't be sure if he will be fit and/or ready for matches against Franch and England in Dublin.

One would assume his place will be taken by Wallace, with possibly mcFadden getting a run out or even Bowe/Earls.

Ferris also didn't train and continues with rehab.

"There have doubts been expressed about his defence and in particular his positioning (i.e., not defending as much as he should be because of his poor positioning). "

I meant this in the sense he put him in the wrong positions to make tackles. At times he marks the wrong man. At times he shoots up and the ball goes by him. HCUP semi for Darcy's try was a prime example of this, what was he doing defending there!

Sin é wrote:So, we can agree

1) That I've reason to believe that Earls & Jones could win a place on merit and its not just my Munster bias?

2) There have doubts been expressed about his defence and in particular his positioning (i.e., not defending as much as he should be because of his poor positioning). At no stage have I claimed that he is a better defender than BOD - I've used stats on tackles made when he did play in the centre, that he put in as many tackles as BOD does.

3) Read my post. You don't always need a hammer to crack a nut.


The issue with not trying out anyone at 13 is probably more down to Blooding Sexton with similar surroundings and the fact that the Vice Captain missed so much time to injury last season. Then with the indifferent form, it wasn't a good time to be rotating your captain.

1) Earls is a near certainty to start and Jones is a bolter for sure. Both have had excellent seasons and are there on merit IMO.
2) I think there are some doubts about his defence as an international centre but as you have shown he rarely misses tackles these days so perhaps these are unfounded. Time will tell.
3) Sometimes you do and I don't accept that Earls can do everything Trimble can do and vice versa. Earls will start for sure but Trimble has attributes that I think we may need that others don't have to the same degree.

Sine

I know you havestated how much Kidney rates Jones but as i have said before, i just cant see throwing him in during the RWC against the big boys. Its Kearney if fit and then most likely Earls for me.

Can you find stats that prove Felix Jones has what it takes at international level?

Of course not, because there arent any! Doesnt mean he wont make it though.

First choice back 3 (at the minute i hasten to add)

Kearney, Bowe, Earls

if Kearney (and G. Murphy also)doesnt make it

Earls, Bowe, Trimble

See this is what I cannot understand, statements such as 'the first choice back three (at the minute I hasten to add)

Kearney, Bowe, Earls.

Aside from the various debates we have all been having re each individual player, seeing as Kearney (through injury) has missed 5 Irish matches, he if nothign else, certainly not the first choice back three at the minute. He might be yours and Deccie's preferred choice FB but he simply cannot be the current choice FB.

Semantics I know, but it I'll use Flannery to make the same point re Hooker.

As for the differences et al between Earls and Trimble, both fine players, both have learned a huge amount over the past couple of years. I dont see Trimble (or our coaches) being caught out like in 2007 against France.

Someone slated Earls positioning in the 2009 HCUP Semi Final. He was 20. Since then he has been a Lions tourist (and after a shocking first match, improved with every game) has been through a couple of injuries but is thankfully fully fit now. Oh and he has LEARNED a boat load in respect of all outside back positions, inc centre, wing & FB.

I have pointed out repeatedly that Kearney is not the Kearney of 2009 in the positive sense, so too the frailties of trimble and Earls have also expired when there is significant evidence to the contray that they have improved upon previously weak areas of their respective games.

Indeed, trimble is probably the most improved Irish back in the last 5 years. Bigger, stronger, much smarter lines and angles of running and he seems fitter & faster too. Irish players have a habit of maturing later than some of their SH counterparts and both he and Earls seem to be doing just that.

Indeed on a related note, ROG is playing more adventurous, more varied and just as high level rugby as he ever has in his career, at 34. This is not a new debate to have him ahead of Sexton, just a pointer. Indeed, Sexton has doubtless encouraged ROG to adapt his game and he has. Runs more than ever now, beats more men and crucially, is turned over less now than ever before in his career. great to see from a Munster and Ireland perspective.

For the first time ever, I am actually confident with WHATEVER squad Deccie picks willl do themselves justice. Of course I have my preferences, but I am not the coach and none of us can see who is doing what in their in-house sessions. until the matches this is all idle bull faeces barbershop talk. But look at it, it is positive talk, we have OPTIONS. OPTIONS. In Irish Rugby. I think this is how the French, English, Boks and Kiwis must feel. And I love it.

I'm not sure I agree 100% with every single word, particularly with regards Kidney and ROG but thats a super post debators with some very good points with regards Trimble, Earls and Kearney.

Sin é wrote:Kearney was on 'Miriam' with Heaslip last Saturday night.

She must be a strong girl?

Sin é wrote:I'd be happy enough with Earls at Fullback - the problem is though he has only played there once in the last year. Considering that most the Munster backs can play a couple of positions, it is surprising that he hasn't been put there by them. Maybe its because they think Warwick & Jones are better.

Jones only plays fullback though, so why would Munster play Earls there when elsewhere they needed a centre? Is there any evidence to suggest that Jones is better than Earls at FB, when both still make the starting team?

We have to seriously consider what our 12 & 15 options are.
If you assume a 17/13 split and you assume Wallace is going as 3rd choice 10 then we only have 6 places left

Bowe, BOD, Earls are on the plane
I think Trimble is as well

If D'Arcy fit and Kearney fit - that it the team is selected
If D'Arcy isn't fit then McFadden must go
If Kearney isn't fit then Jones must go
If both unfit then we have BOD, McFadden, Trimble, Bowe, Earls, Jones. A bit scary and would leave me to believe we would go with a 16/14 split instead opening up a slot for Fitzpatrick.

Bottom line is if all split and a 17/13 split who would McFadden, Fitzgerald and Jones usurp out of:
BOD, D'Arcy, Kearney, Earls, Bowe and Trimble.
It seems to me McFadden or Fitzpatrick can only go at Trimbles expense.
Jones can only go at Kearneys expense

Thank Rodders, I do try. As for your disagreement re ROG. That's fair enough, but I noticed that he seemed to be taking the ball into contact more, or attempting to beat the man in front/actually beating him and not being turned over on the deck as much. Obv his backrow plays a huge role in all of that, but his decision to run, while not occuring all that often, seems to be proving the right option more often. If that is a better way of phrasing it.

As for Deccie's squad, well, we will ALL have our gripes but I am not afraid of any one player going or not going. I mena even a year ago, a team without ROG or BOD or POC would almost certainly lose. I do not think that that is the case anymore, inc BOD. That is the real test of Deccie and the emerging players and I think all have passed it.

Indeed, I have to hold my hands up at this point. On the old 606 i was somewhat ever so slightly critical of one Eoin Reddan. But his 6N he was markedly improved, the competition with Boss has clearly helped him and while he still aint perfect, he is at a higher level than before. Poor ML final though, Murray outshone him imho which is why id bring CM ahead of either TOL or Strings. But that's a whole other debate.

No problem debators. I'm not in disagreement just not total agreement. I think ROG has improved his all round game but still has a tendency to stand deep and lose the ball in contact.

I wish I had your faith in Kidney and I still have my doubts. We do have a lot of options and good players but we need to get the balance right in selection. The 6N showed how a couple of changes here and there can make a big difference. Getting the balance right in a couple of positions could be the difference between a WC final and going home in the group stages.

Agreed re balance. Defo, Kidney could get it wrong, but I have faith. As a Munster fan I was often puzzled bu certain decisions, and then they came up clover. Especially, the Hurley for Payne for the knock-outs in 08. I like selecting young guys but was surprised at how brave Deccie was. Turned out I shouldnt have worried. Hurley was super in the 1/4 and Semi. Not a great Final but hey, we won! And he made the absolutely right decison to leave Axel out of the 22. The heart wanted him there but the brain made the right call.

So I firmly believe that at least one of the 3 'bolters', independant of player injuries, will make the cut. The Bolters being Murray, McFadden & Jones.

And the 'old/out of form' guys that do make it will have excellent tournies, vindicating their coaches' decison.

Yes, I am a 'glass half full' kind of guy.

Well we are FOOKED if Deccie decides to play Kearney imo.
The Aussies will have a field day.
I would not even have him on the plane.

Poor form for 2 seasons,injury and now facing the realisation of having to play 2nd fiddle to Nacewa next season.

I have faith in Deccie and I'm sure he won't allow a non tackling one trick pony like Kearney to jeopardise our World Cup bid.

Murphy,Jones and Earls are far better options.

Tayto wrote:Well we are FOOKED if Deccie decides to play Kearney imo.
The Aussies will have a field day.
I would not even have him on the plane.

Poor form for 2 seasons,injury and now facing the realisation of having to play 2nd fiddle to Nacewa next season.

I have faith in Deccie and I'm sure he won't allow a non tackling one trick pony like Kearney to jeopardise our World Cup bid.

Murphy,Jones and Earls are far better options.

+the sane rugby population of Ireland

Standulstermen wrote:Sine

I know you havestated how much Kidney rates Jones but as i have said before, i just cant see throwing him in during the RWC against the big boys. Its Kearney if fit and then most likely Earls for me.

Can you find stats that prove Felix Jones has what it takes at international level?

Of course not, because there arent any! Doesnt mean he wont make it though.

First choice back 3 (at the minute i hasten to add)

Kearney, Bowe, Earls

if Kearney (and G. Murphy also)doesnt make it

Earls, Bowe, Trimble

Considering Jones played Ireland 'A' with only 20 mins of Magners rugby and did well (Churchill Cup), I'd say he probably does have what it takes. He has also achieved at every level he has played at (U20s GS in 2007 along with Healy, SOB & Earls who are all now internationals). Also won something with Seapoint (which has never won anything up to now)!

O'Leary's first international cap was against the ABs in Croke Park. Kidney also dropped Peter Stringer and selected O'Leary out of nowhere in a Heineken Cup QF.

I have no doubt that Jones would be well up to playing against 3 out of the 4 of who Ireland are meeting in the group stages of the world cup.

As for Miriam - considering she is over 6ft and has 8 kids, I'd say she would be well able to manage Kearney & Heislip See for yourself here http://www.rte.ie/player/#!v=1102285 - starts about 1 min in. I think she could be taller than Kearney

Sin é wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:Sine

I know you havestated how much Kidney rates Jones but as i have said before, i just cant see throwing him in during the RWC against the big boys. Its Kearney if fit and then most likely Earls for me.

Can you find stats that prove Felix Jones has what it takes at international level?

Of course not, because there arent any! Doesnt mean he wont make it though.

First choice back 3 (at the minute i hasten to add)

Kearney, Bowe, Earls

if Kearney (and G. Murphy also)doesnt make it

Earls, Bowe, Trimble

Considering Jones played Ireland 'A' with only 20 mins of Magners rugby and did well (Churchill Cup), I'd say he probably does have what it takes. He has also achieved at every level he has played at (U20s GS in 2007 along with Healy, SOB & Earls who are all now internationals). Also won something with Seapoint (which has never won anything up to now)!

O'Leary's first international cap was against the ABs in Croke Park. Kidney also dropped Peter Stringer and selected O'Leary out of nowhere in a Heineken Cup QF.

I have no doubt that Jones would be well up to playing against 3 out of the 4 of who Ireland are meeting in the group stages of the world cup.

Sweet Jesus.....Sin.....we agree on something!!!!!

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

Tayto wrote:Well we are FOOKED if Deccie decides to play Kearney imo.
The Aussies will have a field day.
I would not even have him on the plane.

Poor form for 2 seasons,injury and now facing the realisation of having to play 2nd fiddle to Nacewa next season.

I have faith in Deccie and I'm sure he won't allow a non tackling one trick pony like Kearney to jeopardise our World Cup bid.

Murphy,Jones and Earls are far better options.

+the sane rugby population of Ireland

You "sane" Munster boys are going to be very disappointed. But, what's new?

"Considering Jones played Ireland 'A' with only 20 mins of Magners rugby and did well (Churchill Cup), I'd say he probably does have what it takes. He has also achieved at every level he has played at (U20s GS in 2007 along with Healy, SOB & Earls who are all now internationals). Also won something with Seapoint (which has never won anything up to now)!"


How many tackles did he make though? How many metres gained? How many players beaten? What was the yardage on his kicks?

Without the stats I'm afraid no judgment can be made

People are losing the logical plot over Jones. He may just make it as backup. That's it.

Gibson- I'm from Leinster and a Leinster fan.

Funny- That was hilarious!! Good lad

The Great Aukster wrote:

Sin é wrote:Kearney was on 'Miriam' with Heaslip last Saturday night.

She must be a strong girl?

Sin é wrote:I'd be happy enough with Earls at Fullback - the problem is though he has only played there once in the last year. Considering that most the Munster backs can play a couple of positions, it is surprising that he hasn't been put there by them. Maybe its because they think Warwick & Jones are better.

Jones only plays fullback though, so why would Munster play Earls there when elsewhere they needed a centre? Is there any evidence to suggest that Jones is better than Earls at FB, when both still make the starting team?

Underage, Jones was picked at fullback whereas Earls played either centre or wing. Jones has been fully tested under the high ball and he has been fine. Earls has not been tested there.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Gibson- I'm from Leinster and a Leinster fan.

Funny- That was hilarious!! Good lad

Ok we'll excuse your innocence then.

Debaters

Regarding my earlier point you have it right. I should have wrote thats what i think Deccie will go with as regards the back three.

Sin

I agree with you re Jones. He looks the business but the facts are this

Trimble -proven at international level
Bowe- Proven at international level
Earls- proven at international level

....oh and they combined really well together in our last international
Jones- i dont think he has played Heineken Cup rugby yet?

Now i know we disagree on many things but i just cant see Deccie throwing him in against Aus or (potentially SA). Things can change in the warm ups but given that Kearney needs gametime here (and potentially Muprhy/Earls too) will Felix get enough of a shot. Im not certain.

Kidney already threw him in without having played any professional rugby for Ireland 'A'. He certainly wasn't outshone by Nacewa (regarded as the best fullback in Europe) in the Magners final and against the Ospreys in the semi.

He combines really well with Earls, so there is a good chance that he will fit in with Earls & Bowe as well and no one need worry about what he is like under a high ball and they certainly know his defence is just fantastic - don't forget, Leinster didn't score a try even though Munster were down to 14 men at one stage.

As regards getting gametime - despite being out for nearly a year, Jones was straight back in and didn't take any time getting eased back.

Why I have a lot in of faith in him is because of the way he has come back from two very serious injuries and the fact that he is 24, not 19/20.

Standulstermen -

It's true Jones hasn't played Heineken cup yet. He's played against Brive and Quins in the Amlin though. I know it's hard to see Deccie throwing him in against Australia but he has previous at making tough left field calls. When you consider both Kearney and Murphy have been injured for months and, in the case of Kearney, also been mediocre at best since 2009, for me it's as much of a risk to bring those two as it is to bring Jones and one of them. I agree with Tayto that starting Kearney against Australia would be a disaster. Either Jones or Earls for me. Since it's likely that we'd be playing SA in the 1/4's bringing Kearney would be wise so he could play in that one however.

You make a good point on the warm up's and you may well be right but, on the other hand, I really wouldn't be surprised if Deccie said, "fook it" and threw Jones in and see what he could do against say France away in the warm up's.

I though he was superb in that final sin. He made a lot of really good tackles. I think he's certainly better than Kearney now and he'd be on the plane for me ahead of either Murphy or Kearney. Will have to see how the warm up goes but I would only take one specialist full back as I believe Earls can really do well at 15.

It sounds like the kinda thing DK would do like Hurley with Munster

Nice we can agree on Jones Rodders

The problem with just one fullback is that Earls could be stretched a bit too much as BOD's cover as well as covering fullback and maybe starting the odd game himself on the wing.

Sin é wrote:Kidney already threw him in without having played any professional rugby for Ireland 'A'.

Surely that's the point of Ireland A? A few players have taken that route. Tom Court played for Ireland A in a Churchill Cup before he ever played for Ulster. An 'A' international can't be compared to a RWC.

I think if Kidney remains coach of Ireland into the 2012 Six Nations we'll see a lot of Jones. I rate him highly indeed, and think he will be an international. I think he's unfortunate that injuries have held him back and this is a few months too soon for him.

Lads im not in any way saying jones wont be a star. I agree with all you have said, but as regards big calls for Ireland im afraid Kidney does tend to go with the experienced guys.

Hayes/Buckley were retained long after many thought Ross should have come in
Similarly SOB didnt get much gametime in the autumn despite Wally not being at his best (i will add he has since been awesome)
Sticking by Fitz and D'arce during the 6N
Dropping McFadden from the squad when Bowe was back

I should add that i am not suggesting these are the wrong calls, merely pointing out that our Deccie loves experience (which is perfectly justified) when dealing with Ireland

im not suggesting earls is a natural 15 either but the point is that the unit i quoted has performed at the highest level it can (against the 6N champs albeit it wasnt properly tested defensively). I know it isnt Jones fault he hasnt played heineken rugby but the reality is that he still hasnt. I just cant see Kidney taking the chance although i would applaud the balls it would take to throw Jones in against Oz for instance.

on a separate note...

there is a lot of Kearney bashing here by some but again the reality is after 4 rounds of the 6N nearly everybody in Ireland was itching for him to be fit. he has previously performed against the SH and for the Lions he was superb. He has the ability clearly. He hasnt played rugby this year and i would actually argue that he wasnt as bad as a lot of guys on here remember.

If he isnt fit, he shouldnt go but similarly to the D'arcy situation, if he is fit then it is a no brainer regarding taking him. I dont see a problem with taking Kearney, Jones, Earls, Trimble and Bowe by the way and that is probably the way i would go (again providing Kearney is fit)

Sin é wrote:Nice we can agree on Jones Rodders

The problem with just one fullback is that Earls could be stretched a bit too much as BOD's cover as well as covering fullback and maybe starting the odd game himself on the wing.

Sin based on those stats you rolled out earlier I'm sure Earls could play wing, fullback and centre at the same time and still not miss a tackle .

I have total faith in your two fellow Munster men to keep the 15 jersey well covered, so unless Kearney finds his 2009 form in the warm up games I wouldn't take him. Jones and Earls are in top form.

Christ,
Munster, 1 x Leinster and even some Ulster fans - promoting a no-hoper to play in the RWC.

This is so much fun.

Im saving this thread.

Carry On.

Sin é wrote:Underage, Jones was picked at fullback whereas Earls played either centre or wing. Jones has been fully tested under the high ball and he has been fine. Earls has not been tested there.

Was that when he was called in as late cover for Fitzgerald? Considering Fitz's prowess at fullback I wouldn't hold that much store by the u20 selectors...

Seriously though I like the look of Jones as he has generally stepped up when needed, but he is unproven at Test level which isn't like anything he has ever played in. IMO there is room for one specialist fullback so he is in with a chance albeit an outside one.

Ausk,
Please dont let reality spoil this. The kids were having so much fun as well.

Thanks mate.

A lot of debate over a very simple issue. Earls will go as one of the 2 FBs and given only 7 players will go outside 10 then only 1 other 15 will go.

If Kearney is match fit it is him - end of story.

Gibson since when did reality ever come into Ireland selection?

It amazes me how anyone feels that a guy who hasn't played all season and last produced a top display in 2009 is a better bet for full back than a guy who's been playing well all season albeit at provincial level or a guy who put in a world class display there in our last international game?

I suppose you guys who are championing Rob Kearney didn't watch the 2005 lions tour? This was a classic example of what happens when you pick players on reputation and not form.

If kearney produces a couple of top displays in the warm ups then fair enough but I don't see how he can even be considered based on how he played 2 seasons ago.

Whoever we select we have problems but one, and only one, of Kearney, Murphy and Jones will be on that plane,

All three have a huge question make against them

geoff998rugby wrote:If Kearney is match fit it is him - end of story.

I agree Geoff but I really don't see how he can be. A couple of Warm Up games is not going to prepare him for what he will face in the WC. The game has moved on and it will take him time to get up to speed after so long out.

I would rather have a fully fit and on form Felix Jones than a 75% fit Rob Kearney with question marks over his form.

Agreed he has to be considered match fit - if he is phyiscally sound after a couple of games Kidney may consider the lesser group games as matches to get him up to speed. Whoever goes we have a probem and given Fitzgeralds poor performance at 15, as well, the more I think about it the more I can see Earls being our 15 by default

Well if you're lucky, Scotland will play Dan Parks in the warm-up game, and then whoever plays 15 for Ireland in that game will get all the high ball catching practice he'll ever need!

funnyExiledScot wrote:Well if you're luckly, Scotland will play Dan Parks in the warm-up game, and then whoever plays 15 for Ireland in that game will get all the high ball catching practice he'll ever need!

Well if Darcy is not fit to go the RWC then Wallace will start at 12 (let's say) and that would mean McFadden would probably have to travel.

I want Jones to get the majority of game time at 15 in the warm up games. He deserves it IMHO

Geoff I wouldn't even consider Fitzgerald at 15. That was a disaster in the 6N. I agree totally with your comment that there are question marks over all of our fullback options however in my opinion, and I know some will disagree, there are less question marks hanging over Jones and Earls than over Kearney and for me Murphy has never delivered his tigers form against the top sides.

I really think we can't afford to be conservative and regressive in our selection. The WC cup only comes around once every four years, we're not expected to get beyond the QF so we may as well be bold and go for it.

I just don't understand the argument around Jones, Murray etc. that they are unproven. So what??!! Worst case is that we will likely reach the QF anyway. However if these young guys can carry their provincial form into the WC then we will have a stronger squad than we've ever had and could feasibly find that extra few percent we need and go further than we've ever done.

We've never beaten Australia or SA away with Kearney or Murphy at fullback before so it's not as if we're sticking to a winning formula by selecting them. But we've never tried with a back 3 of Earls, Trimble, Bowe, which ripped England to pieces or Jones, Earls and Bowe. The Australians won't be losing sleep over TOL or Stringer coming of the bench, so why not give Murray a chance?

I just don't understand this fear of giving a couple of relatively unproven but on form players a chance. If we stick to the same players with the same tactics that we've always used against the SH then more than likely we'll get the same results.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:
I want Jones to get the majority of game time at 15 in the warm up games. He deserves it IMHO

To me his provincial form won him a place in the Irish squad. It shouldn't give him or anyone more than that. Its all about what they can bring to squad, link up with players, show they can do it in training and the warm up games from here on.

I suspect that Jones and Kearney are head to head for a place in the squad in the warm up games.

Agreed Fitzgerald - he should be nowhere near the 15 shirt

Gibson,

I see you have your Leinster goggles on again.

The reasons are quite clear as to why Irish supporters do NOT want Kearney as out FB for the WC.

Nothing whatsoever to do with Munster,Ulster or anyone else for that matter.

Drop the ould provincial rudey poo and think what's best for Ireland.

No matter what happens we're going to need to do some cutting.

Assuming a 17/13 split (a reasonable assumption IMO) and we're taking 5 halfbacks that leaves us with just 8 outside back places.

BOD is a certainty.
Bowe is a certainty.
Earls is a certainty.

D'Arcy is certain to travel if he's fit.
Paddy Wallace is pretty much nailed on due to his ability to cover 10 & 12.

So that leaves us with 3 options from:
Fitzgerald,
Kearney,
Murphy,
Jones,
Trimble,
McFadden,
Duffy.

I think we can discount Duffy from the off (he must be sick of these squads).
Of that list I'd pick Trimble for the first of the 3 spots on the place. He HAS to go IMO.
Kearney will go if he's in any way fit.

So to summarize, that's 7 of 8 places taken up by:

Bowe,
Earls,
BOD,
D'Arcy,
Wallace,
Trimble,
Kearney.

Competition for the last place is primarily between Jones, Murphy, Fitzgerald and McFadden.

Murphy won't go due to Kearney going.
Jones won't go due to Kearney going and lack of experience.
McFadden won't go because we SHOULD have enough centre cover.
By default that leaves Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald will go due to his international experience and his ability to cover multiple positions.

Leaving us with:
BOD,
Bowe,
D'Arcy,
Earls,
Fitzgerald McFadden,
Kearney Jones,
Trimble,
Wallace.

That's how I see it anyway. Personally I'd take Jones ahead of Kearney (based on his form and Kearney's lack of gametime). However, IF Kearney out-performs Jones in the warmups then Kearney should go.
I'd have McFadden ahead of Fitzgerald due to his superior form, his ability to cover centre and wing, and also his ability to kick goals.

Fitzgerald should be nowhere near the departures lounge never mind the 15 shirt. And McFadden (regardless of the staus of D'Arcy) should be taking his place. So it is one Leinter man for another there.

I think it is pretty obvious that I want Jones to go provided (as Stag rightly pointed out) that he fronts up, and links well in the warms ups. If he does that then he has to be selected.

To use another part of the field for reference where it is a Munster player being deprived by my consistancy, we can take TOL or Fla. TOL like Kearney is coming back from injury on the back of AWFUL form. it is considered fey madness to suggest taking him in spite of his physicality being useful against the Italians (indeed the Aussies too given their backrow) but instead I would select the unproven newbiw Murry in his stead.

At Hooker we have a longer injury lay off for Fla but when fit he was operating at a higher level than either TOL or Kearney. That siad, he should be nowhere near the RWC squad unless by some miracle he is 100% fit, injury free and so far ahead of Cronin, Best etc. Which he wont be so he should not be selcted. And it will be another province that benefits from him being omitted, so no bias here.

MMC wrote:No matter what happens we're going to need to do some cutting.

Assuming a 17/13 split (a reasonable assumption IMO) and we're taking 5 halfbacks that leaves us with just 8 outside back places.

BOD is a certainty.
Bowe is a certainty.
Earls is a certainty.

D'Arcy is certain to travel if he's fit.
Paddy Wallace is pretty much nailed on due to his ability to cover 10 & 12.

So that leaves us with 3 options from:
Fitzgerald,
Kearney,
Murphy,
Jones,
Trimble,
McFadden,
Duffy.

I think we can discount Duffy from the off (he must be sick of these squads).
Of that list I'd pick Trimble for the first of the 3 spots on the place. He HAS to go IMO.
Kearney will go if he's in any way fit.

So to summarize, that's 7 of 8 places taken up by:

Bowe,
Earls,
BOD,
D'Arcy,
Wallace,
Trimble,
Kearney.

Competition for the last place is primarily between Jones, Murphy, Fitzgerald and McFadden.

Murphy won't go due to Kearney going.
Jones won't go due to Kearney going and lack of experience.
McFadden won't go because we SHOULD have enough centre cover.
By default that leaves Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald will go due to his international experience and his ability to cover multiple positions.

Good post MMC however out of the 7 or 8 I would take Jones as the specialist fullback ahead of Kearney, McFadden due to his ability to cover 12 and wing and Trimble as he is a proven top class winger who always gives the SH teams a tough time.

That means we have the following options:

15 Earls, Jones
14 Bowe, Trimble, McFadden
13 BOD, Earls, McFadden, Bowe, Trimble
12 D'arcy, Wallace, McFadden
11 Trimble, Earls, McFadden
10 Sexton, ROG, Wallace
9 Reddan, TOL(Stringer), Murray

I suspect that Kidney will take Fitzgerald, Kearney and Trimble, although I think Trimbles place is under threat from McFadden.

I don't think we will take a 17/13 MMC but great analysis anyway.
Don't think we will take 5 props because we don't have 5 good enough props. If one gets a serious injury then a replacement outside the squad can be called upon.

I'd say 16/14
4 props
3 hookers
3 locks
6 backrow (1 utility lock)
3 scrumhalves
2 fly halves
3 centres (1 replacement fly half)
6 back-3 (4 wingers + 2 fbs OR 5 wingers + 1 fb)

A lot depends on if Darcy is fit cos if he is not McFadden has to travel.

roddersm wrote:
Good post MMC however out of the 7 or 8 I would take Jones as the specialist fullback ahead of Kearney, McFadden due to his ability to cover 12 and wing and Trimble as he is a proven top class winger who always gives the SH teams a tough time.

I should've specified that the names in red (Jones and McFadden) are who I would take if I were DK, the names I listed are those that I think DK will take. So in that sense I think we're in agreement.

Pete,
I suppose we could go for a 16/14 if we took 4 props.
The composition of the forwards would look like this:

4 Props,
3 Hookers,
4 2nd rows (incl. D Ryan)
5 Backrows (D Ryan covering from 2nd row).

The biggest worries I have about that is the fitness of Stephen Ferris and injuries to the any of the props. I assume we'll be able to draft in players though in the case of injury?

What's the general consensus on the lock situation? You'll need 4 players to cover lock, and I've have thought POC, DOC and Cullen were guaranteed to go. What's the 4th option? Ryan?

It's a shame than Toner hasn't really kicked on and fulfilled his potential. I remember watching him a couple of seasons back and thinking that POC's successor had been found.