[2015 Six Nations] Italy vs Ireland (Round 1)

[munstermuffin]

Yeah I can see where Schmidt is going considering the lack of experience. However sometimes I find that the experience card gets used with too much significance, for example, I'm not sure where Boss puts his experience into action. Either way, we should win, and it won't be long till Boss and Reddan will decline further or retire. Hopefully by then Marmion is producing what Schmidt believes he's missing. Or even better, we produce another world class 9.

Well as I say Boss is already on decline but given circumstances this is the conservative and smart call probably. Marmion I still think will be a permanent fixture in 23 soon enough although McGrath and Cooney will both be pushing soon enough

 

[Irishkid]

Think the Italians could give Ireland something to think about.

 

[munstermuffin]

Sean O'Brien looks very doubtful to start.

 

[big ginger 8]

Ah ****, SO'B possibly out. So I'm guessing TO'D in and eh Ryan? on to the bench.

EDIT: SO'B out TO'D on and Diack onto the bench.

****, ****, ****.

Just can't catch a break.

 

[profitius]

Confirmed. SOB out, TOD to start, Diack on the bench.

 

[jaffka]

O'Brien is out. Injured in the warm up.

 

[big ginger 8]

We now have a tiny backrow. Need to be smart now in the tight exchanges.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Italy to win, now.

 

[TommiG88]

Italy giving away penalties constantly. Didn't help that the ref missed the tackle in the air on the Italian though.

 

[big ginger 8]

Keatley needs to settle down.

TO'D stops pushing completely and we give away a penalty on his side. That stuff is annoying.

 

[munstermuffin]

I stuck up for Keatley all week. He has to up it a bit though.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Greasy ball, famous 13 jersey.....if anyone's playing the 6N drinking game they're screwed

 

[HenryChinaski]

Keatley will come good in this game I think but right now just needs to calm down a bit, getting a bit too excited.

Mike Ross looks seriously stupid with those boots.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Greasy ball, famous 13 jersey.....if anyone's playing the 6N drinking game they're screwed

IDHN't Kow What yoru talking aboot.

 

[Bluemoon]

I'm impressed with Italy's line speed at the moment, they will need to keep this intensity for 80 mins if they are thinking of causing Ireland problems. The space is behind, but Keatley is forcing everything at the moment.

 

[big ginger 8]

Everyone but Keatley standing at first receiver.

At least his goalkicking is going ok. He's had his settling period should hopefully be better now.

 

[Peat]

Lords but Ireland need a few ice breakers, they just don't seem to get real momentum ball in hand all that often without one.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

POC got palmed the **** off by Parisse - almost put him into orbit

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Parisse still got it then.

 

[big ginger 8]

Now that is composure. Well done Keatley.

 

[profitius]

Clueless there from Ireland.

 

[big ginger 8]

Missing SO'B in this tight carrying. No idea why we didn't maul there.

 

[HenryChinaski]

Parisse SO far offside!

 

[Tony Manx]

Parisse SO far offside!

Well a yard anyway..............and given!

Presume Ireland building up a lead and tiring the Italians out before they show any attack worth mentioning?

 

[profitius]

Poor enough half of rugby

 

[munstermuffin]

Good half. For lads like Jordi Keatley and Tommy they're doing basic jobs well and considering everything it's going ok. We have more but need bigger guys to produce more. Bench should make impact too

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Keatley's first completed pass was in the 28th minute...

Poor, uninspired half of rugby by both sides. Keatley has to add a bit of width in the next 40.

 

[ruggabee]

Keatley's first completed pass was in the 28th minute...

Poor, uninspired half of rugby by both sides. Keatley has to add a bit of width in the next 40.

Keatley has done well. Grown into the game, kicked his goals and found some nice touch finders. Murray has been pretty bad with his passes and Keatley is rarely receiving the pass on the loop. The whole team will need to sort themselves out if our attack is to improve.

 

[munstermuffin]

Keatley's first completed pass was in the 28th minute...

Poor, uninspired half of rugby by both sides. Keatley has to add a bit of width in the next 40.

He made 1 in first 5 mins. Have watched him Jordi and TOD closely and well on stats.

Jordi has made 6 carries and not made great yardage but hasn't went back and done well.
TOD has made 3 vital contributions defensively but not a lot going forward.
Keatley has passed 7 times as 1st or 2nd receiver F ing up on 1 but kicked very well both from hand and tee.
Ross also has won 3 pens

 

[munstermuffin]

Key for 2nd half is I'd think is Madigan coming on at 50-55 as will Cronin.
Henderson needs to be let loose too at maybe 2nd row but I'm hoping it's back row.