England Saxons v Ireland Wolfhounds Kingsholm, Gloucester; 25/1/14 KO 1700

[big ginger 8]

15. Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster)
14. Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
12. Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
11. Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster)
10. Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
9. Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster)
1. David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster)
2. Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
3. Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster)
4. Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
5. Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster)
6. Rhys Ruddock (St. Mary's College/Leinster) (capt)
7. Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster)
8. Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues)

Replacements:
16. Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)
17. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
18. Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution/Munster)
19. Robbie Diack (Malone/Ulster)
20. Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21. Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht)
22. Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster)
23. Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster)

15 Elliot Daly, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 Sam Hill, 11 Charlie Sharples, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Joe Simpson,
8 Dave Ewers, 7 Luke Wallace, 6 Calum Clark (c), 5 George Kruis, 4 Charlie Matthews, 3 Tom Mercey, 2 Jamie George, 1 Alex Waller

Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Sam Dickinson, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Rob Miller

I know it's being discussed on the England thread but may as well put it here instead. Both pretty strong teams for this level with some very exciting players on both sides. It will of course be somewhat disjointed but could have some very nice rugby. In the shock of the season I am going to back the Wolfhounds for the win with the bench to play a big part in it.


EDIT: Sorry for ****ing up the ***le.

 

[Draggs]

Jesus bg, you don't make it easy for me do you?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

JJ Hanrahan should be in that side.
Won't one of Madigan/Keatley be benching the following weekend for the main squad? Drop them out of the Wolfhounds and give JJ a shot - he's looking like he's going to be mega.

 

[big ginger 8]

JJ Hanrahan should be in that side.
Won't one of Madigan/Keatley be benching the following weekend for the main squad? Drop them out of the Wolfhounds and give JJ a shot - he's looking like he's going to be mega.

Nah Jackson is odds on to bench. Also if we didn't include players who will likely be benching we'd have a much poorer side. I agree JJ will be class and I'd have him over Keatley but in fairness Keatley is still Munster's starter. I'd expect JJ to be brought in ahead of him for the summer tour.

 

[Groundhog]

Behold, even our font is larger and more bold than this puny English team.
Prediction: Ireland go 147 points up by half time. Dave Ewers will abandon his English claim and run back to Zimbabwe, while in a savvy call by the English management, the well intentioned first 15 will be replaced by an "English Caribbean Bodybuilder side" whose height averages 7"2. This new side of superman bleed only 20 points all scored by Tommy O'Donnell cha cha sliding his way to the line thus incredibly impregnating all single women in the vicinity. Madigan handpasses over the conversion to little effect. Upon seeing the failure of the original English side the entire National Front accepts facts, fills their pockets with stones and walks slowly into the sea while Kieran Marmon plays 'The Parting Glass' on the recorder to a fifth class standard, yielding the tears of an already emotionally raw Kingsholm crowd.




Edit: Sorry...... I'm actually quite looking forward to this. Wolfhounds should be renamed Eye Porn 15. Nice English side too. Dave Ewers is the man with a plan and a tan. Nice back three in general actually.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Nah Jackson is odds on to bench. Also if we didn't include players who will likely be benching we'd have a much poorer side. I agree JJ will be class and I'd have him over Keatley but in fairness Keatley is still Munster's starter. I'd expect JJ to be brought in ahead of him for the summer tour.

Bwaaaaaaaaaaah I forgot about Jackson!
Ignore me

 

[munstermuffin]

Nah Jackson is odds on to bench. Also if we didn't include players who will likely be benching we'd have a much poorer side. I agree JJ will be class and I'd have him over Keatley but in fairness Keatley is still Munster's starter. I'd expect JJ to be brought in ahead of him for the summer tour.

Honestly though, and I know Edinburgh were poor, we looked really awesome when JJ went 10 and Keats 12. Could be a serious option as JJ is a really gifted guy.

Regards team what I see,
I'm disappointed Zebo doesn't start and well Schmidt loves McFadden so I presume this will be to get him benching next weekend. Centres both know they won't be required against Scotland and well Cave at 12 may work well but it's bad form he won't get a chance at 13. 9&10 I'm disappointed. @9 I will put it down to Boss starting due to not knowing if KM would've been available during week. At 10 Keatley should've been rewarded a ahead of Madigan as at moment he's in better form. Not saying he's a better player but in better form.

Delighted Copeland is in but wonder will TOD be 7 here then you won't see him for rest of 6Nations.
Henry will be 7 vs Sco and can't argue that but would love to see TOD get go. And I've feeling it'll be Ruddock benching next week. The 2 locks well - Tuohy knows despite good form he won't get in and Henderson just has to wait and hope as it seems Toner/POC with McCarthy benching. Front row no surprises but well just hope we can get win

 

[Peat]

Can I be that guy and just post a link to my blog preview rather than post? http://muchadoaboutrucking.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/saxons-vs-wolfhounds-preview.html

Gotta say - I am a little surprised they didn't have Hanrahan in at 12, or maybe Keatley/Madigan or Madigan/Keatley, I think they could have been better options than the Caveman there... oh well. It beats drinking a latte on the bench.

 

[collace]

Gonna copy my post from the Ireland 6n Thread.

Really like the look of that team on the whole - definately a bit of flair about it but power up front as well. Couple of points:

- Boss at 9 - surely should have been Marmion?
- With Madigan starting at 10 you would have thought that this means Jackson is the starting replacement - unless Madigan plays out of his skin.
- Feel a bit sorry for Cave. Probably the most natural 13 about and the one chance he gets to impress he is out of position. Hopefully he does himself justice.
- No Trimble? Do we think this means that he is in line for the main squad or is he totally out in the cold? Trimble is as solid as they come, it would be disappointing if that was the case.
- Looking forward to seeing Henderson with some destructive ball carrying.

 

[munstermuffin]

Can I be that guy and just post a link to my blog preview rather than post? http://muchadoaboutrucking.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/saxons-vs-wolfhounds-preview.html

Gotta say - I am a little surprised they didn't have Hanrahan in at 12, or maybe Keatley/Madigan or Madigan/Keatley, I think they could have been better options than the Caveman there... oh well. It beats drinking a latte on the bench.

JJ not even in squad but I think the worst of this is some lads form isn't rewarded. Tuohy and Cave in my eyes are getting raw deals, Madigan has got in despite poor form. Gilroy and Zebo weren't in original squad due to lack of game time yet McFadden was and straight in to start this and probably will be in to bench next week.
Trimble was mentioned but in my view he's never had rub of green in Irish shirt and I think he's nowhere near selection. It's not how I feel just think he's been frozen out in terms of he's on form but McFadden benching with Dave Kearney and Luke Fitz starting. Big wonder I have is will Jackson be on bench or is Madigan getting time here as Schmidt wants him on bench as was case in NZ game?
Also thought the Scotland game was ideal for Moore to start at TH

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

JJ not even in squad but I think the worst of this is some lads form isn't rewarded. Tuohy and Cave in my eyes are getting raw deals, Madigan has got in despite poor form. Gilroy and Zebo weren't in original squad due to lack of game time yet McFadden was and straight in to start this and probably will be in to bench next week.
Trimble was mentioned but in my view he's never had rub of green in Irish shirt and I think he's nowhere near selection. It's not how I feel just think he's been frozen out in terms of he's on form but McFadden benching with Dave Kearney and Luke Fitz starting. Big wonder I have is will Jackson be on bench or is Madigan getting time here as Schmidt wants him on bench as was case in NZ game?
Also thought the Scotland game was ideal for Moore to start at TH

I think Schmidt is exploiting this game a lot better than most international coaches do. Moore, McGrath, Strauss, Zebo, Gilroy, McFadden, Madigan, Tuohy, Henderson and O'Donnell all have great chances of being involved in the 6nations even next week for some, Zebo will probably start, O'Donnell could and Moore is probably a bit raw to be thrown in in the first round of the 6nations but hopefully by the end will be a starter if Ross doesn't improve. As for Madigan vs Keatley, Keatley will never play for Ireland again most likely whereas Madigan most certainly will so from an Irish coach's perspective it was the logical choice.

Trimble shot himself in the foot a bit by generally being **** with ball in hand against the Tigers, that doesn't fit Schmidt's gameplan.

 

[munstermuffin]

I think Schmidt is exploiting this game a lot better than most international coaches do. Moore, McGrath, Strauss, Zebo, Gilroy, McFadden, Madigan, Tuohy, Henderson and O'Donnell all have great chances of being involved in the 6nations even next week for some, Zebo will probably start, O'Donnell could and Moore is probably a bit raw to be thrown in in the first round of the 6nations but hopefully by the end will be a starter if Ross doesn't improve. As for Madigan vs Keatley, Keatley will never play for Ireland again most likely whereas Madigan most certainly will so from an Irish coach's perspective it was the logical choice.

Trimble shot himself in the foot a bit by generally being **** with ball in hand against the Tigers, that doesn't fit Schmidt's gameplan.

Regards Keatley vs Madigan my 2 points will be:
Keatley in a lot better form and deserved to start.
I can understand point regards Keatleybut if that is case why call him in. Why not use JJ as he will play for Ireland in future.
Regards Moore I thought this would be easiest game scrummaging wise to get him in and he's playing better than Ross.
If that is case regards all them players mentioned then fair enough but I can't see it and think Schmidt knows his team already and well POC and Schmidts comments in press make it bit more obvious in that he's more inclined to stick with guys who know his game.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Great side. Can't remember a stronger Wolfhounds 23. In many ways that fits in with what we should expect from Schmidt. While under previous regimes the Wolfhounds were little more than a formality, Schmidt seems to be treating the game as a serious opportunity for guys to stake a claim for a spot in the 23. The loose head situation is a very good illustration of this. Currently Jack McGrath sits ahead of Dave Kilcoyne in the pecking order. Kilcoyne gets the chance to prove himself against what we should expect to be capable enough opposition while McGrath will also see game time. If Kilcoyne has a big game I wouldn't be surprised to see him get himself into the match day squad for the Scotland game.

It's conceivable that about 8 or 9 of these guys could be in the 23 for Scotland. That's a really good situation to be in. It lends a lot of legitimacy to the Wolfhounds and shows guys that just because they're playing in the 'A's one week doesn't mean they're ruled out.

 

[munstermuffin]

Great side. Can't remember a stronger Wolfhounds 23. In many ways that fits in with what we should expect from Schmidt. While under previous regimes the Wolfhounds were little more than a formality, Schmidt seems to be treating the game as a serious opportunity for guys to stake a claim for a spot in the 23. The loose head situation is a very good illustration of this. Currently Jack McGrath sits ahead of Dave Kilcoyne in the pecking order. Kilcoyne gets the chance to prove himself against what we should expect to be capable enough opposition while McGrath will also see game time. If Kilcoyne has a big game I wouldn't be surprised to see him get himself into the match day squad for the Scotland game.

It's conceivable that about 8 or 9 of these guys could be in the 23 for Scotland. That's a really good situation to be in. It lends a lot of legitimacy to the Wolfhounds and shows guys that just because they're playing in the 'A's one week doesn't mean they're ruled out.

if thres more there's more than 4/5 I will be very surprised and 1s I will say in are Ruddock/TOD (Bench), Madigan (maybe Bench), McFadden(Bench), McGrath(Bench), Moore(Bench). I will be really shocked to see any Wolfhound in 23 for Scottish game. And don't think any performance will influence that

 

[Feicarsinn]

if thres more there's more than 4/5 I will be very surprised and 1s I will say in are Ruddock/TOD (Bench), Madigan (maybe Bench), McFadden(Bench), McGrath(Bench), Moore(Bench). I will be really shocked to see any Wolfhound in 23 for Scottish game. And don't think any performance will influence that

A loosehead must be in the 23, similarly I'd be surprised if one of the tightheads didn't get picked. It's unlikely that Strauss or Herring will get considered, but by no means an impossibility. Henderson will certainly get a look in due to his versatility and the impact he offers of the bench. Ruddock and O'Donnell can't be far away from that subs spot on the bench. Henshaw will be looking to continue his impressive form as of late in the hopes that it can buy him an outside backs slot, while all three of the wingers should be looking to put in a good performance with the hope of possibly going straight into the starting 15. Who is ahead of them? Dave Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald? Kearney isn't a patch on a fit Zebo at the very least, while Schmidt has consistently preferred McFadden to Dave at Leinster.

Lots of choice.

 

[munstermuffin]

Yes but at this time Feic they all know gameplan a lot better

 

[osullie6]

Does anyone know if this is being televised? If so where?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

It's on sky sports

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

SkySports have this one in the UK.

 

[munstermuffin]

Just hope it has a real bit of bite in it. Anyone know what weather like over? Here it like a mud bath hope it better there so we get decent game