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Rugby World Cup 2007
Ireland - Pre WC Review
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<blockquote data-quote="Buceph" data-source="post: 137777"><p>Good post. I think the one thing that comes across is the sturdiness in the team. They shouldn't be afraid to fall back into basic play. They have enough line-breakers in the pack that should be able to grind a game home. Unfortunately when EOS tells them to do that they seem to take it as an instruction to go to sleep. It needs Paul O'Connell in this situation to grab the pack and pull them into up the jumper mode where they'll hold the ball till armageddon and infuriate teams. Combine this with O'Gara's kicking and you have a base play that should take them home with Argentina. The problem comes when they have to chase games. O'Gara won't offer the backline viable options. </p><p></p><p>I think you've under-estimated two players. Hayes is a fairly consistent tackler when in position. Add to that the way that he'll break through in tight forward play and he's a strong option when it comes to playing against the best packs in the world.</p><p></p><p>Donnacha O'Callaghan is also a great player. Ever since he's got control of his temper he's gotten better and better. As Paul O'Connell's wingman he's fantastic. And POC will also support him all the way. He's had some great play running at tens, power to go through and always brings the ball back onside, again with POC. However I don't think O'Gara has the tactical ability to use this to the backline's advantage. </p><p></p><p>Geordan Murphy played excellently against Scotland. Kicks always making touch and didn't miss any tackles. Hopefully he'll have a second half against Bayonne where he'll show solidity again and he'll be given the same options against the lower pool teams. But like you say I don't think EOS has the balls to play him. Nor does he have the balls to bring Dempsey on if Murphy's playing a stinker after twenty minutes.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Buceph, post: 137777"] Good post. I think the one thing that comes across is the sturdiness in the team. They shouldn't be afraid to fall back into basic play. They have enough line-breakers in the pack that should be able to grind a game home. Unfortunately when EOS tells them to do that they seem to take it as an instruction to go to sleep. It needs Paul O'Connell in this situation to grab the pack and pull them into up the jumper mode where they'll hold the ball till armageddon and infuriate teams. Combine this with O'Gara's kicking and you have a base play that should take them home with Argentina. The problem comes when they have to chase games. O'Gara won't offer the backline viable options. I think you've under-estimated two players. Hayes is a fairly consistent tackler when in position. Add to that the way that he'll break through in tight forward play and he's a strong option when it comes to playing against the best packs in the world. Donnacha O'Callaghan is also a great player. Ever since he's got control of his temper he's gotten better and better. As Paul O'Connell's wingman he's fantastic. And POC will also support him all the way. He's had some great play running at tens, power to go through and always brings the ball back onside, again with POC. However I don't think O'Gara has the tactical ability to use this to the backline's advantage. Geordan Murphy played excellently against Scotland. Kicks always making touch and didn't miss any tackles. Hopefully he'll have a second half against Bayonne where he'll show solidity again and he'll be given the same options against the lower pool teams. But like you say I don't think EOS has the balls to play him. Nor does he have the balls to bring Dempsey on if Murphy's playing a stinker after twenty minutes. [/QUOTE]
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