Ireland vs France - 20/08/2011 - RWC Warm Up

[OnTheBall]

Arrrgh not O'Leary!!! Good team though otherwise. Maybe would have liked Flannery to start but I think Best might get his act together, especially with the two first choice locks starting.
Interesting to see Jones getting the start though. I would have been certain that Kidney would have gone with Murphy against France. Here's hoping he grabs this chance with both hands- a very classy player. At least Paddy Wallace isn't anywhere near the team- Rougerie will be disappointed

I'm confident of an Irish win this weekend.

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads I know some people are saying certain guys need a last chance against England but the final squad is announced Monday so if they not in final 30 they won't be playing against England.
I think Jennings, McFadden, McLaughlin, Murray, Hayes and 1 of Donnacha Ryan/Mike McCarthy will be excluded.
Felix Jones or Geordan Murphy is the last decision I think Kidney is contemplating and well it seems Luke Fitz will go.

 

[raziel_eire]

Not seeing Geordan Murphy in the 22 for the France match is for me a big surprise... and I think that's him out of the RWC reckoning unless he sets the world alight against Connacht and even if he does I still think he's up against it.

I also feel its now Mike McCarthy's shirt to lose as our 4th choice lock... have a poor performance when he does come on and that'll see Kidney revert to D. Ryan due to his familiarity with the other Munster players in the pack, despite not impressing (for me anyways) in his game time so far. Cement that seat Mike!

Unfortunate for Murray I think would rather O'Leary was dropped out of the 30 in favour in his stead, but his time will come - he's possibly got 3 RWC's to attend in the future. Boss is always going to be a shoe in due to his experience of NZ and its conditions, with him heading back home I reckon he'll be out with a point to prove when he is there, so hopefully will raise his game.

Can only agree with the multiple comments so far on the surprise at how Luke Fitz is still so prominent and the disappointment in McFadden not getting given a chance to play with the big guns around him.

All-in-all, I'm not sure who he's gonna take between Buckley & Hayes for 4th prop... unfortunately there is a down side to each but Buckley's supposed ability to play both sides of the scrum (some would question he can't play either side) and his better mobility & play in the loose will probably see him get the nod.

My proposed RWC 30 based on Kidney's selections so far:

1. C Healy
2. R Best
3. M Ross
4. D O'Callaghan
5. P O'Connell
6. S O'Brien
7. D Wallace
8. J Heaslip
9. T O'Leary
10. J Sexton
11. K Earls
12. G D'Arcy
13. B O'Driscoll
14. T Bowe
15. R Kearney


16. J Flannery
17. T Court
18. L Cullen
19. S Ferris
20. E Reddan
21. R O'Gara
22. F Jones


23. T Buckley
24. S Cronin
25. M McCarthy
26. ??? S Jennings / K McLaughlin (personally would take Jennings for the specific role he can play whilst also being versatile at a push)
27. I Boss
28. ??? F McFadden / P Wallace / G Murphy : all three can place kick to a decent standard, McFadden and Murphy offer the highest levels of ability in different position... Paddy is just, well, Paddy really, what's an Ireland squad without Paddy eh?
29. A Trimble
30. L Fitzgerald

Only the 2 spots I see as questionable now... what will Kidney decide?

I'm heading to the France game with 6 others so looking forward to seeing our supposed best XV available put it up to them... I'm calling a win by 5pts

 

[Leinster+]

At least we know now a bit more.- Murray won't go to world cup it seems unless Boss is overlooked.- Jones has a great chance and it seems it straight fight between him and Geordan Murphy- I believe it between Mike McCarthy and Donnacha Ryan for that spot with Kevin McLaughlin out of picture.- McFadden I think is another who now seems to be out of the thinking- Buckley is being seen as a LH prop and will probably go (All depends on if we bring 4 as expected or 5 props)- I think Jennings has lost out too and well Stringer is practically finished with Ireland it seemed despite people saying he should've been a starter toward the end of 6N.

Boss should at least be on the bench. Mclaughlin and Jenno should go. Fergie starting at 12. Buckley shouldn't be playing AIL rugby let alone going to a world cup. O'Leary is the most overrated player and Murray should be replacing him on the reseres (although I think DK will start oleary). Wallace (Paddy) is our worst player and Jenno should start at open side for us if we want to play a fast expansive game and get the ball to Seany.

 

[jh95leinster]

We really should win this one because we have a stronger team than the French and we are at home. If we do lose it would prove that we do have some mental problem with the French.

 

[profitius]

I also feel its now Mike McCarthy's shirt to lose as our 4th choice lock... have a poor performance when he does come on and that'll see Kidney revert to D. Ryan due to his familiarity with the other Munster players in the pack, despite not impressing (for me anyways) in his game time so far. Cement that seat Mike!

I only saw the second half of the France and Ireland match and Donnacha Ryan was everywhere. Really threw himself into every tackle, made some carries and covered alot of ground. I expect him to make the squad.

 

[Leinster+]

I also feel its now Mike McCarthy's shirt to lse as our 4th choice lock... have a poor performance when he does come on and that'll see Kidney revert to D. Ryan due to his familiarity with the other Munster players in the pack, despite not impressing (for me anyways) in his game time so far. Cement that seat Mike.25. M McCarthy26. ??? S Jennings / K McLaughlin (personally would take Jennings for the specific role he can play whilst also being versatile at a push)28. ??? F McFadden / P Wallace / G Murphy : all three can place kick to a decent standard, McFadden and Murphy offer the highest levels of ability in different position... Paddy is just, well, Paddy really, what's an Ireland squad without Paddy eh?29. A Trimble

First of all McCarthy shouldn't be there at all. He is not international standard yet, but will be with experience. Wouldn't consider him for a second. Jenno should be starting at open side for us on a regular basis, get rid of Wally and give Jenno game time, too late now. Mclaughlin had been totally ignored when he should be on our bench. He can become a world class lock and flanker in time but is not been given the game time. Don't even joke about Paddy Wallace. He is easily our worst player. I don't know why DK picks him time after time when he is pure **** (Cardiff 09 and 11). Fergie should at least be on our bench. Winger, centre, fullblack and can place kick. Has pace, a step, hands, loves the contact, tackling, rucking and determinatio, the perfect winger. He should start at inside centre with O'Malley or Spencer after the world cup, but that's a different conversation. I think DK will start Trimble against Australia. He has proven to dk what a player he is. Has been the standout player in the 2 tests for us. I know you've picked the selections on behalf of DK and I'm Borg arguing with you on most points btw. Hopefully we'll beat the French this weekend, oh no wait we're starting O'Leary, all his passes will go to Sexton's feet. Don't know what DK sees in him.

 

[munstermuffin]

@ raziel_eire - I think spot 26 there is already given to Denis Leamy.

I disagree too with comments about Mike McCarthy been the front runner for a spot. It just simply Donnacha Ryan has had more game time and Kidney is using the games to spread the time. I would be like profitius and expect Ryan to be named in the 30.

I think the 30 is:
1. Healy
2. Flannery
3. Ross
4. O'Callaghan
5. O'Connell
6. O'Brien
7. Wallace
8. Heaslip
9. O'Leary
10. Sexton
11. Earls
12. D'Arcy
13. O'Driscoll
14. Bowe
15. Kearney
16. Best
17. Court
18. Cullen
19. Ferris
20. Reddan
21. O'Gara
22. Trimble
23. Buckley/Hayes (Don't rule Hayes out of selection yet)
24. Cronin
25. I think Donnacha Ryan will get this spot
26. Leamy
27. Boss
28. Paddy Wallace will get this as he is only other option at 10 and we know Kidney see's him as 2nd in pecking order for 12.
29. Felix Jones/Geordan Murphy
30. It seems Luke Fitzgearld will get this spot.

 

[raziel_eire]

@ munstermuffin

Not sure how I forgot about Leamy in all of that - agree, he'll take that slot ahead of either Jennings or McLaughlin.

I can't say I be surprised at D. Ryan getting the nod over McCarthy, he's been around the Ireland camp longer, more familiar with the other guys in the pack from the provincial scene and has that bit more time on his side to be seriously involved in future squads & teams in the next few 6 Nations etc. I think there's only a 2 year diff between him and McCarthy in age, 29 is late to get involved in the international scene and become involved enough to become part of any long-term plans. Not impossible, but not likely.
I still don't think I've seen enough of Ryan in there last 2 games however, he seemed pretty anonymous to me but perhaps I just wasn't paying him enough attention??? dunno really, but is there really enough difference between him and McCarthy to warrant anyone ever arguing over which should go... a case of splitting hairs I think?

I think we all know that Paddy Wallace has Kidney's attention in terms of a backup 10 & 12, but we'd probably all agree that we're not sure why that is and that we wouldn't make that choice ourselves. Murphy & McFadden are better players in both their primary and secondary positions then Wallace is in his, it just so happens that Paddy can cover that specialist 10 role thay Kidney wouldn't want to leave without taking a backup for his backup... he always been pragmatic that way!

(also agree that Flannery would be my 1st choice hooker if his match fitness is proven, but I just don't see Kidney going that way)

Still, we're in a pretty healthy place when all our discussion is over who's gonna be the periphery players... there's little discussion involved over our best XV and there's not many nations fans who can say that.

 

[Leinster+]

This is my 30 for the world cup: 1. Healy 2. Flannery 3. Ross 4. Cullen 5. O'Connell 6. O'Brien 7. Jennings 8. Heaslip 9. Reddan 10. Sexton 11. Trimble 12 D'arcy (would prefer Fergie but hasn't been given game time) 13. BOD 14. Bowe 15. Kearney 16. Cronin 17. Court 18. Mclaughlin 19. Ferris 20. Boss 21. Fergie22. Jones 23. Hayes 24. Best 25. Wally 26. O'Callaghan 27. Murray 28. ROG 29. Fitzgerald 30. Earls.This would be a great team if DK wasn't so bias and gave players who have a great chance of going on the plane some game time eg jenning, McLaughlin, Fergie, Boss.

 

[monkeypigeon]

Ireland XV 39 Connacht 3

Don't suppose anyone was at the match?

 

[monkeypigeon]

Ireland XV 39 Connacht 3

Don't suppose anyone was at the match?

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/23642.php Here's a link.

 

[big ginger 8]

Ireland XV 39 Connacht 3

Don't suppose anyone was at the match?

Was at it enjoyed it. Both scrumhalves were good, G. Murphy looked sharp as did McFadden and Leamy was better than usual. What happened to Jennings Ronan played instead with Henry on bench.

For Conacht really liked the way Ah You put himself about.

Btw don't think J. Murphy's injury is from what he was saying to the physio sounded like a pulled muscle. Was having trouble turning.

 

[big ginger 8]

Can't edit but Keatley was also very good.

 

[Irishflanker]

What happened to Jennings Ronan played instead with Henry on bench.

David Wallace pulled a muscle in training so Jennings was drafted into the main squad as injury cover. Wallace may be out for the French game, but will definitely be in line for the England game.

 

[munstermuffin]

Just back from match and well only went as Munster had few but it was a good exercise as ginger said but Connacht were poor.
I feel for some guys who played well as I feel the team is already wrapped up. Ginger would you agree after seeing Murray perform superb again tonight that it awful he won't travel. Call me crazy but he is the best 9 in Ireland at the moment and that is a fact. I respect TOL but lads after tonight I am confused because Munster's first choice 9 played tonight our 2nd choice 9 will play tomorrow and our 3rd choice will play against France and start the World Cup.
McFadden is another I feel is being shafted but it'll be Leinster's gain.

As was mentioned already Keatley was very good and well I was in France last Friday night and he impressed and again tonight he was superb and well I'm not saying bring him to World Cup or anything just simply if Ireland are looking for a 10/12 then this guy is a much better option than Wallace.

Spoke to David Wallace too tonight and from the horse's mouth himself he said he'll be confident he will make the game but at this stage Kidney isn't up for taking risks and may give Jennings his chance.
Can I just add in after tonight I think Donnacha Ryan has sealed his spot unless McCarthy is Man of the Match on Saturday which is unlikely and I would bring John Hayes ahead of Buckley as his lifting power and experience does alot more benefit than Buckley's cameo in loose.

 

[munstermuffin]

Couldn't edit but meant to add in at the end that I saying that as tonight our scrum for an International team was embarrassing and well I looking for what these 2 can offer other than scrummaging. Also Marcus Horan done well for Munster when returning last season and well as a 4th choice prop he might be the best out of the 3. But Buckley has got too many chances.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

On a scale of "Shocking" to "Dreadful" how bad was Buckley at loosehead?

 

[munstermuffin]

On a scale of "Shocking" to "Dreadful" how bad was Buckley at loosehead?

Being truthful Olyy, you know I around Munster alot so would have seen Mushy ALOT and well with that seen his good games and bad games well simply put in past 6 months Mushy has been consistently going backwards and well I think Munster's best piece of business in summer was loosing him off books.

- He is not a loosehead or a tighthead and well based on tonight I think saying Shocking or Dreadful is simply complementing him, it was bad

 

[Teh Mite]

On a scale of "Shocking" to "Dreadful" how bad was Buckley at loosehead?

Sheridan