Ireland vs New Zealand - 01/11/25

[Welsh Exile]

We haven't beaten a good team since June 2024 and got hammered last time we played one. I think we'll improve from the 6n but a 2 score loss and comfortable last 10 for NZ is what I expect here. I just don't think we're at that level currently.

Not a bad prediction bud.

 

[big ginger 8]

Thought Baird was very good, which is great to finally see him playing to the level we've wanted against a top team.

10 is certainly a problem but we do have a raft of very athletic forwards coming through that I'm very excited to see make the leap.

 

[ChicagoKid]

Strange game. The lack of replay and inability to hear anything from the ref’s mic really hurt the atmosphere.

Whoever was in charge of setup hopefully is not around in 2031.

The crowd wanted to get psyched but too many errors. Biggest roar was when Doris came on the pitch and immediately had a barnstorming first carry.

Overall, Irish people were good sports. The Kiwis were much more open to talking about the match before and after. I was surprised how the Irish fans were so mild mannered.

I ran into some ex players and personalities and rugby truly has something unique with its culture. It was breathe of fresh air to talk sport with good people.

 

[BMatt]

ChicagoKid, I could hear the ref through the TV, but could only understand half of what he said so you didn't miss much. FYI I was sober.

 

[O’Doyle Rules]

Not a Leinster bias, but why is Henderson in the team? Pretty sure he was last superb on the 2017 lions tour. We actually have a good number of potential young forwards?

Back line is going to be pish for a few years I think - no pace. Would say we’re now potentially 4th / 5th best team attacking wise in 6N?

Just feels like we try so so hard to score and other teams a conjure at least 5/10 points a game out of “moments”?

In a weird way though. Ireland being poor for a year is something I’m not against. Before, during and just after 2023 we have been one of those “god let’s beat this team” teams where everyone wants to do us. Why the NZ 2010s team was insane as they rarely slipped. When you’re at that level, which we were, everyone treats you as the big one. Perhaps we need to fly in under the radar a bit.

 

[big ginger 8]

Not a Leinster bias, but why is Henderson in the team? Pretty sure he was last superb on the 2017 lions tour. We actually have a good number of potential young forwards?

Back line is going to be pish for a few years I think - no pace. Would say we're now potentially 4th / 5th best team attacking wise in 6N?

Just feels like we try so so hard to score and other teams a conjure at least 5/10 points a game out of "moments"?

In a weird way though. Ireland being poor for a year is something I'm not against. Before, during and just after 2023 we have been one of those "god let's beat this team" teams where everyone wants to do us. Why the NZ 2010s team was insane as they rarely slipped. When you're at that level, which we were, everyone treats you as the big one. Perhaps we need to fly in under the radar a bit.

I think that’s a bit unfair to Henderson he’s definitely been of the level expected many time since 2017. Ideally he wouldn’t be in the 23 but with McCarthy injured he was a fine choice. Ahern is a brilliant talent but he’s not a tighthead lock. Ideally Henderson will be phased out with Edogbo getting back to fitness but it was the right decision for Saturday.

Backs do not solely equal attack. I think we’re certainly more dangerous than Wales and Italy because of our packs ability alone tbh. TOB is fairly rapid but we do lack speedsters. However it’s not like we’ve had any since Hickie. One of the 10s needs to step up but we still do absolutely have some very good players in our backs. Hopefully Farrell coming back will help as would getting rid of Goodman.