Schmidt Era Ireland

[munstermuffin]

Again have to disagree and will accept we both just rate Ruddock differently as I think he was only in side. In close season as SOB was injured and Jennings had injury issues too

 

[profitius]

4 Leinster players to keep an eye on this season are Martin Moore, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath and Conor Gilsenan. Moore could be the tighthead solution we need. He is nowhere near his potential but has potential.
4 Munster players are Hanrahan, Dave O'Callaghan, Bohane and James Cronin.
4 Ulster players are Olding, Farrell, McAllister and Scholes.
4 Connacht player are Shane Layden, McSharry, Heenan and Rael. Shane Layden is the forgotten man.

 

[Conal]

Again have to disagree and will accept we both just rate Ruddock differently as I think he was only in side. In close season as SOB was injured and Jennings had injury issues too

whatever happened to ian nagle?

he used to be the net big thing

 

[big ginger 8]

Again have to disagree and will accept we both just rate Ruddock differently as I think he was only in side. In close season as SOB was injured and Jennings had injury issues too

Just last thing both SO'B and Jennings were in the 23 for the Stade match and Jennings started vs Ulster...

 

[munstermuffin]

Yes but neither were 100% fit and McLaughlin also had injury issues. Again we will just agree to disagree on him and well guess time will tell

 

[Peat]

Have to say O'Driscoll is a comparison I'd have made for Ruddock myself - along with Jennings, McLaughlin, Henry, Cave... guys who have the nous and desire to go a huge amount of the way, but who generally fall short at international level due to insufficient athleticism. Not always; Robshaw looked like he was going to be in this category until two years ago.

Also, if he can get the guys, he might be tempted to go Kiwi style with a tight five that grafts like mad and three back rowers doing a lot of carrying. There's a big Mike Ross-shaped hole in that as a theory though.

 

[munstermuffin]

Have to say O'Driscoll is a comparison I'd have made for Ruddock myself - along with Jennings, McLaughlin, Henry, Cave... guys who have the nous and desire to go a huge amount of the way, but who generally fall short at international level due to insufficient athleticism. Not always; Robshaw looked like he was going to be in this category until two years ago.

Also, if he can get the guys, he might be tempted to go Kiwi style with a tight five that grafts like mad and three back rowers doing a lot of carrying. There's a big Mike Ross-shaped hole in that as a theory though.

Ross isn't only 1 though like our props and locks are trained different and it'd be big change for most that may be issue. But I'd be interested to see how he does act like Leinster played fabulous brand but will he make any verifications in a tougher arena. Like in club he had Rabo games against weaker teams etc to help adapt but in international you have to hit ground running ASAP.

 

[Peat]

If you've got pace, fitness, strength and a good breakdown technique you can do it. Not that difficult. It's simply a slight shift in responsibilities... providing you have the athleticism to carry it off.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I want to see what Joe Schmidt can do with the options at 9, 10, 12 and 13. Gordon D'arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Isaac Boss and Eoin Reddan are near the end of their careers. Ronan O'Gara has just retired. That's a huge changeover in personnel coming up.

Schmidt tends to swap his scrum halves around. It's likely that one of Kieran Marmion or Paul Marshall will get lots of game time spelling for Conor Murray.

At 10 and 12, will he opt for a 1st and 2nd 5/8 system or a flyhalf and inside centre? In Jonny Sexton, Ian Madigan and Stuart Olding, he has the personnel to try the former option. Sexton, Paddy Jackson and Luke Marshall (who I think could be a sensational 13 eventually) are well able to try the latter option.

What will happen at 13? O'Driscoll is still an excellent defender but doesn't scythe through a gap any more. Does the new coach try Darren Cave, Fergus McFadden, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Jared Payne or someone else there?

Looking ahead to the World Cup, with a couple of positional switches, Joe Schmidt's Ireland backline could look like this:
Payne (I hate the residency rule but may as well take advantage of it), Bowe, Marshall, Madigan, Zebo, Sexton, Murray with Earls, Gilroy and Marmion in reserve. That has an exciting look to it.

 

[munstermuffin]

Snoop I agree with most and would add Schmidt has alot of options for the back. On a Munster point I'd like to see can he do something with Earls as between injuries and form since RWC he has dropped down considerably and well I don't think he has the defense for 13 and now on wings Gilroy Bowe Zebo and maybe even Trimble are vied as been ahead ATM

 

[profitius]

Any word on the new forwards coach yet?

 

[big ginger 8]

Any word on the new forwards coach yet?

Haven't heard anything but apparently the staff was "close to being finalised" on the 11th of June...

Won't be Jono Gibbes read an interview that Schmidt was keen to take coaches with him but while Leinster allowed him they wouldn't allowed their other coaches to go.

 

[profitius]

Haven't heard anything but apparently the staff was "close to being finalised" on the 11th of June...

Won't be Jono Gibbes read an interview that Schmidt was keen to take coaches with him but while Leinster allowed him they wouldn't allowed their other coaches to go.

I saw that too. It sounded like he has a New Zealander in mind. Dave Rennie maybe

 

[Feicarsinn]

Na na na na na na na na JACKMAN!!!


Just a thought.

 

[Peat]

Any word on the new forwards coach yet?

Plumtree.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Confirmed: http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/29545.php

Decent appointment. Former South African coach of the year, has lead the Sharks to 5 Currie Cup finals and one Super Rugby final. Hasn't had a great season this year but certainly seems to have the pedigree.

 

[lynam1104]

Interesting hope it works out any SA members have any insight into how good he is and what to expect?

 

[munstermuffin]

Seems worthy of shot and in fairness Schmidt I'm sure has taken his time assessed options so best of luck to the new team

 

[big ginger 8]

I'd say Draggs and Ezequiel are delighted but their main problem seemed to be slection

 

[profitius]

I suppose a new voice won't do any harm. Plumtree seems to be experienced in many styles of play from being in Wales, South Africa and New Zealand.