Decent but plays favourites. Some baffling selections at times, and he wasn't able to help our players step up a gear when needed.Interesting hope it works out any SA members have any insight into how good he is and what to expect?
Decent but plays favourites. Some baffling selections at times, and he wasn't able to help our players step up a gear when needed.Interesting hope it works out any SA members have any insight into how good he is and what to expect?
I think the centre combination has a real mystery about it. I expect Darcy and BOD to continue for the time being but Schmidt is a clever man and to not test new players in those positions would be naive. I can't see Earls making any ground at centre and his abandonment of the wing position has real placed him down the pecking order. Cave certainly has talent but needs to shine in the green as opportunities will be limited and ultimately the player who makes the greatest impression will earn the jersey. I really can't wait to see Marshal, Hanrahan and Olding in action, and I would bet against Schmidt looking to them as long term replacements.
The issues at hooker which seem to be reoccurring will also be interesting. I can't see Schmidt continuing with Best if his recent form in lineout throwing continues. Much of Leinsters strike moves occur off the lineout and Schmidt will simply not accept one that doesn't function. I can see Strauss making gains in the squad aswell as Sherry if he can prove himself to be Ireland's best thrower in line with what many Munster and suggest.
Big battle at 2 Sherry Strauss and Best all very good in their own ways but also all bring something different. Regards 12 Marshall is injury prone so we need another option or 2, Olding is 1 and maybe would BOD be option. 13 we need to act fast as last thing we need is Bod to go and have no one there.I'd have Marshall at 12 and Strauss at 2. Simple as that really.
In my mind 13 is the big problem position in the squad. We seem to be producing lots of players who can play in the 10/12 channel, but very few for the outside role.
I'd have Marshall at 12 and Strauss at 2. Simple as that really.
In my mind 13 is the big problem position in the squad. We seem to be producing lots of players who can play in the 10/12 channel, but very few for the outside role.
I think our ineout will change a lot with PO'C back to be honest so we'll see how that goes.
I'd like to see Olding tried a bitat 13 to be honest
I'd thought of that to he seems to have the pace form what little I've seen of him. However it would differ to his natural game as a distributer as I'd like to see some one in the 13 shirt who hits gaps and can bring his outside men in so it could take for him to adjust to that role, but I thinks it's definitely something worth trying.
Olding has played 13. Played it for Ireland U20s. Looked good there.
I feel reasonably sure Olding could play any back position if he really put his mind to it. Has it all apart from size, and that doesn't seem to bother him too much.
edit: The problem with Ulster producing the next Ireland 13 is that, barring orders from D4, they will have the devil's own time getting past Cave. And I'm dubious about Cave being the next guy for Ireland, as his acceleration maybe isn't there.
@BH8 we looking but I think funds for scrum coach are so low that we won't be getting major name or maybe it might be Gibbes on a part time basis for 6Nations.
On Schmidt I'd wonder has he got his first choice back room staff and secondly is lack of time he has with lads on field going to be a possible issue