The Official Irish Rugby Thread

[nelly sham]

Yeah, the wingers being shite under the high ball was notable, it's historically been an area where Ireland have been strong. Just seemed not to be attacking the ball in the air. Shame Lowry didn't get a go.

Conway and Lowe coming back in would make that much better.

Yeah, Horgan called it well in commentary suggesting they’re just approaching it all wrong, getting under it and jumping from a static position rather than running onto it. You don’t like to think it’s a relatively easy fix of making them field a kick x 172 times in training!

 

[How bad boy]

Yeah, Horgan called it well in commentary suggesting they’re just approaching it all wrong, getting under it and jumping from a static position rather than running onto it. You don’t like to think it’s a relatively easy fix of making them field a kick x 172 times in training!

I think because the box kick was such an integral part of the Schmidt game, it's something Ireland did probably practice that many times in training....


That said, there were a handful of truly dreadful box kicks last weekend. Think one almost went backwards and I'd be surprised if more than a third were regathered. I swore heavily at the TV when Casey box kicked (gaining 15-20 metres at most...) with 3 mins to go.
Sure, give them another chance to attack, why not? If there was ever a time for a 20 phase pick and go snooze fest, 3 mins to go with a 3 point lead near the halfway line is it.

 

[Coogee]

Sexton remaining on until pension age is stopping player development and progression even though we are a rudderless side without him at 10.

Munster should push Casey & Crowley as starters as Carbery has huge fitness issues every game he plays and Carbery has not had a decent run for Ireland.

Hopefully Bealham continues to progress as cover.

The 6 nations has to be sacrificed in 2023 to bring players through for the World Cup as we are goosed in critical areas if there are injuries.

id agree fully. Cant see it happening though. How much of a gambel would it really be to play a few fringe players against Wales, Scotland and Italy

No reason for likes of Healy, Porter,Furlong, O Mahoney, Murray, Sexton to be starting all 3 of those games and Youd like to see someone besides Keenan start 2 of those games at 15

 

[nelly sham]

Ireland could do a lot worse than have a look at Haley again at 15. He’s been consistently good for Munster and heaven forbid they pick a player in his actual position back there!

 

[Monty Burns]

O'Mahoney's decision making was shocking again.

Whatever about not knowing the hooker sub rule , going for the corner twice with two very straightforward kicks on offer in such a tight game was just poor from the captain.


Should have been more comfortable. For all the Australian posession in the first half they were rarely troubling the line. ( opening ruled out score aside)

 

[Megelus]

The #10 problem is that no matter who you pick they aren't, and likely will never be, as good as Sexton. You have to assume the world cup will be his final go and some clear successor needs to be identified.

Thinking back, we have really been spoiled in our out halves in the professional era, going back through O'Gara and Humphries.

The rest of the team is likely the best assembly of talent we have ever had, across the board.

 

[Stacky]

O'Mahoney's decision making was shocking again.

Whatever about not knowing the hooker sub rule , going for the corner twice with two very straightforward kicks on offer in such a tight game was just poor from the captain.


Should have been more comfortable. For all the Australian posession in the first half they were rarely troubling the line. ( opening ruled out score aside)

Ireland have an excellent lineout and maul game weapon which was used against the Springboks to great effect.

It does not always work but more often than not it does.

 

[Stacky]

Ireland could do a lot worse than have a look at Haley again at 15. He’s been consistently good for Munster and heaven forbid they pick a player in his actual position back there!

A great player totally overlooked.


The great sage Brian O'Driscoll was even suggesting Jimmy O'Brien at 10 last week.

 

[Monty Burns]

Ireland have an excellent lineout and maul game weapon which was used against the Springboks to great effect.

It does not always work but more often than not it does.

It was the wrong call in both instances.

O'Mahoney with a rush of blood to the head. He's done it plenty of times with Munster too. Sexton's decision making is better.

If the three points are on offer in a low scoring , tight game you take them. Lucky it didn't cost us the win.


Gibson Park is hopeless and will start every 6N game.

 

[Rebel CNC]

The #10 problem is that no matter who you pick they aren't, and likely will never be, as good as Sexton. You have to assume the world cup will be his final go and some clear successor needs to be identified.

You'd also have to assume that at 38 he is unlikely to get through the wc unscathed and a back-up option will need to get plenty of time on the pitch in 6n.