Ireland vs France in BORDEAUX August 2011 **mod warning post 287**

ironingbored

Interestingly, IRFU site has Fitz at 13 and Earls at 11.

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/23574.php

Oh God. I don't know which of those combinations I hate more.

theboss80

At least with earls on the wing he is playing in position.

JONJO THE MISER

ionadnapokot wrote: »

i will defo shop around. never backed against Ireland. but this is a cert for a french try fest.

Never let your heart rule your head, im getting on France -11 myself.

theboss80

theboss80 wrote: »

At least with earls on the wing he is playing in position.

whichever plays 13 is going to be put to the sword unfortunately.

Do we give Earls, who's had a great season, but has shown mental weakness before the chance to put himself back 12 months?

Or do we give Fitz, a player still gasping to regain form from over 18 months ago a chance to potentially embarrass himself and knock him back in his recovery?

I just don't like either idea at all.

shuffol

Dont mind Fitzgerald in the center myself, think he's got the game to do well there, more so than on the wing where he's lost a yard of pace. Tough game to try him out though. Earls thrives in open space so has to be in the back 3 IMO.

Think it will be Earls at 13 though, thought I heard Kidney referring to Earls ability to pay there during the press conference thursday.

Systic

If this is a last minute call then obviously Earls was having doubts about playing 13. I really hope this doesn't affect his confidence, he belongs on the wing where he excells.

Ignore obviously if that was just a typo on the IRFU website.

Milton Fine

Hi Folks

Cannot believe that (Paddy) Wallace is still being given a run.

The guy's a liability.

These games are all about getting guys like Rob Kearney and Jerry Flannery game time and establishing who might replace key players in the event of injuries.

An unpopular viewpoint but I'd love to see Donncha O'Callaghan dropped. Completely overrated but Leo Cullen's probably too similar to Paul O'Connell. Shocked that Mick O'Driscoll continues to fool the selectors into thinking he's a international class second row. Seems lime a nice guy but on the pitch he's a coward and lacks even the basic skills required to be a world class second row.

Would love to see the following side start against the Aussies...

15. Kearney
14. Bowe
13. God
12. Darce
11. Fitzgerald
10. Sexton
9. Stringer
8. Heaslip
7. O'Brien
6. Ferris
5. O'Connell
4. Cullen
3. Ross
2. Flannery
1. Healy

joseywhales

Milton Fine wrote: »

Hi Folks

Cannot believe that (Paddy) Wallace is still being given a run.

The guy's a liability.

These games are all about getting guys like Rob Kearney and Jerry Flannery game time and establishing who might replace key players in the event of injuries.

An unpopular viewpoint but I'd love to see Donncha O'Callaghan dropped. Completely overrated but Leo Cullen's probably too similar to Paul O'Connell. Shocked that Mick O'Driscoll continues to fool the selectors into thinking he's a international class second row. Seems lime a nice guy but on the pitch he's a coward and lacks even the basic skills required to be a world class second row.

Would love to see the following side start against the Aussies...

15. Kearney
14. Bowe
13. God
12. Darce
11. Fitzgerald
10. Sexton
9. Stringer
8. Heaslip
7. O'Brien
6. Ferris
5. O'Connell
4. Cullen
3. Ross
2. Flannery
1. Healy

That is so ridiculous, a coward on the field?
but you're sure he's a nice guy?

jesus ****ing christ, get out of the armchair and step onto a field where 15 top performing professional athletes want to hurt you.

What evidence have you got to back up that he is a coward on the field?
I mean you could point out, lack of pace/power/skill but where is there any evidence that he is a coward.

If anything he's a very brave man given his relative lack of natural ability at international level. Which is of course relative as he'd dominate at AIL 1 for example.

Milton Fine

joseywhales wrote: »

That is so ridiculous, a coward on the field?
but you're sure he's a nice guy?

jesus ****ing christ, get out of the armchair and step onto a field where 15 top performing professional athletes want to hurt you.

What evidence have you got to back up that he is a coward on the field?
I mean you could point out, lack of pace/power/skill but where is there any evidence that he is a coward.

If anything he's a very brave man given his relative lack of natural ability at international level. Which is of course relative as he'd dominate at AIL 1 for example.

In my view, O'Driscoll doesn't put his body on the line enough. He strikes me as a guy who's afraid of being hurt. This manifests itself in a number of ways...e.g. soft carries, high body positions, passive tackling, hiding in rucks and mauls, etc

I've played the game at a reasonably high level but even if I hadn't, I'm entitled to my opinion which is that Mick O'Driscoll is a coward (on the pitch). I also reiterate my earlier opinion that he seems like a nice guy.

Systic

what tripe. Thats all I have to say.

fitz

Have to agree. While I'm not a huge fan of MOD, its because his ability isn't the same as the guys at the top level.

However, even if his efforts are not being hugely effective, I've rarely seen him put in anything other than a committed and hard working performance. To call the guy a coward is both ill-informed and just plain rude.

Milton Fine

fitz wrote: »

Have to agree. While I'm not a huge fan of MOD, its because of his ability isn't the same as the guys at the top level.

However, even if his efforts are not being hugely effective, I've rarely seen him put in anything other than a committed and hard working performance. To call the guy a coward is both ill-informed and just plain rude.

In my view he holds back and doesn't give 100% or put his body on the line. From a rugby perspective, that's a coward.

Stev_o

Emmet calling you mad in 3,2,1

Systic

Deleted User wrote: »

Or do we give Fitz, a player still gasping to regain form from over 18 months ago a chance to potentially embarrass himself and knock him back in his recovery?

I just don't like either idea at all.

I think Fitzgerald might have stepped up himself. If he does indeed fill in at 13 last minute then firstly that is very brave of him and secondly it will be a crucial moment in deciding whether Fitzgerald will regain his confidence and form for the world cup. It's a massive gamble if this is true.

fitz

Milton Fine wrote: »

fitz wrote: »

Have to agree. While I'm not a huge fan of MOD, its because of his ability isn't the same as the guys at the top level.

However, even if his efforts are not being hugely effective, I've rarely seen him put in anything other than a committed and hard working performance. To call the guy a coward is both ill-informed and just plain rude.

In my view he holds back and doesn't give 100% or put his body on the line. From a rugby perspective, that's a coward.

Nonsense. Watch the first Munster v Toulon game from this years Magners and try telling us that.

phog

Systic wrote: »

If this is a last minute call then obviously Earls was having doubts about playing 13.

Systic wrote: »

what tripe. Thats all I have to say.

If this is what you're referring to I couldnt agree more.

Milton Fine

fitz wrote: »

Nonsense. Watch the first Munster v Toulon game from this years Magners and try telling us that.

You either know nothing about rugby or you know nothing about alcohol.

Either way, you've lost credibility.

Stev_o

Stev_o wrote: »

Emmet calling you mad in 3,2,1

Nah, I'm not into Ireland match threads anymore. Far too many trolls.

I'll remind people of my sig, and how applicable it is to the above.

PhatPiggins wrote:

Is it better to ignore a fool or give him the attention he craves?

phog

fitz wrote: »

Nonsense. Watch the first Munster v Toulon game from this years Magners and try telling us that.

Munster didnt play Toulon in the Magners

fitz

phog wrote: »

fitz wrote: »

Nonsense. Watch the first Munster v Toulon game from this years Magners and try telling us that.

Munster didnt play Toulon in the Magners

My mistake. I'm not a Munster fan, so didn't memorise their fixtures.

Regardless, point stands about MODs performance in that HEC game. I guess it easier to take pot shots about mixing up fixtures than to admit your talking rubbish though. (not you phog!!)

Systic

phog wrote: »

If this is what you're referring to I couldnt agree more.

If they have indeed switched positions then why do you think that is? Of course there are lots of reasons but the most plausible one is that Earls didn't think he was up to it. Teams don't just make last minute positional switches on a whim. Personally I would like to see Trimble in the centre rather than Fitzgerald.

Systic

fitz wrote: »

My mistake. I'm not a Munster fan, so didn't memorise their fixtures.

Regardless, point stands about MODs performance in that HEC game. I guess it easier to take pot shots about mixing up fixtures than to admit your talking rubbish though. ( not you phog!!)

You dont need to memorise fixtures to know Toulon aren't in the Magners. Toulon are a french team, they're obviously not in the Magners.

Milton Fine

fitz wrote: »

My mistake. I'm not a Munster fan, so didn't memorise their fixtures.

Regardless, point stands about MODs performance in that game. I guess it easier to take pot shots about mixing up fixtures than to admit your talking rubbish though. ( not you phog!!)

Given that you seem to be blissfully unaware that the Magners League didn't feature French teams, your opinions regarding rugby matters are pretty worthless.

What's your next trick...to praise David Beckham for his performances for LA Galaxy in last year's Champions League?

fitz

Systic wrote: »

fitz wrote: »

My mistake. I'm not a Munster fan, so didn't memorise their fixtures.

Regardless, point stands about MODs performance in that HEC game. I guess it easier to take pot shots about mixing up fixtures than to admit your talking rubbish though. ( not you phog!!)

You dont need to memorise fixtures to know Toulon aren't in the Magners. Toulon are a french team, they're obviously not in the Magners.

Bit of a brainfart alright, French not being in Magners. I'd rather have a brainfart than resort to ignorant namecalling of players though.

Milton Fine

fitz wrote: »

Bit of a brainfart alright, French not being in Magners. I'd rather have a brainfart than resort to ignorant namecalling of players though.

Your misuse of the English language appears to be on a par with your lack of knowledge regarding rugby.

I view Mick O'Driscoll as a coward from a rugby perspective because in my view he doesn't put his body on the line and doesn't give 100% (e.g. he tackles passively, doesn't hit rucks blindly at pace, hides in rucks and mauls and doesn't carry the ball at pace at the gain line).

That's not "ignorant namecalling"...it's my considered opinion based on my observation of Mick O'Driscoll over a number of years.

Yes I could offer a more eloquent and verbose analysis of the flaws in his game but it's just easier to err on the side of brevity and accurately brand the guy a coward.

fitz

Milton Fine wrote: »

fitz wrote: »

My mistake. I'm not a Munster fan, so didn't memorise their fixtures.

Regardless, point stands about MODs performance in that game. I guess it easier to take pot shots about mixing up fixtures than to admit your talking rubbish though. ( not you phog!!)

Given that you seem to be blissfully unaware that the Magners League didn't feature French teams, your opinions regarding rugby matters are pretty worthless.

What's your next trick...to praise David Beckham for his performances for LA Galaxy in last year's Champions League?

I had a "duh" moment.
I'm hungover. What's your excuse?
My point stands about MODs performance in that game, in exactly the areas you using to assert that he's a coward.

Now, no more feeding the troll from me.

If Fitzgerald does play at 13 instead of Earls, I'd be a little more confident in terms of his defence versus Earls. Leave Earls at 11, it's where he's best.

CIARAN_BOYLE

I don't see any reason to bash MOD. He is Munster's third choice lock and probably Ireland's fourth choice lock. He is a good player that is short of the skill power and speed required in International rugby.

If he was a coward he would turn down international rugby. If you don't like him don't bash him but argue for someone else to move ahead of him.

Who are you suggesting we move ahead of him?

That said I do agree there was no real reason to play him last week. I would have given DOC/POC 20 minutes at the end from the bench.

CatFromHue

Milton Fine wrote: »

Given that you seem to be blissfully unaware that the Magners League didn't feature French teams, your opinions regarding rugby matters are pretty worthless.

What's your next trick...to praise David Beckham for his performances for LA Galaxy in last year's Champions League?

Heineken, Magners, who cares the name of the competition. When Munster player Toulon MoD was man of the match. He was also man of the match in the game against Australia in Australia last year.

He is Ireland's 4th / 5th choice second row, if he lacks the physicality against the Bok's or the Black's that does not make him a coward!

PhatPiggins

Milton Fine wrote: »

Your misuse of the English language appears to be on a par with your lack of knowledge regarding rugby.

I view Mick O'Driscoll as a coward from a rugby perspective because in my view he doesn't put his body on the line and doesn't give 100% (e.g. he tackles passively, doesn't hit rucks blindly at pace, hides in rucks and mauls and doesn't carry the ball at pace at the gain line).

That's not "ignorant namecalling"...it's my considered opinion based on my observation of Mick O'Driscoll over a number of years.

Yes I could offer a more eloquent and verbose analysis of the flaws in his game but it's just easier to err on the side of brevity and accurately brand the guy a coward.

How ironic that you were playing grammer police and you use that there.

PhatPiggins

PhatPiggins wrote: »

How ironic that you were playing grammer police and you use that there.

:eek:

Teferi

Ah give it up lads.

I'm excited for this match. Looking forward to seeing what French side turn up.

shuffol

Munster v. Toulon in Thomond park last season, wasnt that the game where Toulon scored a try on their first attack after a certain second row missed a tackle in midfield.

Systic

Hes not even playing, why is he still being discussed..

Milton Fine

PhatPiggins wrote: »

How ironic that you were playing grammer police and you use that there.

Now that's funny...

Don't you mean "grammar"? And "verbose" is an adjective so what's the issue with using it as such?

It's not "trolling" to offer an opinion that a certain player is a coward (from a rugby perspective). I stand by that view and do not want to see the guy playing for Ireland.

How does Mick O'Driscoll have four times as many caps as Bob Casey (politics aside)? The mind boggles...

justsomebloke

Warning to everyone. Get back on topic or bans will follow attack the post not the posters

RuggieBear

call any player a coward again and you will be banned.

Milton Fine

Any idea why Flannery isn't starting (given that he obviously needs game time)?

I would have thought that one of the main aims of these games should be to give Rob Kearney and Jerry Flannery as much game time as possible.

Lot of pro Munster hype about Earls. If we play South Africa in the quarters and everyone's fit, it's hard to see him starting (as Kearney would play fullback with Bowe and Fitzgerald on the wings). The wordcount in relation to Earls is way too high given his standing in the Irish game. A great broken field runner but lacks the nous to play at 13 or the crash tackling bash merchant stuff to play at 12. Talented guy though.

Milton Fine

RuggieBear wrote: »

call any player a coward again and you will be banned.

That seems very harsh. I called him a coward from a rugby perspective.

Is it okay to say that his play is cowardly?

CIARAN_BOYLE

Milton Fine wrote: »

Any idea why Flannery isn't starting (given that he obviously needs game time)?

I would have thought that one of the main aims of these games should be to give Rob Kearney and Jerry Flannery as much game time as possible.

Lot of pro Munster hype about Earls. If we play South Africa in the quarters and everyone's fit, it's hard to see him starting (as Kearney would play fullback with Bowe and Fitzgerald on the wings). The wordcount in relation to Earls is way too high given his standing in the Irish game. A great broken field runner but lacks the nous to play at 13 or the crash tackling bash merchant stuff to play at 12. Talented guy though.

On form from last season Earls is ahead of Fitzgerald. They are really close in terms of skill imo so I'd give the shirt to whoever is in form.

RuggieBear

Milton Fine wrote: »

That seems very harsh. I called him a coward from a rugby perspective.

Is it okay to say that his play is cowardly?

banned.

Read the charter. Do not argue with a moderator on thread. .

Sean Bateman

Milton Fine wrote: »

Hi Folks

Cannot believe that (Paddy) Wallace is still being given a run.

The guy's a liability.

These games are all about getting guys like Rob Kearney and Jerry Flannery game time and establishing who might replace key players in the event of injuries.

An unpopular viewpoint but I'd love to see Donncha O'Callaghan dropped. Completely overrated but Leo Cullen's probably too similar to Paul O'Connell. Shocked that Mick O'Driscoll continues to fool the selectors into thinking he's a international class second row. Seems lime a nice guy but on the pitch he's a coward and lacks even the basic skills required to be a world class second row.

Would love to see the following side start against the Aussies...

15. Kearney
14. Bowe
13. God
12. Darce
11. Fitzgerald
10. Sexton
9. Stringer
8. Heaslip
7. O'Brien
6. Ferris
5. O'Connell
4. Cullen
3. Ross
2. Flannery
1. Healy

Not a lot here that I'd disagree with to be honest.

Kearney badly needs to play games though.

Was he not supposed to go to South Africa to play for the Stormers or something?

Otacon

Anyone know if this match is being shown on an English TV channell? Doesn't appear to be on Sky or BBC

RuggieBear

Otacon wrote: »

Anyone know if this match is being shown on an English TV channell? Doesn't appear to be on Sky or BBC

nope. seemingly itv4 were going to show it but there were contractual problems.

rte player if you In Ireland or the streams stickie thread will sort you out i reckon.

Otacon

RuggieBear wrote: »

nope. seemingly itv4 were going to show it but there were contractual problems.

rte player if you In Ireland or the streams stickie thread will sort you out i reckon.

I was banking on ITV 4 alright but checked their schedule before posting.

Dang. Will check the streams thread. Cheers.

JRant

As these games are just warm up matches for the world cup I think we should just relax a bit and see how things pan out. I am a bit disappointed thought that the likes of McLoughlin, Ruddock, Murray, Jones, Cronin and the other up and coming Irish lads are not been given anywhere near enough game time. At International level you need the caps under your belt, take James O'connor as an example 21 years old and over 30 caps.

I really wish DK would make up his mind, either experiment with youth or flog the old guys to death but stop playing limited players like Leamy, MOD, TOL and even Fitzy. It will kill our development as a rugby nation.

Here's hoping we come through tonight with no major injuries.

Micky Dolenz

Lads, I'm stuck at a dinner so will miss the game. Please keep us up to date on score. Thanks.

Cmon Ireland, no friendlies against the French.

Sean Bateman

JRant wrote: »

As these games are just warm up matches for the world cup I think we should just relax a bit and see how things pan out. I am a bit disappointed thought that the likes of McLoughlin, Ruddock, Murray, Jones, Cronin and the other up and coming Irish lads are not been given anywhere near enough game time. At International level you need the caps under your belt, take James O'connor as an example 21 years old and over 30 caps.

I really wish DK would make up his mind, either experiment with youth or flog the old guys to death but stop playing limited players like Leamy, MOD, TOL and even Fitzy. It will kill our development as a rugby nation.

Here's hoping we come through tonight with no major injuries.

+1

Bit harsh to call Fitzy limited though, no?

We've gotta sort out the scrum half issue too. If we could mould the three guys (O'Leary, Reddan and Stringer) into one, we'd have a great scrum half but individually all three have massive flaws on their game. Reddan and O'Leary have this bizarre crab like thing where they shuffle to the side before passing the ball, giving the defence a split second to move up. Stringer's pass on the other hand is still lightening but he doesn't do enough elsewhere. A tricky one.

JRant

Hi Sean,
Maybe a little harsh on Luke but he's been pants at club and international level for a while now. He seems to have lost his cutting edge in attack, take his kick chip kick last week that went straight into a scottish wingers arms and nearly cost us a try.
I'm amazed at how under-rated Boss is though, he's a better defender than Reddan, makes more line breaks than TOL and is quicker to the breakdown than Stringer but for some reason nobody in the Ireland coaching staff like him ( i say that as he just isn't picked, ever).

donfers

what time does it start?


I forsee huge games for leamy and o'brien because they'll have so much bloody work to do......and our usual brave and honourable moral victory i.e. losing by a few points after a late fightback when they take their foot off the pedal

it would be great to do the double over france though as we are due a few wins against them and our media especially has a tendency to make out their players to be better than what they are, dusautoir i rate very highly, other than that (apart from their front row) there's not much to worry about although yachvili is a fine player too come to think of it


if we do lose however there will be huge pressure on us to win against them next week


so ideally i want no injuries, our centres to stand up in defense, us to show more in terms of our attacking play and if possible a nice unexpected win (to be fair irish teams are notorious for winning when nothing is expected of them and there's no real pressure)

so my prediction is a narrow defeat or a morale-boosting unexpected win or worst case scenario we'll stand up for 50-60 minutes then get taken apart late on to be beaten fairly handily in the end, yes I have covered all bases with this post and come the end of the match i will selectively quote the part that came true and claim the kudos:)