Your Team To Play Australia

Podge_irl

Sexton's run up to his kicks was just weird.

I'd start Sexton but yank him off fairly sharpish if he's not getting his kicks, we need all the points we can get. Utterly pointless to play a kicking game with our lineout being so ineffective and the Aus back 3 being such good counter attackers. Unless work at the breakdown and support play improves it's not gonna make a fiddler's who starts in the backs.

KELTICKNIGHTT

all these players can play a hell of a lot better than this,few things missing,passion one of them,

WeeBushy

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

all these players can play a hell of a lot better than this,few things missing,passion one of them,

This kind of post really annoys me. Yes, they are playing poorly. Yes, there seems to be no discernible game plan. Yes, there has been some bad decision making on the pitch, but passion and effort is not something you can say they are lacking. These guys are giving blood, sweat and tears to get it right. It's definitely not working but to say they're not trying is very unfair.

KELTICKNIGHTT

WeeBushy wrote: »

This kind of post really annoys me. Yes, they are playing poorly. Yes, there seems to be no discernible game plan. Yes, there has been some bad decision making on the pitch, but passion and effort is not something you can say they are lacking. These guys are giving blood, sweat and tears to get it right. It's definitely not working but to say they're not trying is very unfair.

i know they working hard,giving everything ,something missing ,could be seen during test matches

WeeBushy

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

i know they working hard,giving everything ,something missing ,could be seen during test matches

There certainly is something missing. But in your last post you said it was passion and now you're contradicting yourself by saying that they are trying... or am I missing something?

things missing

1 - A discernable gameplan that actually works within today's laws and interpretations
2 - A sense of belief in said gameplan and as a result belief in the team's ability to deliver said gameplan
3 - Any semblance of form
5 - Point 4

KELTICKNIGHTT

WeeBushy wrote: »

There certainly is something missing. But in your last post you said it was passion and now you're contradicting yourself by saying that they are trying... or am I missing something?

there something missing, as far as passion goes,the passion wasn't there as much,or maybe hunger, but what i know for sure is these players can do a lot better, there's no excuse for the USA game,only 4 pros in USA side, Aussies will take Ireland apart if they don't get it together,anyone i know who watch the game wondering what was going on

thebaz

my team would be

kearney
bowe
o'driscoll
sexton
mcfadden
o'gara
reddan
healy
flannery
ross
POC
DOC (last chance !)
ferris
heaslip
o'brien

Dangerous Man

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

im always amused when i see the excuses given for sexton missing kicks,now its the weather :rolleyes: maybe it was nerves

that being said,hoping Ireland do a hell a lot better than they did against USA
be nice if i win ,stop handling errors would help ,maybe we get a surprise with a win

Whoa - take it easy. I didn't make any excuses for Sexton - merely said he should be given the benefit of the doubt given the conditions. I also think that from a tactical point of view, he's better suited to play against Australia than ROG.

GerM

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

im always amused when i see the excuses given for sexton missing kicks,now its the weather :rolleyes: maybe it was nerves

Sexton, just as ROG has done on a number of big occasions, had a stinker with the boot. We know he's a top class kicker generally though. Some days it just doesn't work and that's that. DK needs to assess whether Sexton's form is actually dropped to a level where he feels he won't benefit the team and also identify the game he wants to play tactically. The tactics that the outhalf will be sent out there with are going to be a key factor. If either player goes out there and we kick the leather off the ball, we're going to beat ourselves with Australia just obliging us by running the ball back over our line. If ROG starts, he'll need to play a ball in hand game which he is capable of, just not as comfortable with.

I'm actually beginning to wonder whether Boss might be the best option for the game. Not a hope it will happen but we're in NZ, rain forecast and we need to play a tight controlled game. He links very well with his back row and he has the defensive bulk to take down their runners around the fringes. I really think he should be considered for this one. If it is p*ssing rain, we'll struggle with flinging the ball about (hopefully Australia will too). An aggressive display up front with Healy, Ferris and SOB taking the ball on the short pop at pace could yield results. It's what Boss specialises in.

totallegend

GerM wrote: »

Sexton, just as ROG has done on a number of big occasions, had a stinker with the boot. We know he's a top class kicker generally though. Some days it just doesn't work and that's that. DK needs to assess whether Sexton's form is actually dropped to a level where he feels he won't benefit the team and also identify the game he wants to play tactically. The tactics that the outhalf will be sent out there with are going to be a key factor. If either player goes out there and we kick the leather off the ball, we're going to beat ourselves with Australia just obliging us by running the ball back over our line. If ROG starts, he'll need to play a ball in hand game which he is capable of, just not as comfortable with.

I wonder if some of Sexton's occasional bad days with the boot aren't down to uncertainty over his place in the team. His percentages when playing with Leinster are up there with any kicker in the world, there's no dispute over that - but when he's playing with Leinster, he knows he is safe in his position. When he's with Ireland, he knows that DK always has one hand on the shepherd's crook...

Quint2010

totallegend wrote: »

I wonder if some of Sexton's occasional bad days with the boot aren't down to uncertainty over his place in the team. His percentages when playing with Leinster are up there with any kicker in the world, there's no dispute over that - but when he's playing with Leinster, he knows he is safe in his position. When he's with Ireland, he knows that DK always has one hand on the shepherd's crook...

Well if they are I would be seriously worried about his fragile mental state every time he walks onto the pitch. All players should thrive under the pressure to hold onto their place-not crumble under it...

Wollwead

totallegend wrote: »

I wonder if some of Sexton's occasional bad days with the boot aren't down to uncertainty over his place in the team. His percentages when playing with Leinster are up there with any kicker in the world, there's no dispute over that - but when he's playing with Leinster, he knows he is safe in his position. When he's with Ireland, he knows that DK always has one hand on the shepherd's crook...

I know from hearing some of his Leinster team mates speak about him in interviews and whatnot, they say he's one of the strongest pros around, mentally speaking. HEC Final was a perfect example of that mental strength IMO. However playing under Schmidt and Kidney seem to be 2 very different things by the looks of the performances Ireland have consistantly given over the last 2 years. For some reason, the players just seemed mistake prone against the US and in the warm ups. It's not lack of game time for a lot of the players, something's wrong somewhere, maybe complacency with some of the players that seem to be undroppable due to lack of alternatives in DK's eyes (Darcy, Heaslip, DOC, BOD).

GerM

totallegend wrote: »

I wonder if some of Sexton's occasional bad days with the boot aren't down to uncertainty over his place in the team. His percentages when playing with Leinster are up there with any kicker in the world, there's no dispute over that - but when he's playing with Leinster, he knows he is safe in his position. When he's with Ireland, he knows that DK always has one hand on the shepherd's crook...

It's a valid point. Dallaglio made the same one on ITV at the weekend and how it is damaging the Irish side. DK needs to pick his first choice team and especially his first choice 10. A player going out there, knowing if he makes one or two mistakes will result in him being hauled off or possibly dropped will never be able to play with full confidence. It's results in a player playing within themselves. Very often, the outhalf that starts the game has a poor to mediocre showing and that goes for both Sexton and ROG. There are some notable exceptions but there are plenty of games where neither player has managed to play near the levels they are capable of. ROG's recent games against Wales and England, Sexton against USA and France for instance. ROG never produced his best rugby for Ireland until Humphreys was undoubtedly put into the background. It not only unsettles the players themselves but the players around them too. They need to know they're going out there with the first choice and to have full confidence in him to steer the ship. DK should pick one and stick with him for a run of games or nobody will ever settle.

fitz

Wollwead wrote: »

... playing under Schmidt and Kidney seem to be 2 very different things by the looks of the performances Ireland have consistantly given over the last 2 years. For some reason, the players just seemed mistake prone against the US and in the warm ups. It's not lack of game time for a lot of the players, something's wrong somewhere...

I genuinely think that it's down to a conflict between what the players know will work, and what they're being instructed to do. I think they're playing against instinct, and forcing things as a result, which is leading to mistakes.
Sometimes I wish the coaching team would just get out of the way and let the players just play.

GerM wrote: »

It's a valid point. Dallaglio made the same one on ITV at the weekend and how it is damaging the Irish side. DK needs to pick his first choice team and especially his first choice 10. A player going out there, knowing if he makes one or two mistakes will result in him being hauled off or possibly dropped will never be able to play with full confidence. It's results in a player playing within themselves. Very often, the outhalf that starts the game has a poor to mediocre showing and that goes for both Sexton and ROG. There are some notable exceptions but there are plenty of games where neither player has managed to play near the levels they are capable of. ROG's recent games against Wales and England, Sexton against USA and France for instance. ROG never produced his best rugby for Ireland until Humphreys was undoubtedly put into the background. It not only unsettles the players themselves but the players around them too. They need to know they're going out there with the first choice and to have full confidence in him to steer the ship. DK should pick one and stick with him for a run of games or nobody will ever settle.

This is spot on.
For all the talk of him being a great man-manager, I think DK has completely blown it with his treatment of Sexton and ROG so far. He hasn't got the best out of either of them.

Of course, playing them in half-back combinations that make sense would probably be a start... :rolleyes:

pickarooney

scriba wrote: »

In the interest of representation for our Northern brethren, spots need to be found for Edward Carson and the Rev. Ian Paisley, with David Tweed on the subs bench.

I reckon The Bomber Liston and Jacko could slot in well at 8 and 10 respectively.

Wollwead

GerM wrote: »

It's a valid point. Dallaglio made the same one on ITV at the weekend and how it is damaging the Irish side. DK needs to pick his first choice team and especially his first choice 10. A player going out there, knowing if he makes one or two mistakes will result in him being hauled off or possibly dropped will never be able to play with full confidence. It's results in a player playing within themselves. Very often, the outhalf that starts the game has a poor to mediocre showing and that goes for both Sexton and ROG. There are some notable exceptions but there are plenty of games where neither player has managed to play near the levels they are capable of. ROG's recent games against Wales and England, Sexton against USA and France for instance. ROG never produced his best rugby for Ireland until Humphreys was undoubtedly put into the background. It not only unsettles the players themselves but the players around them too. They need to know they're going out there with the first choice and to have full confidence in him to steer the ship. DK should pick one and stick with him for a run of games or nobody will ever settle.

I know OH is a completely different kettle of fish to some of the other positions on the pitch in terms of importance and dictation of the game but when DK has showed (and still shows) confidence and trust in certain players throughout the team, they don't seem to be repaying his trust by giving decent performances. I hate picking out individuals but D'arcy is really underperforming, he just can't hold on to the ball, it's very annoying as he's been doing this in pretty much every game for Ireland for a while now bar the odd game. Kidney should be rotating him and McFadden IMO. There are other players not being dropped too, that's why the ROG/Sexton uncertainty must be pretty annoying for them also when they see some of their colleagues getting away with blue murder!

Wollwead

fitz wrote: »

I genuinely think that it's down to a conflict between what the players know will work, and what they're being instructed to do. I think they're playing against instinct, and forcing things as a result, which is leading to mistakes.
Sometimes I wish the coaching team would just get out of the way and let the players just play.



This is spot on.
For all the talk of him being a great man-manager, I think DK has completely blown it with his treatment of Sexton and ROG so far. He hasn't got the best out of either of them.

Of course, playing them in half-back combinations that make sense would probably be a start... :rolleyes:

The way the players are coached at provincial level, and as a result the way they perform on the pitch is a cut or 2 above what we experience watching them in a green jersey! We're extremely fragile at the moment, too easy to shut down and too easy to push us in to making errors, it's a familiar story!

yupyup7up

jacothelad wrote: »

So you've noticed the unnoticed. How? Maybe if it's not noticed it's because it's not noticeable by the fact that it doesn't happen. If you don't notice a thing how do you know it's happened? If a Leinster man speaks and no Munster man hear him, is he still wrong?

One thing that gets on my t*ts is the idea that bringing on someone with 15 or 20 minutes left changes the game. Well, it does, - for the worst. 99% of the time. How often do we see a 2 being brought on just when we've won an attacking lineout and then we lose it.

Are you taking the p!ss? DOC was the only one trying to disturb the breakdown and was actually trying to counter ruck and he did well in the lineout too. When has Cullen ever proved he can do better in a green shirt? After I posted my other post, I read some match reports and they all agreed that DOC was one of our best performers on sunday with Ferris being the best.

And don't even get me started with this provincial crap. I absolutely hate Leinster(yes hate), but I want to see Ireland field the best team possible for us to win, for that, I don't care what club team they are from. Have you not noticed that the changes I made were mostly Leinster players coming in? I don't have my rose tinted glasses on when it comes to Ireland. If a player is off form, then another player deserves their shot. I hear shouts for Jennings and Cullen to come in but they are both absolutely terrible at international level!

Oh and by the way, I agree with you about changing hooker with 15/20 left. I never said I wanted that, I said for Bowe to come in and change it up. Boss would do well at this stage too. Let me ask you, do you actually play rugby? or are you an armchair fan, because you certainly don't seem to have a clue what you are talking about.

wixfjord wrote: »

I'm a little bit shocked at the amount of people saying Earls should start over Trimble. Short memories?

No Earls shouldnt start over Trimble, Trimble should start over Bowe. Earls and Trimble on the wings.

fitz

fitz wrote: »

I genuinely think that it's down to a conflict between what the players know will work, and what they're being instructed to do. I think they're playing against instinct, and forcing things as a result, which is leading to mistakes.
Sometimes I wish the coaching team would just get out of the way and let the players just play.

perfect summation of the situation

wixfjord

yupyup7up wrote: »

Are you taking the p!ss? DOC was the only one trying to disturb the breakdown and was actually trying to counter ruck and he did well in the lineout too. When has Cullen ever proved he can do better in a green shirt? After I posted my other post, I read some match reports and they all agreed that DOC was one of our best performers on sunday with Ferris being the best.

And don't even get me started with this provincial crap. I absolutely hate Leinster(yes hate), but I want to see Ireland field the best team possible for us to win, for that, I don't care what club team they are from. Have you not noticed that the changes I made were mostly Leinster players coming in? I don't have my rose tinted glasses on when it comes to Ireland. If a player is off form, then another player deserves their shot. I hear shouts for Jennings and Cullen to come in but they are both absolutely terrible at international level!

Oh and by the way, I agree with you about changing hooker with 15/20 left. I never said I wanted that, I said for Bowe to come in and change it up. Boss would do well at this stage too. Let me ask you, do you actually play rugby? or are you an armchair fan, because you certainly don't seem to have a clue what you are talking about.



No Earls shouldnt start over Trimble, Trimble should start over Bowe. Earls and Trimble on the wings.

You are actually hilarious
How do you expect to be taken seriously really?

yupyup7up

wixfjord wrote: »

You are actually hilarious
How do you expect to be taken seriously really?

you might want to elaborate there buddy :rolleyes:

GerM

Wollwead wrote: »

I know OH is a completely different kettle of fish to some of the other positions on the pitch in terms of importance and dictation of the game but when DK has showed (and still shows) confidence and trust in certain players throughout the team, they don't seem to be repaying his trust by giving decent performances. I hate picking out individuals but D'arcy is really underperforming, he just can't hold on to the ball, it's very annoying as he's been doing this in pretty much every game for Ireland for a while now bar the odd game. Kidney should be rotating him and McFadden IMO. There are other players not being dropped too, that's why the ROG/Sexton uncertainty must be pretty annoying for them also when they see some of their colleagues getting away with blue murder!

There's a fine line between rewarding complacency and undermining a player's confidence. An outhalf needs to be handled differently in my opinion. There's nowhere to hide for them. If DOC or D'Arcy plays badly is can generally mean that they did nothing of note. If Sexton or ROG plays badly it means they missed kicked, booted away possession, missed tackles in their channel etc. Any mistake by an outhalf is magnified x 10. There are players at the opposite end of the spectrum that DK simply doesn't change and gives repeated opportunities to but the two outhalves never know what he's going to do. We can harp on about having two great players in an important position but until one of them is given a sustained run, neither will perform to their maximum capabilities. Neither player has had more than 3 starts in a row for their country since ROG in the 2009 6N and Sexton only managed that once. So basically they both get a couple of starts before being shoved back to the bench. It's no way to run a team in fairness. It's a WC. If it's ROG, it's ROG. If it's Sexton, it's Sexton. P*ss or get off the pot, Deccie.

fitz

GerM wrote: »

P*ss or get off the pot, Deccie.

Sums up the last two years!

fallliner

.ak wrote: »

You're spot on there.. but he just won't pick him will he. And have Boss and ROG ever played together? I can't remember a game.. so I don't see him starting on the bench. It's a pity tho, cuz I've seen many a game closed off with Boss coming on in the last 30 minutes with Leinster.. He's very physical, it's like having an extra flanker in the ruck.

Feb 11th 2007 .... Ire v Fra @ Croker .... Boss at 9 with ROG at 10 .... Boss took a quick tap pen near the end when we were leading marginally ... we got turned over and a certain Vincent Clerc scored under posts at other end to prevent what would have been a grand slam ....

All that said, I'd still play Boss against Aus or at least have him on the bench. I genuinely believe that this is exactly the kind of game he's suited to .... and he's a bloomin kiwi anyway so if he's not going to perform against oz he never will!!! ;-)

GerM

fallliner wrote: »

Feb 11th 2007 .... Ire v Fra @ Croker .... Boss at 9 with ROG at 10 .... Boss took a quick tap pen near the end when we were leading marginally ... we got turned over and a certain Vincent Clerc scored under posts at other end to prevent what would have been a grand slam ....

That's not what happened at all. ROG nailed a penalty around the 10m line to push us 4 points ahead. From the restart, our pack looked at each other and made a complete mess of collecting it. The ball came back on the French side and 30 seconds later, Clerc was under the posts.

EDIT: The only thing that sounds like what you're talking about was Leamy taking a quick tap in the closing minutes against Italy when he went himself from a penalty, was turned over and Italy scored a try in the last minute.

totallegend

GerM wrote: »

There's a fine line between rewarding complacency and undermining a player's confidence. An outhalf needs to be handled differently in my opinion. There's nowhere to hide for them. If DOC or D'Arcy plays badly is can generally mean that they did nothing of note. If Sexton or ROG plays badly it means they missed kicked, booted away possession, missed tackles in their channel etc. Any mistake by an outhalf is magnified x 10. There are players at the opposite end of the spectrum that DK simply doesn't change and gives repeated opportunities to but the two outhalves never know what he's going to do. We can harp on about having two great players in an important position but until one of them is given a sustained run, neither will perform to their maximum capabilities. Neither player has had more than 3 starts in a row for their country since ROG in the 2009 6N and Sexton only managed that once. So basically they both get a couple of starts before being shoved back to the bench. It's no way to run a team in fairness. It's a WC. If it's ROG, it's ROG. If it's Sexton, it's Sexton. P*ss or get off the pot, Deccie.

Yeah, you're spot on.

DK will come out with usual garbage about " ah sure we're blessed to have two guys who can come in and do a job for us", which is true but there has to a number one and a number two, the guy in possession of the jersey one week has to have some reassurance that he will be there again the following week. Not only week to week in fact, but he should be reassured that he will not be hauled off on the button of 50 minutes, regardless of how the game is going.

The out-half is the key man in the team, is it any wonder we can't build any fluency or momentum when there's a different guy in the pivotal position every game?

It's a shocking indictment of Kidney that we are 4 days away from the biggest game in 4 years and this uncertainty persists (and around other positions too).

fallliner

fallliner wrote: »

Feb 11th 2007 .... Ire v Fra @ Croker .... Boss at 9 with ROG at 10 .... Boss took a quick tap pen near the end when we were leading marginally ... we got turned over and a certain Vincent Clerc scored under posts at other end to prevent what would have been a grand slam ....

All that said, I'd still play Boss against Aus or at least have him on the bench. I genuinely believe that this is exactly the kind of game he's suited to .... and he's a bloomin kiwi anyway so if he's not going to perform against oz he never will!!! ;-)

here are some straws



Kidney knows all about straws, and seems to enjoy having Boss as #3. No matter who else is involved.

The old leopard aint changing spots too soon

Quint2010

I actually cant beliieve Murray is ahead of Boss? Deccie could do worse by going with a Reddan Boss combo for saturdays 22..

GerM

Quint2010 wrote: »

I actually cant beliieve Murray is ahead of Boss? Deccie could do worse by going with a Reddan Boss combo for saturdays 22..

I've said it before: I think DK is panicking. He is looking for something to spark the team into a performance and he hung some hope on Murray. It didn't work. For him to jettison his first choice player and then call up Murray who, according to the media, had been told at that point he was not in the squad suggests that he really doesn't know who his best players are.

We are 4 days from the biggest game this side has played since the GS decider and it is probably a bigger game than that. 4 days away after 3 years and I could not definitely name about 6 positions in the team. I'm not sure DK could either. He pinned so much on a group of players that are now not performing and he is jumping for the panic button. In particular, the fact that we don't have a notion who our best 9 and 10 are is a major issue. The rest of the selection problems may be influenced by injuries or players returning and showing a lack of fitness but our three scrum halves and two out halves are all fit and there's no indication we have a clue who is first choice.

Wollwead

Quint2010 wrote: »

I actually cant beliieve Murray is ahead of Boss? Deccie could do worse by going with a Reddan Boss combo for saturdays 22..

Boss must feel like pulling DK's head off at this stage. Time will tell but as he hasn't given Boss any gametime throughout the warm ups (open for correction here) or in the WC so far, you would have to assume that boss is out of his plans for Saturday? It's not exactly ideal preparation for Boss (or the team) if he expects Boss to be able to start at the unbelievable intensity level required against Oz. We can probably say that he won't start Boss, he'll probably go with Reddan, which Reddan deserves IMO. He might just do the glaringly obvious thing to everyone from the outside looking in and START REDDAN AND SEXTON TOGETHER!

fitz

GerM wrote: »

I've said it before: I think DK is panicking. He is looking for something to spark the team into a performance and he hung some hope on Murray. It didn't work. For him to jettison his first choice player and then call up Murray who, according to the media, had been told at that point he was not in the squad suggests that he really doesn't know who his best players are.

We are 4 days from the biggest game this side has played since the GS decider and it is probably a bigger game than that. 4 days away after 3 years and I could not definitely name about 6 positions in the team. I'm not sure DK could either. He pinned so much on a group of players that are now not performing and he is jumping for the panic button. In particular, the fact that we don't have a notion who our best 9 and 10 are is a major issue. The rest of the selection problems may be influenced by injuries or players returning and showing a lack of fitness but our three scrum halves and two out halves are all fit and there's no indication we have a clue who is first choice.

I'll be done there on Saturday, maybe I should pull Deccie aside for a quick word...get his head straightened out.

Actually...if you had his ear and could get him to do one thing, what would it be?

Personally, I'd want him to play the half back pairing that works, Reddan/Sexton, and let them run the game. That and make sure we clear rucks double-time. Ok, so that's two things....

fitz

fitz wrote: »

I'll be done there on Saturday, maybe I should pull Deccie aside for a quick word...get his head straightened out.

Actually...if you had his ear and could get him to do one thing, what would it be?

Personally, I'd want him to play the half back pairing that works, Reddan/Sexton, and let them run the game. That and make sure we clear rucks double-time. Ok, so that's two things....

stop stifling our players with his out-dated notions of how the game works

marco_polo

totallegend wrote: »

Yeah, you're spot on.

DK will come out with usual garbage about " ah sure we're blessed to have two guys who can come in and do a job for us", which is true but there has to a number one and a number two, the guy in possession of the jersey one week has to have some reassurance that he will be there again the following week. Not only week to week in fact, but he should be reassured that he will not be hauled off on the button of 50 minutes, regardless of how the game is going.

The out-half is the key man in the team, is it any wonder we can't build any fluency or momentum when there's a different guy in the pivotal position every game?

It's a shocking indictment of Kidney that we are 4 days away from the biggest game in 4 years and this uncertainty persists (and around other positions too).

Thats not really true though is it. Sexton was the clear first choice leading into the six nations, but his level of performance that made him the number 1 has slipped sufficently (in a green jersey) since then to make it a debate again.

GerM

marco_polo wrote: »

Thats not really true though is it. Sexton was the clear first choice leading into the six nations, but his level of performance that made him the number 1 has slipped sufficently (in a green jersey) since then to make it a debate again.

I got the impression that ROG was earmarked to start against Scotland no matter what happened at the start of the 6N. Sexton was dropped after the France match. It wasn't a distinguished performance but he wasn't too bad. Our back line was actually ripping into France for the opening 20 minutes. TOL then went on to have a poor game, killing our possession and our discipline was disgraceful. We can't chop and change every time someone puts in a 6/10 performance. ROG tehn puts in a poor performance against Wales and he finds himself out in the cold. It can't do the two lads much good.

Sexton went into the 6N as first choice but he went to NZ last summer as second choice and last season's 6N. He could be second choice again now given he has (just like ROG) been dropped repeatedly after any wobble. Nobody has a clue where they stand.

trackguy

Wollwead wrote: »

I know from hearing some of his Leinster team mates speak about him in interviews and whatnot, they say he's one of the strongest pros around, mentally speaking. HEC Final was a perfect example of that mental strength IMO. However playing under Schmidt and Kidney seem to be 2 very different things by the looks of the performances Ireland have consistantly given over the last 2 years. For some reason, the players just seemed mistake prone against the US and in the warm ups. It's not lack of game time for a lot of the players, something's wrong somewhere, maybe complacency with some of the players that seem to be undroppable due to lack of alternatives in DK's eyes (Darcy, Heaslip, DOC, BOD).

No fly-half could look consistently good in this Irish team considering the way the team has played over the last 18 months.

The pack's inability to create quick ball, combined with TOL slowing ball to a crawl, does not serve any fly-half well.

I'd like Kidney to show faith in Sexton but feel he will turn to ROG for both game-management and a perceived advantage in goal kicking.

totallegend

marco_polo wrote: »

Thats not really true though is it. Sexton was the clear first choice leading into the six nations, but his level of performance that made him the number 1 has slipped sufficently (in a green jersey) since then to make it a debate again.

Sexton started the first two matches of the Six Nations, was OK against Italy and played very well against France, but was hauled off in both. O'Gara came in for the Scotland game, played well (but got substituted anyway) and kept his place for the Wales game, in which he played less well but did OK; regardless, he was taken off after 50 minutes.
Then Sexton came back in for the England game and masterminded our best performance in two years, but was he allowed to finish out the game? Nope.

So, aside from the debate over who our best out-half is, there's a very definite problem here in that neither is being given the coach's backing as the no. 1.

There's a similar issue at scrum-half; once O'Leary was jettisoned, Reddan should have been entitled to feel like he was the number one choice. Instead, Kidney throws in a complete novice for the opening game, quote from DK: "I would be giving him a mixed message if I told him (Murray) we were doing anything with a view to next week." What about the mixed message you're sending to Eoin Reddan?
That game against USA should have been about building momentum for the Australia game, not about rewarding lads for a good showing in training. Ridiculous.

Apologies; this should probably be in the 'Kidney's Management Thread', so I'll get back on topic and say:

Sexton should start.
Reddan MUST start.

marco_polo

GerM wrote: »

I got the impression that ROG was earmarked to start against Scotland no matter what happened at the start of the 6N. Sexton was dropped after the France match. It wasn't a distinguished performance but he wasn't too bad. Our back line was actually ripping into France for the opening 20 minutes. TOL then went on to have a poor game, killing our possession and our discipline was disgraceful. We can't chop and change every time someone puts in a 6/10 performance. ROG tehn puts in a poor performance against Wales and he finds himself out in the cold. It can't do the two lads much good.

Sexton went into the 6N as first choice but he went to NZ last summer as second choice and last season's 6N. He could be second choice again now given he has (just like ROG) been dropped repeatedly after any wobble. Nobody has a clue where they stand.

I though it was on the back of an impressive cameo against France that ROG sealed the nod for the Scotland game myself. Either way I still think the inconsistancies of both flyhalves and that neither has really made the jersey their own since, owes more to the general malaise running throughout the team, rather than the competition between the two outhalves in itself.

I would be very surprised if the latter was the case tbh, but that just my opnion

twinytwo

GerM wrote: »

Nah. SOB is 100% in unless there's more to the injury than we know. Same applies to Healy. All the others could potentially remain the same but, hopefully, Earls, Murray and D'Arcy are changed. I'm trapped on the Sexton/ROG issue. If Sexton's kicking is off and his confidence is shaken then I'm happier for ROG to be in. However, tactically, the game we should be playing against Australia should involve keeping the ball which ROG's strongest game doesn't lend to. People can say that he won't be giving possession away as he'll be kicking to touch but we saw with Wales that a back three can do their homework and cover his kicks. Also, I would expect the Australian back three to operate along with Cooper like the French and take quick throws as much as possible which would also negate a kicking game. Sexton is off form. ROG is playing better but not hugely so and his game style could play into Australia's hands. I'm at a loss as to which player should start.

Id say **** it and start sexton...if he is still off form we can just bring rog on.

Brendan Fanning

Brendan Fanning wrote:

As for Saturday, the 15 who Declan Kidney looks like putting in business class are:

15 Kearney
14 Bowe
13 O’Driscoll
12 D’Arcy
11 Earls
10 Sexton
9 Reddan
8 Heaslip
7 SOB
6 Ferris
5 DOC
4 POC
3 Ross
2 Best
1 Healy

http://brendanfanningrugby.wordpress.com/

SuprSi

Deleted User wrote: »

http://brendanfanningrugby.wordpress.com/

Earls!! What does Trimble have to do?! I really don't get it. I know it's not the official team (though it could be), but if Trimble doesn't start he can feel rightly pissed off.

wixfjord

yupyup7up wrote: »

you might want to elaborate there buddy :rolleyes:

First of all, Cullen has had quite a few brilliant run outs in Ireland shirts, where he has outshone anything DOC has done, but for some reason, he won't be played with POC. You've made your hatred of Cullen clear before.
Oh, and DOC was not one of our best performers on Sunday, I find this hilarious, and then people come out and slate Darcy, Murphy and Heaslip

Then you go on to say you "hate" Leinster, but don't go in for provincial crap. Firstly, how would you be able to chose players based on that admittance, and secondly, you say that if a player is off form, another deserves his shot. Where does this leave DOC and Earls?!

Thirdly, that ****e about "being an armchair fan" is pure ****e, and makes you look stupid.

Finally, after saying that the on form player deserves his shot, you mention that Earls should start, despite his performances, despite his performance at the weekend, and despite Bowe being the first name on the team sheet, and Trimble being the in form player in the whole camp.


Also, I'm not your buddy guy

wixfjord

Deleted User wrote: »

http://brendanfanningrugby.wordpress.com/

Interesting pointer there on the Sexton ROG debate too. Where's this fabled man management?

Dunjuan

danthefan wrote: »

I don't even care who starts. We're going to get humped regardless.

Ah Now, let';s be positive.! I think the results in previous meetings between Ireland and Australia have always been close, and Saturday match will be a close game. I think Ireland will put in a good performance. They need to attack the Australian half-backs and put them under alot of pressure. However, i think Australia will win by 5pts.:mad:

dtpc191991

Deleted User wrote: »

http://brendanfanningrugby.wordpress.com/

If this is the team picked it is more reasonable than the worst case scenario Kidney could pick. At least Sexton and Reddan are paired. Still think Trimble and McFadden should start over Earls and D'Arcy.

totallegend

Deleted User wrote: »

http://brendanfanningrugby.wordpress.com/

He's been bang on the money in recent team predictions so this could be accurate.

If I was Andrew Trimble, I'd be seeking a High Court injunction on that team being announced. No surprises otherwise (and in fairness, Kidney picking Earls is not a surprise, despite it flying the face of all logic); D'Arcy is a lucky boy, SOB was always going to come in and the fact that Cullen didn't make the bench against USA meant DOC was always going to start against Oz.

Dunjuan

SuprSi wrote: »

Earls!! What does Trimble have to do?! I really don't get it. I know it's not the official team (though it could be), but if Trimble doesn't start he can feel rightly pissed off.

I agree 100%. Trimble was one of the stand out players in the warm-up games. Earls is playing o.k. but Trimble should start on Saturday, as he is more of a threat in attack and defence.

GerM

No real surprises with the Irish side if Fanning is correct which he normally has been of late. Very disappointed with the omission of Trimble though. He has been treated very poorly by the Irish set up time and time again. More frustratingly, he's a strong, direct player who has the physicality and defensive aggression that makes him the best equipped winger to shut down the Australian back three. He has been head and shoulders our best back in the last month and nobody will claim otherwise. Earls has defensive frailties that have been exposed on a few occasions and, whilst I think he is a super player, he is not on form right now. Not surprised that Kearney is back in given that Murphy missed training today though is available for selection.

Disappointed to see Darce in there. He needs to have a big performance at this point. Would have preferred Wallace or McFadden.

molloyjh

fitz wrote: »

I genuinely think that it's down to a conflict between what the players know will work, and what they're being instructed to do. I think they're playing against instinct, and forcing things as a result, which is leading to mistakes.
Sometimes I wish the coaching team would just get out of the way and let the players just play.

Agreed. It'll be interesting to see who takes over from Gaffney after he leaves. Anyone hear anything in this?

My team for the Aussie game (which will differ from Deccies no doubt):

Healy
Best - would have gone with Fla but Bests performance on Sunday was very good.
Ross

DOC - tight call between himself and Cullen but from seeing the stats Donners obviously did more than I initially gave him credit for.
POC

SOB - we have to play our beat players in their best positions.
Ferris - toughest call of the lot. He may not suit the 7 role and Jenno I think should get another shot so I'm not sure who I'd prefer here.
Heaslip - obviously still not 100%. He was injured taking the pitch against England and while he was decent enough against USA he still wasn't quite right. Can see the logic to SOB to 8 and Ferris and Jenno as flankers.

Boss - has the physicality I think we'll need. He won't get into the matchday squad though.
Sexton - very little between himself and ROG. Better defensively and with ball in hand though. 2 things that will be crucial.

McFadden - Darce has been poor. Wallace may be able to bring something different but I don't think he'll be up to it against Oz. He's defensively weaker than Ferg and is more if a kicking 12 which we don't need in this game. Questions exist about Fergs ability at 12 but I don't think we have an inside centre we can't question. Ferg will bring a hunger to it I think we've been missing there.
BOD

Trimble - in form winger and needs to be rewarded for it.
Bowe - despite some handling errors he stole more ball than anyone else at the weekend and scored 2 tries. Judging by the wry smile after 1 of those handling errors he's not going to let them get to him. We shouldn't either.
Kearney - if fit. Seemed hungry for work in the Scotland game.

Of course what we will most likely see is:
Healy
Best
Ross
DOC
POC
Ferris
SOB
Heaslip
Reddan
ROG
Darce
BOD
Earls
Bowe
Murphy

bossa_nova

Deleted User wrote: »

http://brendanfanningrugby.wordpress.com/

It would be a disgrace if trimble doesn't start. On the plus side, Reddan and Sexton starting togheter for first time since our England and New Zealand match which is great since they where the last two matches where we seen Ireland put in a decent performance:D