Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread III

thomond2006

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Ferris not that much of an athlete? Oh lord jesus

The man is a freak

Ferris isn't an athlete. You have to be a mere mortal to be an athlete.

Grimebox

Strange discussion... surely athlete is binary, either you are or aren't

shaka

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Ferris not that much of an athlete? Oh lord jesus

The man is a freak

Obviously when FIT he is a freak, he is probably no1 blindside around when fit but if someone can't stay fit then how could one be described as the greatest athlete ?

jacothelad

Grimebox wrote: »

Strange discussion... surely athlete is binary, either you are or aren't

Yes, so long as you aren't unlucky enough to get injured. If you're an athlete and get injured you aren't an athlete apparently. I thought I had strayed into a schoolboy forum for a while and then I realised this balls was being posted by grown men.

shaka

jacothelad wrote: »

Yes, so long as you aren't unlucky enough to get injured. If you're an athlete and get injured you aren't an athlete apparently. I thought I had strayed into a schoolboy forum for a while and then I realised this balls was being posted by grown men.

No one said he wasn't an athlete I suggest you read The posts

jacothelad

shaka wrote: »

I think it does, an athlete not only needs to be fast, strong etc also needs to be durable. Someone isn't a good athlete if they can't play and same goes for any sport

shaka wrote: »

No one said he wasn't an athlete I suggest you read The posts

Asked and answered.

shaka

jacothelad wrote: »

Asked and answered.

Best effort ?

mfceiling

Who's the better athlete?

Adam jones or Stephen ferris?

I think most of us know the answer to this. Fez is an unbelievable athlete. He is one of the Irish players to have the "fast muscle fibre twitch" that is prevalent in the SH players. Watch any of the montage of him on YouTube...magnificent.

Yes he's been plagued with injury this last 2 years but you need to look up the definition of athlete to see that ferris sits comfortably in that category.

The Pheasant2

Ferris is only so injury prone BECAUSE he's an athlete - the way he puts his body on the line you'd have to Zeus himself to avoid injury

Hagz

Gonna be a tough call for Schmidt whether to go for Marshall or D'Arcy.

danthefan

Hagz wrote: »

Gonna be a tough call for Schmidt whether to go for Marshall or D'Arcy.

I'd stick with Marshall for the time being. Thought his defence was very good, I don't see a reason to drop him tbh.

Tox56

Hagz wrote: »

Gonna be a tough call for Schmidt whether to go for Marshall or D'Arcy.

Tough considering what Marshall could potentially bring in attack, but I don't think Marshall forced Schmidt's hand enough today, didn't really do enough. Another big NZ-type effort for Darce against Wales I think, not missing tackles is going to be absolutely crucial although Marshall is a great defender too, but then D'Arcy has that relationship with BOD. Very very tough decision. Fitzgerald being back would be a huge boost

.ak

danthefan wrote: »

I'd stick with Marshall for the time being. Thought his defence was very good, I don't see a reason to drop him tbh.

Don't think his distribution was there tonight imo. Couple of times BOD seemed to line out at 12 to make sure the distribution was right.

He wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, but I'd have D'Arcy back for the Welsh game. Just think D'arcy is playing better right now.

Hagz

I think the Jamie Roberts factor will play a big part in the selection decision.

danthefan

.ak wrote: »

Don't think his distribution was there tonight imo. Couple of times BOD seemed to line out at 12 to make sure the distribution was right.

He wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, but I'd have D'Arcy back for the Welsh game. Just think D'arcy is playing better right now.

Fair enough, I'm not going to lose sleep over it, one of those selections where I don't really care who gets picked tbh. Was just thinking Marshall did fairly well, he's so young and inexperienced that every big game will stand to him. But I accept your point.

.ak

Injuries permitted, I'd hope to have this team for next week.

Healy
Best
Ross
POC
Toner
POM
Henry
Heaslip
Murray
Sexton
Fitzgerald
D'Arcy
BOD
Trimble
Kearney

Cronin
McGrath
Moore
Touhy
TOD/Ruddock
Reddan
Jackson
McFadden

Only question mark for me is the 20 jersey. TOD was outstanding today, but I'd rather Ruddock if it was a tight game, and also because POM seems to be the one to hit the bench first, always empties his tank, and Ruddock is the more natural 6 and is a tight game player.

Kayless

One thing we do have going for us next weekend is the fact that Darcy, POC and Fitz haven't played and thus won't be affected by the 6 day turnaround.

Hagz

The rumour is that Fitz won't be ready for the Welsh game. Personally I'd swap Trimble for McFadden, but I know that's an unpopular call.

I also think we could see Madigan come in for Jackson on the bench. That's not a comment on Jackson's performance today, I would have said the same prior to kick-off.

.ak

Hagz wrote: »

The rumour is that Fitz won't be ready for the Welsh game. Personally I'd swap Trimble for McFadden, but I know that's an unpopular call.

I also think we could see Madigan come in for Jackson on the bench. That's not a comment on Jackson's performance today, I would have said the same prior to kick-off.

I think Jackson will keep his place, kick aside he had a good game.

I'd keep Trimble if Fitz isn't fit, although I'm hoping he is because we need someone like him against Wales, but still I'd drop Dave Kearney for McFadden if that's the case. Trimble did well today, tackled well, gathered well and ran well. Dave was caught a couple of times and made a few judgement errors.

Hard to drop either really when neither did nothing wrong, it's just the 80 minute factor and the fact we're playing Wales may cause Schmidt to make a couple of changes there.

Hagz

I'd have concerns over Trimble's ability to contain North tbh. A couple of times today he chased well but didn't follow it up with the tackle and if that happens against North the punishment will be much more severe.

I'd have similar concerns regarding Dave, but I don't think Cuthbert is as much of a threat as North (though I do think he's a better finisher). And Dave handled North well enough when he faced him this year.

Fireball07

I wouldn't think that Joe will be scared of making changes.


POC has to start if he's fit.
Luke has to start if he's fit.
I'd probably start McFadden ahead of Kearney if not. Kearney was decent but McFadden look hungry when he came on.
D'Arcy V Marshall is a very close call.

Hype710

Hagz wrote: »

I think the Jamie Roberts factor will play a big part in the selection decision.

I assume you mean in favour of D'arcy's selection? I'm not sure, Marshall seems better equipped to handle the Welsh backs on the gain line. His upper body strength is incredible. Yes D'arcy is experienced and playing well but he was poor in the corresponding fixture in 2012. I'd marginally favour Marshall and possibly bring D'arcy back in for Twickenham.

Swiwi.

Tox56 wrote: »

Tough considering what Marshall could potentially bring in attack, but I don't think Marshall forced Schmidt's hand enough today, didn't really do enough. Another big NZ-type effort for Darce against Wales I think, not missing tackles is going to be absolutely crucial although Marshall is a great defender too, but then D'Arcy has that relationship with BOD. Very very tough decision. Fitzgerald being back would be a huge boost

I don't mind. Much of a muchness. Don't think Darcy v Marshall will decide the fortunes of the Wales match. Please let Fitz be fit though.

quickcatch

Any back is hoping to look good when they come on for the last 10 mins of a match because they are fresh up against tired legs

Hagz

I'm warming to the idea of 6. Ruddock 7. O'Mahony 8. Heaslip with Henry on the bench.

It won't happen though.

molloyjh

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Ferris is only so injury prone BECAUSE he's an athlete - the way he puts his body on the line you'd have to Zeus himself to avoid injury

Or Heaslip. Zeus or Heaslip.

danthefan

Fireball07 wrote: »

I wouldn't think that Joe will be scared of making changes.


POC has to start if he's fit.
Luke has to start if he's fit.
I'd probably start McFadden ahead of Kearney if not. Kearney was decent but McFadden look hungry when he came on.
D'Arcy V Marshall is a very close call.

POC will start. He had a chest infection and I can remember when I had one, the absolute worst thing about it was that I wasn't able to sleep with the high temperature and non-stop coughing, and that's exactly was Schmidt said about POC after the game. He'll be on a course of anti-biotics and back in full training early next week, no bother to make the Wales game.

Hagz

If Fitz is fit the team I'd go for
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell ©
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Jonathan Sexton
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Dave Kearney
15. Rob Kearney

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Martin Moore
19. Dan Tuohy
20. Rhys Ruddock
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Fergus McFadden

Molester Stallone

I'd parachute Zebo straight in for the Wales game, 60 mins of him running at the Welsh line would cause a little consternation in their numbers & perhaps let our other backs come into the game more

Pudsy33

Molester Stallone wrote: »

I'd parachute Zebo straight in for the Wales game, 60 mins of him running at the Welsh line would cause a little consternation in their numbers & perhaps let our other backs come into the game more

I'd rather McFadden, Bowe or Fitzgerald personally.

former legend

Zebo will not be brought into the squad for the Wales game. He just won't.

danthefan

former legend wrote: »

Zebo will not be brought into the squad for the Wales game. He just won't.

Yeah, rightly or wrongly it won't happen. The 34 man squad named the other week is what's going to cover the first two games. He might be back in for the third game.

Hype710

Kearney, Trimble, O'Driscoll, Marshall, Fitzgerald/Kearney, Sexton, Murray, Healy, Best, Ross, Tuohy, O'Connell, O'Mahony, Henry, Heaslip.
Cronin, McGrath, Moore, Toner, Ruddock, Boss, Jackson, McFadden.

Pudsy33

I reckon Touhy will make way for Toner. I'd rather have Toner starting with Touhy coming on to add physicality.

Hype710

I'd rather take Wales on in the tight where I think Tuohy is slightly better but Toner has improved massively in that area so I'd have no qualms about him starting (and expect him to).

phog

Molester Stallone wrote: »

I'd parachute Zebo straight in for the Wales game, 60 mins of him running at the Welsh line would cause a little consternation in their numbers & perhaps let our other backs come into the game more

That just won't happen, Zebo has zero gametime behind him since Joe dropped him to get match fit.

If Joe was considering using Zebo in either of the first two games Zebo would have started in the Wolfhounds game.

trackguy

Marshall fronted up big-time in defence today. I would have no concerns about him playing against Wales. He also needs to be given a run of games in the team.

Our lack of wingers is a worry going into next week. If Fitz is out, it's still 2 from the same 3 isn't it? Trimble, D Kearney and McFadden. Unfortunately, there's no way to spin it in Ireland's favour when our wingers are compared to North & Cuthbert.

I'd love to Henshaw on the bench. He could have an incredible impact.

Hagz

trackguy wrote: »

Marshall fronted up big-time in defence today. I would have no concerns about him playing against Wales.

I have to admit I'd be worried about him against Wales. I think Roberts would immediately target him and he runs with more power than Dunbar. And then North and Cuthbert will undoubtedly come of their wings and ask questions of him.

I've no doubt Marshall won't take a step back, but I don't know how much punishment he can take. In fairness, the only way to know if he can swim is to chuck him in the deep end.

trackguy

Hagz wrote: »

I have to admit I'd be worried about him against Wales. I think Roberts would immediately target him and he runs with more power than Dunbar. And then North and Cuthbert will undoubtedly come of their wings and ask questions of him.

I've no doubt Marshall won't take a step back, but I don't know how much punishment he can take. In fairness, the only way to know if he can swim is to chuck him in the deep end.

I always worry about him being concussed now, which is probably unfounded.

He's never going to be a top class 12 if he can't play against the likes of Roberts/ Tuilagi/ Basteraud.

If Marshall plays and gets injured.... I presume McFadden goes to 12?

.ak

trackguy wrote: »

I always worry about him being concussed now, which is probably unfounded.

He's never going to be a top class 12 if he can't play against the likes of Roberts/ Tuilagi/ Basteraud.

If Marshall plays and gets injured.... I presume McFadden goes to 12?

Yep.

The Pheasant2

My sources say Fitz won't be ready by Saturday

.ak

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

My sources say Fitz won't be ready by Saturday

Well you weren't wrong last time.

Hopefully you are this time!

Absolutely gutted for Fitzgerald, and for Ireland. Has been in the form of his life almost.

The Pheasant2

.ak wrote: »

Well you weren't wrong last time.

Hopefully you are this time!

Absolutely gutted for Fitzgerald, and for Ireland. Has been in the form of his life almost.

I hope I'm wrong too! He's just been so unlucky...like to pick up a knock in training as well without getting a run out in green

Hagz

Without Fitz it's difficult to see where our attacking spark is going to come from to be honest.

We need Heaslip and Healy to have break-out performances, and we need Sexton to get a lot of touches on the ball me thinks.

Molester Stallone

phog wrote: »

That just won't happen, Zebo has zero gametime behind him since Joe dropped him to get match fit.

If Joe was considering using Zebo in either of the first two games Zebo would have started in the Wolfhounds game.

It most probably won't, but our back line could do with his spark for the Welsh game.
Our pack so have to be on top of their game & not give any penalties away or else HalfP could destroy us

ScissorPaperRock

Apparently Tomas O'Leary is suing the IRFU for an incident during training prior to an England game in the 2011 Six Nations.

Most of the article is behind a paywall.

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1370954.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2014_02_01

thomond2006

Wasn't TOL considered lucky not to have lost an eye when that machine hit him in the face?

dregin

This: http://www.joe.ie/rugby/international-rugby/freak-eye-injury-rules-oleary-out-of-england-clash/

CatFromHue

I'm just thinking out loud here I've no facts what so ever but don't the IRFU have a clause that if you're injured for a % of the season they can reduce your pay?

TOL was injured alot around then so if they did do this and it was a poorly operating training machine was one of the reasons why he was out injured you can see why he would want to take them to court.

I can't see him wanting to come back to an Irish team again either.

The Rooster

trackguy wrote: »

Marshall fronted up big-time in defence today. I would have no concerns about him playing against Wales. He also needs to be given a run of games in the team.

Our lack of wingers is a worry going into next week. If Fitz is out, it's still 2 from the same 3 isn't it? Trimble, D Kearney and McFadden. Unfortunately, there's no way to spin it in Ireland's favour when our wingers are compared to North & Cuthbert.

I'd love to Henshaw on the bench. He could have an incredible impact.

With Luke out, its going to be Kearney-D'Arcy-Dric-McFadden from 11 to 14, with Marshall on the bench. Trimble loses out.

I believe he's going to rotate the outhalf bench spot, and Madigan will get the nod for Wales.

I'm sure Tuohy will get at least one more start. Maybe not against Wales, but I'd bet he will be back for the English.