Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread V

.ak

Continued from here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057369129&page=638

Happyman42

Quite fitting that the old thread closed as a mark of repsect to POC.

Thank you Paul O'Connell...a legend to take into my old age!

Rigor Mortis

Interesting that they have replaced the other two but still no replacement for Payne. I wonder if they will hold off on replacing until after the next round as insurance against Murray / Reddan going down on a short term injury. If Earls is ok and with Fitz playing well there is no real rush to fill that gap.

total former

Rigor Mortis wrote: »

Interesting that they have replaced the other two but still no replacement for Payne. I wonder if they will hold off on replacing until after the next round as insurance against Murray / Reddan going down on a short term injury. If Earls is ok and with Fitz playing well there is no real rush to fill that gap.

This wouldbe seriously high risk. Assuming Sexton is out for this weekend, that leaves us with the bare minimum of both scrum-halves and out-halves.

If someone picks up a twinge in the warm-up, or twists a knee in the captain's run on Friday, then we have to go into the world cup quarter-final with no-one on the bench in a key position.

Assuming Sexton will be back for the semis (if we're still there), the logical call-up is Boss. I think they are waiting to see how serious Jonny's injury is, but would expect an announcement by tomorrow.

elastico

total former wrote: »

Assuming Sexton is out for this weekend, .

I'd say they have a fair idea already if Sexton will be available this weekend.

padser

total former wrote: »

This wouldbe seriously high risk. Assuming Sexton is out for this weekend, that leaves us with the bare minimum of both scrum-halves and out-halves.

If someone picks up a twinge in the warm-up, or twists a knee in the captain's run on Friday, then we have to go into the world cup quarter-final with no-one on the bench in a key position.

Assuming Sexton will be back for the semis (if we're still there), the logical call-up is Boss. I think they are waiting to see how serious Jonny's injury is, but would expect an announcement by tomorrow.

I suspect it is the Sexton injury (or some other niggle) that is preventing Payne being replaced.

As others have pointed out, you don't want to replace Payne with say Trimble only to discover two days later that sexton is out for one to two weeks and you have a tough call to make on whether to replace him or not.

Bottom line is that we don't really need a replacement outside centre in the camp for the next few days (assuming henshaw, fitz and cave are fit (and earls may also be fine) as there is already at least one fit centre who wouldn't make the match day squad this Sunday

However, it's very possible we realise on Tuesday or Wednesday we need Isaac boss or someone to go over.

It's also possible someone has an injury that we have no idea about, maybe Healy picked up a small knock and is a doubt. Do we really want Furlong benching at loose head?

Zzippy

Would it not make sense to call up a 3rd scrumhalf now? If Sexton is out we have Madigan and Jackson to cover 10. If Murray or Reddan were to pick up a knock in the captain's run or warm up, Madigan has to cover 9 and 10, which is far too risky. If Jackson picks up a knock early on he has to play 10, which means the other 9 playing 80 and praying he doesn't get injured either, and vice versa

Synode

padser wrote: »

As others have pointed out, you don't want to replace Payne with say Trimble only to discover two days later that sexton is out for one to two weeks and you have a tough call to make on whether to replace him or not.

Replace Sexton with who though? We have our 3 best OH's there already

Mr Tickle

so the question becomes ian keatley vs. marmion/boss

total former

padser wrote: »

I suspect it is the Sexton injury (or some other niggle) that is preventing Payne being replaced.

As others have pointed out, you don't want to replace Payne with say Trimble only to discover two days later that sexton is out for one to two weeks and you have a tough call to make on whether to replace him or not.

Bottom line is that we don't really need a replacement outside centre in the camp for the next few days (assuming henshaw, fitz and cave are fit (and earls may also be fine) as there is already at least one fit centre who wouldn't make the match day squad this Sunday

However, it's very possible we realise on Tuesday or Wednesday we need Isaac boss or someone to go over.

It's also possible someone has an injury that we have no idea about, maybe Healy picked up a small knock and is a doubt. Do we really want Furlong benching at loose head?

Yeah, exactly. Trimble is the best player currently in Ireland, but he is not what the squad needs. It would require three injuries for Trimble to be needed, it only requires one for Boss to be needed.

Although Earls was icing his arm on Sunday too, so who knows, we might have to call them all up.

Sangre

Going to match on Sunday - very lucky the QFs fell as they did. Looking forward to Irish RWC match number 4!

thebaz

whats the story on Sexton ?

My guess , he's out Sunday , but back week after (hopefully

irishbucsfan

thebaz wrote: »

whats the story on Sexton ?

My guess , he's out Sunday , but back week after (hopefully

I think we'll find out either way after they complete training today. Maybe around the same time we hear about SOB.

Also keen to hear about Bosch.

Redgirl82

thebaz wrote: »

whats the story on Sexton ?

My guess , he's out Sunday , but back week after (hopefully

Listened to the BOD podcast and he seems to think that Sexton could have carried on in the match but he was pulled because they already knew they would be playing in a QF even if they lost and it would be better to protect Sexton for the next match.....

Hopefully BOD is correct

Pudsy33

I'm supremely confident about Sunday, even more so if Bosch is out. Our defence has been very very good, as long as we keep our discipline we will be ok, especially if they're missing their long goal kicker.

Sangre

I think Argentina are the only team I haven't seen play (I missed the NZ match as I was travelling). Can someone explain why people are talking them up so much?

Pudsy33

Sangre wrote: »

I think Argentina are the only team I haven't seen play (I missed the NZ match as I was travelling). Can someone explain why people are talking them up so much?

They were impressive for 40 minutes against New Zealand, they really fronted up and scored a good try. NZ were definitely rattled. However the second half NZ were almost taking the piss, throwing the ball around like a league team needing a score off its final tackle. Like I say the first half performance was good, but given how off colour the Kiwis looked subsequently, I'm not sure how much weight can be put on it.

Against the weak reams in the group, the Pumas scored some cracking running tries from deep but they will not be afforded that space against ireland. I'm not underestimating Argentina, I just think we are a better team with a better coach.

Bridge93

Yeah they are an excellent team but I feel a bit like France we have potentially been talking up the Argentinians a bit too much. They played wonderfully for 40 mins against NZ but they hammered a knackered Georgia with 14 men, conceded some soft tries against Tonga and Namibia was a training game for a mostly second team against depleted and exhausted minnows

I would like to think they may be slightly undercooked due to how easy their group turned out to be

Pudsy33

Pudsy33 wrote: »

They were impressive for 40 minutes against New Zealand, they really fronted up and scored a good try. NZ were definitely rattled. However the second half NZ were almost taking the piss, throwing the ball around like a league team needing a score off its final tackle. Like I say the first half performance was good, but given how off colour the Kiwis looked subsequently, I'm not sure how much weight can be put on it.

Against the weak reams in the group, the Pumas scored some cracking running tries from deep but they will not be afforded that space against ireland. I'm not underestimating Argentina, I just think we are a better team with a better coach.

They beat South Africa away from home also earlier this year. They are a good team, and the game will come down to how well we contain their pack and if we allow them freedom to run with the ball in the backs. They counter from pretty much anywhere and have solid goal kicking options.

With the decimation to our forwards we could struggle. I'd say if Argentina were in the 6N they would more often than not be top 3. They do suffer from inconsistency.

Sangre

Thanks lads.

How is their scrum looking these days? Still a weapon?

Pudsy33

[Deleted User] wrote: »

They beat South Africa away from home also earlier this year. They are a good team, and the game will come down to how well we contain their pack and if we allow them freedom to run with the ball in the backs. They counter from pretty much anywhere and have solid goal kicking options.

With the decimation to our forwards we could struggle. I'd say if Argentina were in the 6N they would more often than not be top 3. They do suffer from inconsistency.

Yeah I agree with all of that. I'm not sure they will counter from deep as much as we saw the previous games but who knows. I'm really not too worried about the loss of POM and presumably SOB. I have the utmost faith in Henry and whoever else in the back row. O'Connell will be missed but our general play shouldn't suffer too much tbh. Like IBF said, Bosch missing for Argentina is as much a blow to them as any of the injured are to us.

Pudsy33

Sangre wrote: »

Thanks lads.

How is their scrum looking these days? Still a weapon?

It's good yeah but I'd be confident we can get parity and that's enough.

Sexton's scan is clear, hope he is fit to play:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/irish-news/good-news-for-ireland-as-sexton-scan-comes-up-clear-31604493.html

leakyboots

Mike Mac called up for POC according to the Guardian

BoardsMember

I'm not sure I'd put too much heed on any medical reports from the camp. I'll believe Sexton is fit when he jogs out on Sunday just before the anthems with a 10 on his back.

Journeyman_1

All these injuries will have really lowered the chances for surprise or debate around the team selection this week. The only real spot up for grabs is 1/17 and 16/in a suit. Of course there will be changes based on whether some people are available for selection, but once that has been established, the team picks itself. (I'm not considering 13 as up for debate anymore because there is basically no reason to cause even more disruption and Earls has done well).

BoardsMember

I'd say the coaches might be including 13 in their discussions.

Journeyman_1

BoardsMember wrote: »

I'd say the coaches might be including 13 in their discussions.

Possibly, and I wouldn't be upset to see any of the 3 starting on Sunday. I just think it's unlikely unless Earls is injured.

padser

Journeyman_1 wrote: »

All these injuries will have really lowered the chances for surprise or debate around the team selection this week. The only real spot up for grabs is 1/17 and 16/in a suit. Of course there will be changes based on whether some people are available for selection, but once that has been established, the team picks itself. (I'm not considering 13 as up for debate anymore because there is basically no reason to cause even more disruption and Earls has done well).

There is probably a question around whether you start Ryan and move Henderson to 6.

I wouldn't do so myself but it's an option depending on what type of game plan joe wants to employ

padser

BoardsMember wrote: »

I'm not sure I'd put too much heed on any medical reports from the camp. I'll believe Sexton is fit when he jogs out on Sunday just before the anthems with a 10 on his back.

Couldn't agree more.

BoardsMember

padser wrote: »

There is probably a question around whether you start Ryan and move Henderson to 6.

I wouldn't do so myself but it's an option depending on what type of game plan joe wants to employ

I really doubt it. Henderson did great at 5, and we have backrows ready to come into the team/bench. We also need cover at lock on the bench, if you start Ryan and Hendo then who provides that?

gamma001

BoardsMember wrote: »

I really doubt it. Henderson did great at 5, and we have backrows ready to come into the team/bench. We also need cover at lock on the bench, if you start Ryan and Hendo then who provides that?

Hendo wasn't meant to come on at 5 on Sunday, he was destined for 6 according to Joe until the injury. Mcarthy has been called up. If hendo and Toner started I'd imagine he would only get 10 minutes or less unless he was needed.

BoardsMember

I still think Joe would prefer having Ryan on the bench, he has played in the RWC all along, rather than McCarthy who will only be available to train from Thursday. So Hendo to start at 5 for me.

Mr Tickle

BoardsMember wrote: »

I still think Joe would prefer having Ryan on the bench, he has played in the RWC all along, rather than McCarthy who will only be available to train from Thursday. So Hendo to start at 5 for me.

in that case though we'll have ruddock on the bench who will be in the same boat. we're going to have to bench at least one call-up.

marco_polo

I'd leave well enough alone at lock, normally I'd be more than happy for D. Ryan to start any game but a) Hendo had a stormer at lock and b) there will be enough disruption as is to the backrow without changing the second row as well.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Did I see something this morning about Sexton's scan being clear?

ken76

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Did I see something this morning about Sexton's scan being clear?

yep https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/sexton-given-all-clear/353339

MJohnston

Hopefully it's an actual all-clear and not a Jared Payne all-clear

Pudsy33

MJohnston wrote: »

Hopefully it's an actual all-clear and not a Jared Payne all-clear

I'm half expecting them to say his groin is all clear, however he's concussed and broken 3 ribs.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Pudsy33 wrote: »

I'm half expecting them to say his groin is all clear, however he's concussed and broken 3 ribs.

His groin in itself is fine, it's just not attached to his upper body anymore.

rrpc

Just following on from the visit from Rory McIlroy yesterday.

Luke Fitz demonstrating how to bend a driver shaft.

ken76

3 weeks for OBRIEN as per guys on planet rugby

vienne86

ken76 wrote: »

yep https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/sexton-given-all-clear/353339

Some good news at last!

ken76

ken76 wrote: »

3 weeks for OBRIEN as per guys on planet rugby

Yeah but still no proof at all from anyone there.

BoardsMember

I can't imagine that is true, there's no way he gets 3 weeks after consideration of his disciplinary record, it's just not possible.

ken76

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Yeah but still no proof at all from anyone there.

True .I'm probably overreacting. I'm just refreshing there and boards

Uriel.

ken76 wrote: »

True .I'm probably overreacting. I'm just refreshing there and boards

There's a dedicated thread for that issue...but be warned, it's like entering the twillight zone

The Rape of Lucretia

BoardsMember wrote: »

I can't imagine that is true, there's no way he gets 3 weeks after consideration of his disciplinary record, it's just not possible.

Very plausible, if on the upper side. One is too low. I would give him two, but woudnt quibble if he gets the three.

molloyjh

Gotta love Joes comment on the criticism Payne received recently....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QKCufecqXw

.ak

The best bit about that video is POC is slagging off Zebo's socks.

irishbucsfan

"Yeah look I think there was a lot of feedback around Jared Payne, mainly because people, a few people who hadn't done their analysis, didn't understand enough about the game to understand what he brought to the game for us and I think the players really spoke about his value, about the value of his communication, his defensive decisiveness, his ability to carry the ball forward, the quality of his passing, his decision making. All those elements that you want in the middle of your backline. I think for the back three he was very much the conduit for the inside three and the backs and his experience across both Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere competitions allowed him to bring all of that together for us."

Pretty big middle finger to the Tv3 Analysts there!