Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread V

jacothelad

bilston wrote: »

So it's basically a Leinster training camp?

No change there then:D

'In veritas, veritas' :D..... as a philosopher might have said.

Blackheath

Ultan Dillane has been called up to the training squad for tomorrow.

connemara man

Blackheath wrote: »

Ultan Dillane has been called up to the train squad for tomorrow.

Delighted for him he's playing really well this season.

Where can you find the official list?

Blackheath

connemara man wrote: »

Delighted for him he's playing really well this season.

Where can you find the official list?

Not sure where it is available but I saw the news about Dillane on the42.

http://www.the42.ie/ultan-dillane-ireland-2527144-Jan2016/

former total

They always bring a couple of young guys in to train with the senior squad. It doesn't mean that Dillane or Ringrose are in contention. Good experience for them though.

connemara man

former total wrote: »

They always bring a couple of young guys in to train with the senior squad. It doesn't mean that Dillane or Ringrose are in contention. Good experience for them though.

I think being around different players and coaches will bring them both on even if they're holding tackle bags or listening in.

irishbucsfan

former total wrote: »

They always bring a couple of young guys in to train with the senior squad. It doesn't mean that Dillane or Ringrose are in contention. Good experience for them though.

Yeah, a bit like when Kidney had Conway training with Ireland back when he was in the Leinster academy. It's quite common for academy guys to get brought in without it meaning a huge amount in terms of their international chances. I don't think this means it's any more likely for Ringrose to be involved in the 6 Nations unless he really tears up trees in European games.

Blackheath

former total wrote: »

They always bring a couple of young guys in to train with the senior squad. It doesn't mean that Dillane or Ringrose are in contention. Good experience for them though.

Given the current injury list with Henderson, Ryan and Touhy currently injured there is not a lot of other alternatives.

swiwi_

I'd like to see this for the Irish backline in order of 9 to 15

Murray, Sexton, Fitzgerald, McCloskey, Ringrose, Trimble, Henshaw

Bench: Reddan, Jackson, Earls or Zebo

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

swiwi_ wrote: »

I'd like to see this for the Irish backline in order of 9 to 15

Murray, Sexton, Fitzgerald, McCloskey, Ringrose, Trimble, Henshaw

Bench: Reddan, Jackson, Earls or Zebo

Decent.

I'd really love to see Gilroy given a shot on the wing for Ireland but realistically I think Fitzgerald is a much more likely bet for the foreseeable future. And, surprisingly, he's been pretty good since the WC for Leinster

.ak

swiwi_ wrote: »

I'd like to see this for the Irish backline in order of 9 to 15

Murray, Sexton, Fitzgerald, McCloskey, Ringrose, Trimble, Henshaw

Bench: Reddan, Jackson, Earls or Zebo

Swap henshaw to 13 and keep Kearney at full back and I think that might just be the starting back line.

swiwi_

.ak wrote: »

Swap henshaw to 13 and keep Kearney at full back and I think that might just be the starting back line.

Yeah, that's the more conservative option .ak, and also with merit. McCloskey + Ringrose is raw, and therefore risky. I figure Henshaw HAS to be on the field, neither McCloskey nor Ringrose can play outside the midfield, whereas Robbie can.

In any case, if I see the same backline as Cardiff RWC 1/4 final for Wales, then Schmidt has some questions to answer.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

swiwi_ wrote: »

Yeah, that's the more conservative option .ak, and also with merit. McCloskey + Ringrose is raw, and therefore risky. I figure Henshaw HAS to be on the field, neither McCloskey nor Ringrose can play outside the midfield, whereas Robbie can.

In any case, if I see the same backline as Cardiff RWC 1/4 final for Wales, then Schmidt has some questions to answer.

Ringrose played on the wing a couple of times for Leinster this season. Although I'm not a fan of playing players out of position too often before they've had a chance to specialise in one.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

11 Ulster players called up to the Irish squad camp thing tomorrow. Les Kiss said he couldn't name them all off the top if his head but McCloskey and Marshall are going along with the usual ones like Best.

Ringrose is going too.

former total

swiwi_ wrote: »

In any case, if I see the same backline as Cardiff RWC 1/4 final for Wales, then Schmidt has some questions to answer.

Sexton will come back in for Madigan, Payne for Earls and AN Other for Bowe so that's three changes straight away.

After that? Not much change I'd say. Murray, Henshaw and Rob Kearney will keep their places (if fit), Dave K has as good a chance as anyone of playing on the wing and Earls and Fitzgerald are also very likely to be involved in some capacity.

Wholesale changes are extremely unlikely. That will be criticised as conservative etc but the defeat against the Pumas was not about personnel so I don't think Joe will see the need for a clear out.

MB678

Hi Guys,

New to the forum. After watching the interpro's this weekend I thought it'd be cool to hear some thoughts on people's potential 6N team.
Here's what I'm thinking for the first game:

1. McGrath 2. Best/Cronin 3. Moore
4. Henderson* 5. Toner
6. Ruddock 7. O'Brien
8. Heaslip

9. Murray*
10. Sexton
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
11. D. Kearney/L. Fitz 14. Trimble
15. R. Kearney

16. Cronin/Strauss 17. Healy 18. White/Furlong 19. McCarty/Ryan 20. Stander 21. Reddan 22. Madigan 23. Fitzgerald/Payne*
* If Fit
Some other players who deserve a mention are:
Josh VDF
T O'Halloran
M Healy
K Marmion
S McCloskey
L Marshall
S Olding*

You've probably got 11 or 12 of the team correct there. Probably too soon for Ringrose, guessing he'll be in extended squads to get to know the environment but he won't play.

Henshaw is probably nailed on and I think we'll see McCloskey make his debut.

Henderson won't make it.

Wingers, I'd say Trimble will make it, he's too good to leave out. (Edit, you have Trimble in sorry)

Best will definitely be ahead of Cronin.

MB678

The reason I didn't include McCloskey was because of the potential pairing with Henshaw.
They are two big men with similar style of play, I don't think we've ever had a centre partnership over 200kg before? However, McCloskey is having a great season and will most likely get capped.
I think by playing Ringrose you will bring an elusive element. Plus, Henshaw and Ringrose will be playing together at Leinster next season.
Could possibly go with Henshaw at 12 and Fitzgerald at 13 if there is an experience issue in the centre

Stheno

MB678 wrote: »

The reason I didn't include McCloskey was because of the potential pairing with Henshaw.
They are two big men with similar style of play, I don't think we've ever had a centre partnership over 200kg before? However, McCloskey is having a great season and will most likely get capped.
I think by playing Ringrose you will bring an elusive element. Plus, Henshaw and Ringrose will be playing together at Leinster next season.
Could possibly go with Henshaw at 12 and Fitzgerald at 13 if there is an experience issue in the centre

I'd have McCloskey at 12 with Henshaw at 13 before Ringrose tbh.

Have you read an announcement that Henshaw is going to Leinster that the rest of us have missed?

The Rape of Lucretia

Stheno wrote: »

I'd have McCloskey at 12 with Henshaw at 13 before Ringrose tbh.

I think most would. Joe included.

My pick would be :

1. McGrath
2. Best/Cronin
3. Moore
4. Ryan
5. Toner
6. Ruddock
7. O'Brien
8. Heaslip

9. Murray
10. Sexton
11/ Fitz
12. McCloskey
13. Henshaw
14. Trimble
15. Kearney

And think Joe will agree with me. All being fit, thats the team for Wales.

Stheno

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

I think most would. Joe included.

My pick would be :

1. McGrath
2. Best/Cronin
3. Moore
4. Ryan
5. Toner
6. Ruddock
7. O'Brien
8. Heaslip

9. Murray
10. Sexton
11/ Fitz
12. McCloskey
13. Henshaw
14. Trimble
15. Kearney

And think Joe will agree with me. All being fit, thats the team for Wales.

I'd go for that team to I think.

Bench wise, I'd have Madigan, Gilroy, Marshall, VDF/Stander/Henry (in that order), Dillane/Moloney?, Strauss and am not sure on the prop, not Healy at the minute I don't think

noom

New to the thread, would I be right in saying the big issues with team selection are as follows:

Who will fill the third back row slot? Stander/Ruddock/VDF

Who will be the centre partnership? McCloskey/Henshaw - Henshaw/Fitz - Henshaw/Payne

Who fill be the sub fly half? Jackson/Madigan


For my money Stander is the ideal blindside - offers a lot more in ball carrying ability and hard work at the rucktime. Ruddock is a great defensive player, but with Heaslip in that backrow who offers that, I think we need another ball carrier in a back that has lost O' Mahony and O'Connell since the WC. Van Der Flier (with SOB at 6) is a great future openside, but lacks the strength required at international level at the moment to get turnovers/protect our own ball at the ruck.

Even with Payne fit I think McCloskey is the form centre and deserves his shot. He's an inside centre so Henshaw (who must start) is outside him.

Madigan's form with the boot will be crucial for closing games out, I'd love to see a sub's bench with both Madigan and Jackson on with Madigan covering centre and FB.

VdF is doing really well for Leinster but I don't think there's much chance of him starting for Ireland barring a good few injuries. I would be fairly sure the backrow is going to be Ruddock, SOB, Heaslip. We've a lot of good options though, Henry or TOD could easily come in. But Ruddock has played well for Ireland in the past and he's the best lineout option of everyone vying for the position.

The Rape of Lucretia

Hard to see VDF or TOD getting a look in, SOB being fit. VDF may be a man for the future, but no this 6N even on the bench.
TOD has been jumped by far to many at this stage, and I wouldnt ever have regarded as someone we would like to be our best shot if we want to move up a level - Joe has a point to prove after the debacle of the Argentine - a Grand Slam is the target being plotted.

Pink Fairy

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Hard to see VDF or TOD getting a look in, SOB being fit. VDF may be a man for the future, but no this 6N even on the bench.
TOD has been jumped by far to many at this stage, and I wouldnt ever have regarded as someone we would like to be our best shot if we want to move up a level - Joe has a point to prove after the debacle of the Argentine - a Grand Slam is the target being plotted.

More chance of me winning Ms Universe than us winning a Grand Slam

Stheno

Pink Fairy wrote: »

More chance of me winning Ms Universe than us winning a Grand Slam

I'd not be so sure of that tbh.

France and England have new coaches, Scotland are on the up, but not that great, so the big threat imo is Wales.

They're our first game aren't they?

MB678

Stheno wrote: »

I'd have McCloskey at 12 with Henshaw at 13 before Ringrose tbh.

Have you read an announcement that Henshaw is going to Leinster that the rest of us have missed?

BOD has mentioned on twitter when questioned; that McCloskey wouldn't go to Leinster in the future because Henshaw will be arriving next year.

Also my take on it is with Madigan and Te'o leaving at the end of the season, both wages and positions will free up.

Tigerandahalf

I doubt if Stander will get into the match day squad. With Ire weakened in the 2nd row having a lineout option at 6 is crucial and that rules out Stander. Ruddock is probably the safe option.

Ryan is constantly injured and carries that risk in playing him. I would love to see Muldowney brought in with Toner. With POC gone the pack could do with some leadership and he looks like a very cool head in that Connacht pack. Nothing spectacular but does the basics very well.

I wonder could Joe take a chance on McCloskey /Payne in the centres and try Henshaw at fullback or even switch Payne to fullback.

Stheno

MB678 wrote: »

BOD has mentioned on twitter when questioned; that McCloskey wouldn't go to Leinster in the future because Henshaw will be arriving next year.

Also my take on it is with Madigan and Te'o leaving at the end of the season, both wages and positions will free up.

BOD is not exactly the oracle with his commentary, sure a week ago he announced that Ringrose was going to save us all and should be in the starting 15 in the 6N

More likely imo that Leinster will spend money on a decent scrum half with potential retirements of both Boss and Reddan.

Also queries at the moment as to what will happen with Healy.

The Rape of Lucretia

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I wonder could Joe take a chance on McCloskey /Payne in the centres and try Henshaw at fullback or even switch Payne to fullback.

To what end ???

Pink Fairy

Stheno wrote: »

I'd not be so sure of that tbh.

France and England have new coaches, Scotland are on the up, but not that great, so the big threat imo is Wales.

They're our first game aren't they?

We're playing a fairly insipid brand of rugby at the moment, we are missing some vital players they injury and others who aren't within an asses roar of pre-worldcup form.
If we manage to win the championship alone, that will be extremely satisfying, but realistically I'd say we are fighting for 2-3 place

irishbucsfan

Pink Fairy wrote: »

We're playing a fairly insipid brand of rugby at the moment, we are missing some vital players they injury and others who aren't within an asses roar of pre-worldcup form.
If we manage to win the championship alone, that will be extremely satisfying, but realistically I'd say we are fighting for 2-3 place

Form rarely carries into the championship.

Which teams are better than us at the moment, do you think?

Pink Fairy

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Form rarely carries into the championship.

Which teams are better than us at the moment, do you think?

I think both Wales and England are ahead a little right now

Stheno

Pink Fairy wrote: »

We're playing a fairly insipid brand of rugby at the moment, we are missing some vital players they injury and others who aren't within an asses roar of pre-worldcup form.
If we manage to win the championship alone, that will be extremely satisfying, but realistically I'd say we are fighting for 2-3 place

I'd disagree, Leinster, Connaught and Ulster (today excepted) have all to date had decent seasons. There is plenty of options in most positions, so much so that in our positions of 6-8 and 11-15 there is much debate as to whom should get the callup.

Even at ten there are questions as to who is now number two.

With the right extended squad, I do think we have an excellent chance of not only winning the 6N but winning the GS.

Maybe I'm being overly optimistic.

Tigerandahalf

Pink Fairy wrote: »

We're playing a fairly insipid brand of rugby at the moment, we are missing some vital players they injury and others who aren't within an asses roar of pre-worldcup form.
If we manage to win the championship alone, that will be extremely satisfying, but realistically I'd say we are fighting for 2-3 place

Ya it will be very difficult to win. We have a poor record at home to Wales in recent times and I think is it England and France up then. It could be 3 losses in a row. Hard to see him experimenting.

Stheno

Pink Fairy wrote: »

I think both Wales and England are ahead a little right now

I think the damage England as a team suffered mentally at the RWC will take a while to come back from.

Wales yes, are a threat, but not insurmountable imo.

mfceiling

Am I missing something here where there is a debate between Best and Cronin for starting hooker? Best was only one of about 2 or 3 irish players who came out of the WC after having a great tournament.

The Rape of Lucretia

Stheno wrote: »

I'd disagree, Leinster, Connaught and Ulster (today excepted) have all to date had decent seasons. There is plenty of options in most positions, so much so that in our positions of 6-8 and 11-15 there is much debate as to whom should get the callup.

Even at ten there are questions as to who is now number two.

With the right extended squad, I do think we have an excellent chance of not only winning the 6N but winning the GS.

Maybe I'm being overly optimistic.

Not overly optimistic. We have abetter chance than we did in the last 5 championships.
Two element worry though :
- scrum : our various combinations can look both rock solid at times, yet a shambles at others. Refs, opposition, whatever. We might be vulnerable hear. Resisting picking Healy will help this.
- stand-off : Jonny, or rather, the picking of him, I fear risks a serious backfire.

But both of these are escapable, so the GS is on.

former total

mfceiling wrote: »

Am I missing something here where there is a debate between Best and Cronin for starting hooker? Best was only one of about 2 or 3 irish players who came out of the WC after having a great tournament.

Cronin is third choice. Strauss will be on the bench and Best is nailed on to start.

Stheno

mfceiling wrote: »

Am I missing something here where there is a debate between Best and Cronin for starting hooker? Best was only one of about 2 or 3 irish players who came out of the WC after having a great tournament.

I'd have Best starting and as backup captain if Heaslip wasn't playing, Cronin on the bench, should have clarified that in my post

Think I've said before I'd have him as potential captain.

Harry FM

The team I'd have starting vs Wales

1-McGrath
2-Best
3-Furlong
4-Ryan-Our best TH IMO
5-Toner
6-Ruddock
7-O'Brien
8-Heaslip-Wouldn't have him in if O'Mahony was fit but we need his leadership

9-Murray
10-Sexton-Still our best 10 despite recent shaky form. I'd start Jackson v Italy though
11-Fitzgerald
12-McCloskey-In top form and is ready for the step up to international level
13-Ringrose-Might be a risk but we are always slow to bring through our young players so may aswell blood him now
14-Trimble
15-Henshaw-R.Kearney's past his best and got gassed by Argentina's back 3.

16-Cronin
17-Healy
18-Moore
19-Muldowney
20-Stander
21-Marmion
22-Jackson
23-Zebo

Would have Gilroy in there if he wasn't injured. I see no point in playing players such as Ross and Reddan because they won't be around after this season and we have young players in those positions who need to be blooded.

The Rape of Lucretia

mfceiling wrote: »

Am I missing something here where there is a debate between Best and Cronin for starting hooker? Best was only one of about 2 or 3 irish players who came out of the WC after having a great tournament.

No. You are in tune. Best is the starter. Without question or discussion.

bilston

mfceiling wrote: »

Am I missing something here where there is a debate between Best and Cronin for starting hooker? Best was only one of about 2 or 3 irish players who came out of the WC after having a great tournament.

Was thinking the same earlier reading a coupled the preferred teams.

How many caps is Rory on? Any chance he could hit the ton?

Edit - Best is on 89 and Heaslip is on 80, you'd have to fancy both to make the 100 caps provided they stay fit...

The Rape of Lucretia

Pink Fairy wrote: »

More chance of me winning Ms Universe than us winning a Grand Slam

Pic, and we will be the judge of that, or GTFO.

Stheno

Harry FM wrote: »

The team I'd have starting vs Wales

1-McGrath
2-Best
3-Furlong
4-Ryan-Our best TH IMO
5-Toner
6-Ruddock
7-O'Brien
8-Heaslip-Wouldn't have him in if O'Mahony was fit but we need his leadership

9-Murray
10-Sexton-Still our best 10 despite recent shaky form. I'd start Jackson v Italy though
11-Fitzgerald
12-McCloskey-In top form and is ready for the step up to international level
13-Ringrose-Might be a risk but we are always slow to bring through our young players so may aswell blood him now
14-Trimble
15-Henshaw-R.Kearney's past his best and got gassed by Argentina's back 3.

16-Cronin
17-Healy
18-Moore
19-Muldowney
20-Stander
21-Marmion
22-Jackson
23-Zebo

Would have Gilroy in there if he wasn't injured. I see no point in playing players such as Ross and Reddan because they won't be around after this season and we have young players in those positions who need to be blooded.

No to Marmion or Zebo, Scholes and Madigan instead?

MB678

Stheno wrote: »

BOD is not exactly the oracle with his commentary, sure a week ago he announced that Ringrose was going to save us all and should be in the starting 15 in the 6N

More likely imo that Leinster will spend money on a decent scrum half with potential retirements of both Boss and Reddan.

Also queries at the moment as to what will happen with Healy.

He has played with Ringrose at Leinster and I'm sure he provided a mentor role so he does know the guy well. Heck, he got nominated for junior player of the year! Well, here's hoping he does come fruitful for us at provincial and national level.

I think Reddan will go for 1 more season after this and then hand the reigns over to McGrath with McCarty coming through.

What are the queries with Healy?

Apologies for the slight derail

Buer

bilston wrote: »

Was thinking the same earlier reading a coupled the preferred teams.

How many caps is Rory on? Any chance he could hit the ton?

89. He'll definitely hit 100 barring injury. Potentially in 2016 but most likely in the 2017 6N.

bilston

Buer wrote: »

89. He'll definitely hit 100 barring injury. Potentially in 2016 but most likely in the 2017 6N.

Yeah, just read that. Heaslip is on 80 so he should get there too. Nobody else is really close at the minute.

Stheno

MB678 wrote: »

He has played with Ringrose at Leinster and I'm sure he provided a mentor role so he does know the guy well. Heck, he got nominated for junior player of the year! Well, here's hoping he does come fruitful for us at provincial and national level.

I think Reddan will go for 1 more season after this and then hand the reigns over to McGrath with McCarty coming through.

What are the queries with Healy?

Apologies for the slight derail

Ringrose is still fairly small for a centre, compare him to McCloskey?

Healy is out of contract this month (I think) so will be interesting to see what's renogiated/where he goes.

Harry FM

Stheno wrote: »

No to Marmion or Zebo, Scholes and Madigan instead?

Then you have no scrum half and two fly halfs on the bench?