Six Nations 2023 - Ireland v France Build-Up Thread, Sat 11th Feb KO 2:15PM - TV: RTÉ2, ITV, France2

ionadnapokot · 09-02-2023 1:31pm

Do you watch rugby?!?

aloooof · 09-02-2023 1:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219629#Comment_120219629

...which allows the chasers more time to contest, and often more distance.

awec · 09-02-2023 1:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219629#Comment_120219629

Yes, there's an optimum arc for the kick, I think it's a distance of about 25meters with the ball in the air for 4 or 5 seconds.

Former Former Former · 09-02-2023 1:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219638#Comment_120219638

No. Would you recommend it?

ionadnapokot · 09-02-2023 1:57pm

Not for you

stick to the American Football

Loads of hangtime

ionadnapokot · 09-02-2023 2:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219580#Comment_120219580

Yes I thought JGP and Hansen struggled in last years kicking battle. Significant losses in territory .

Murray would have been a plus in that regard and he was excellent at securing ball when the ruck got messy v Wales (& with Barnes we are going to see allot more messing at the ruck). Casey struggled once or twice to get the ball away.

I'm less worried about the exits with the backfield we have and of course Sexton. It's more of a case when Casey is box kicking and he will struggle for that distance and height. France will try and drop the ball back on top of him.

aloooof · 09-02-2023 2:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219749#Comment_120219749

Casey struggled once or twice to get the ball away.

There was one where he gave a penalty away, but that was at the back of a scrum that was going backwards (was as much a scrum penalty as anything, imo).

Personally, I'd be more concerned about his size and tackling than his kicking. In the Toulouse game, which seems a good reference point, they scored from a 5m scrum (or maul maybe), breaking off the back of it, and Daly had to assist-tackle with Casey. It left a free man outside for a fairly easy score once they got the offload away.

It's a strange one but Murray and Casey are probably as contrasting a scrum-half pair as you could imagine.

09-02-2023 2:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219776#Comment_120219776

Yeah, Munster seem to have to find ways to hide him out there at times in defence, and teams have looked to exploit cross field kicks against him when he's in the wide channels defensively as well (Northampton this year for the penalty try that wasn't given) and at least one other game at the beginning of the season.

Agree on the scrum; but he did take an age to get the ball out of it too. He has to be smarter in those situations if the scrum is under the cosh.

He needs to pick his moments as well on when to snipe from 9; he had one really ill-advised carry before JVDFs try that could easily lead to a turnover.

ionadnapokot · 09-02-2023 2:13pm

Yea there is no doubt the are going to target him there also! It's going to be a tough day.

France are the typical side to suit Murray and not Casey.

Former Former Former · 09-02-2023 2:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219678#Comment_120219678

Exactly. The other poster was going on like Murray could somehow defy the law of physics every time he kicks.

"Hangtime", jaysus. Hang on till I dust off my Air Jordans and stick my Vanilla Ice CD on.

ionadnapokot · 09-02-2023 2:18pm

you've never dusted them off. still wearing the jeans backwards?

pickarooney · 09-02-2023 2:29pm

Hang Dai, Mr. Wu, Hang Dai

Burkie1203 · 09-02-2023 2:59pm

https://twitter.com/CianTracey1/status/1623682682877100033?t=pKc101M9PXtWfmITvi7O9Q&s=19

.....

pickarooney · 09-02-2023 3:01pm

Just the one change then? Hope Herring has a big game, no reason to think he won't.

Clegg · 09-02-2023 3:02pm

Sheehan out is a massive blow. Couple that with Furlong's continued absence and Kelleher's lack of fitness means we lose so much dynamism in the starting front row. I'm a fan of Herring and think he's a good player. But he doesn't offer what either Sheehan or a fit Kelleher does.

We can still win as home advantage is a big thing, but I'm not as confident as a was last Sunday.

Shehal · 09-02-2023 3:08pm

Of course there was absolutely no chance that an injury doubt would finally go our way for once with Sheehan.... Still the loss is sort of sooth with Kelleher being on the bench.

Tadgh Beirne who was probably a 6/7 out of 10 last week needs to be an 8/9 out of 10 this week in order to make up for Sheehan's absence.

Murray although named I wouldn't be surprised to see drop out tomorrow or Saturday based on what the Independent.ie said.

In the end it only 1 player missing from last week and in reality bar Sexton being out I dont think 1 player being missing cripples us especially with home advantage.

ionadnapokot · 09-02-2023 3:09pm

Good to see Murray starts at least (& Kelleher on the bench). If Ireland continue with their good starts and get the first try they can 'kick on' and win by 7-10.

stephen_n · 09-02-2023 3:11pm

Herring certainly won’t diminish our set piece. Think we will miss Sheehan’s dynamism in the loose but we have plenty of ball carriers. Like Furlong to Belham it’s a slight step down but nothing to worry about.

Shehal · 09-02-2023 3:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220090#Comment_120220090

Like Bealham Herring is a good player that we take for granted because the first choice is just that good.

sydthebeat · 09-02-2023 3:22pm

we lose absolutely nothing in link play or set piece with herring over sheeran.

we lose a bit on wide loose carries, but we certainly have other players who can step in here.

very happy that Murray is available, i can see him having a thunderous game on Saturday. Casey will need to bring control when he comes on, so this game will be probably his sternest test yet.

TRC10 · 09-02-2023 3:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220105#Comment_120220105

He is a good player, but the amount of power we've lost in Sheehan and Furlong is a huge concern. Herring and Bealham are both good players but nowhere near the level of freak athlete that the two lads are. You look across at the French frontrow and you can't get away from the fact that we're now massively outgunned in that area.

If we're to win this, we need to move the French pack around and play at a pace they can't live with. That's why I think Murray (as good as he was last week) starting is a mistake

Shehal · 09-02-2023 3:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220163#Comment_120220163

The rest of the pack are going to need to step up in this regard it means. At least Kelleher is available to come on in the 2nd half if needed.

Shehal · 09-02-2023 3:29pm

On the plus side unlike the last 2 games at least we now have Sexton available.

Musicrules · 09-02-2023 3:31pm

It's that time of the week. Time to get my expert appraisal and provide you with my hot tip. Last week I went for Ireland 37 Wales 12. I hope some of you benefitted nicely from that and enjoyed taking some cash off your chosen bookmaker.

I've been watching videos and analysing both sets of players all week. We now have the lineups. My weather experts have provided me with a detailed outlook on conditions. I've even checked on the grass through my contacts in Lansdowne Road.

Here is the conclusion of my analysis. It will be a high scoring game. Ireland will be far ahead in the high scoring contest but not as much as last week. France will struggle to stay in touch but score some outstanding tries but Ireland will outclass them. Here we go:

Ireland 32 France 22

Get on early, get on big, get on your disco pants!

sydthebeat · 09-02-2023 3:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220163#Comment_120220163

... ah we're not though.

this french team is less "gunned" than the team that beat us last year. Danty is a HUGE omission on their behalf. He was their main jackal threat out wide and he slowed down rucks enough to help set their line.

They were out mauled by the Italian pack last weekend, and dominant tackle show that the french certainly did not overpower the azzurri, if anything it was the other way. The italians made meters for fun by being very direct. the italians made 200 more meters than the french, and played the ball by hand over 100 times more.

The french kick.... kick long.. and hope for a mistake in the return, and a broken defensive line. they wont get those ins as easy against Ireland as they did against italy.

I really do hope the french come out to hit us off the park, because if they do they will hitting shadows all day.

as far as the front row are concerned, ireland showed last week how to target and tire front row defenders. we had owens blowing out of his hole after 25 minutes and francis had to go off after 40. We can do the same to atonio, baille and willemse behind. we wont get it easy, but we wont get blown off the park either

Larbre34 · 09-02-2023 3:42pm

Trust in the plan, run the big Froggies around until they drop, target their backfield and keep up the high tempo in the breakdown and set piece restarts and we'll be grand.

Sheehan is a loss, of course, but Herring is a wily old dog at this stage.

These French league players are already bunched from the relentlessness of Top 14, lets show them intensity they've never seen before.

Ireland 27-13 France

TRC10 · 09-02-2023 3:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220216#Comment_120220216

this french team is less "gunned" than the team that beat us last year. Danty is a HUGE omission on their behalf. He was their main jackal threat out wide and he slowed down rucks enough to help set their line.

I was talking about the frontrow. The French frontrow is miles better than ours. That's not a slight on Herring and Bealham who are both good. But in Baille and Marchand, they have the best loosehead and hooker in the world respectively. And Atonio would be in the top 3 tightheads.

phog · 09-02-2023 4:16pm

I hope I'm wrong but I don't see those kind of winning margins that are mentioned in the recent posts. I certainly think we can win but it's not a gimmie and as I think France can go all the way and win the RWC then I would have to think they can beat us here in the Avivia.

Former Former Former · 09-02-2023 4:21pm

Herring is more than good enough for this level and you could argue that he brings more set-piece stability than Sheehan. It's a loss but not a fatal one, and if Kelleher is fit enough for 30 minutes, even less so.

AbusesToilets · 09-02-2023 4:22pm

Just hoping we can avoid the usual slow start against France. Be nice for once to sit them down on their heels and have them play catch up, instead of the game ending and us wishing there was another 10mins.

09-02-2023 4:53pm

Not buying any doom-and-gloom, Herring has shown well plenty of times at international level, if we can't win a game with him and Kelleher in the 23 we can forget it. It's a positive we're getting quality minutes for guys who wouldn't otherwise, this is invaluable for him and Bealham.

TRC10 · 09-02-2023 5:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220602#Comment_120220602

It's not doom and gloom to acknowledge that while Herring is a good player who will do a good job, Sheehan is a genuine world class player and losing him is a blow, and also compounds the blow of losing Furlong. Kelleher coming back into the 23 does mitigate that somewhat.

There are area's where I think we're stronger than France. I think our back row is better. I think our back three shades theirs. Penaud is class but I'd take Lowe and Keenan over Doumoutier and Ramos. And our centres possibly edge theirs with Danty out, but it's close.

FWIW, I think we'll win this game. I will just be harder without Sheehan and Furlong. That's hardly doom and gloom.

Luckycharm · 09-02-2023 6:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120217512#Comment_120217512

Did you break PR?

Poorside · 09-02-2023 6:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220949#Comment_120220949

Yup, and I'd do it again....

Surprised Murray is playing, he'll either not be at the races or play an absolute blinder.

naughtyboy · 09-02-2023 6:58pm

If Ireland win this it will be farrells greatest win

Furlong sheehan Park henshaw are four massive losses

sydthebeat · 09-02-2023 7:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120221037#Comment_120221037

France are missing Jonathan Danty, Cameron Woki, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Maxime Lucu and Pierre Bougarit.

they are not without their own tribulations either.

redmca2 · 09-02-2023 7:34pm

Aside from the (negative) fact that so many players are getting hamstring injuries I think these late and generally unforeseen changes are a good indication of the kind of problems we are likely to have to manage at the World Cup. It's a good test of the depth of our squad.

Sportsmad5 · 09-02-2023 7:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220068#Comment_120220068

Why does one of the 2nd rows need to up his game to make up for a hookers absence, why is it not the other 2nd row or the 7 or the 8 or any other or all the team.

Dubinusa · 09-02-2023 8:21pm

Sheehan is a loss. I hope Kelleher come out like a berserker. It's a relief to have him back.

Brewster · 09-02-2023 9:40pm

No issues or concerns with Rob Herring, possibly a better lineout operator than both of other two. The gap from Furlong to Finlay B is arguable bigger than gap from Sheehan to Herring.

naughtyboy · 09-02-2023 10:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120221127#Comment_120221127

Our losses are way more, we are playing a top team the weekend

Sheehan running, furlongs passing skill, parks speed, henshaws ball carrying.

All 4 missing is hard to manage, if we win this it will be an achievement

sydthebeat · 09-02-2023 10:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120221810#Comment_120221810

Of course it will, but "Farrell's greatest win"?

That's hyperbolic to the extreme.

As I've said, France are also down some serious firepower

stephen_n · 09-02-2023 10:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120221810#Comment_120221810

Our losses are way more, we are playing a top team the weekend

and they’re not?

Larbre34 · 09-02-2023 10:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220978#Comment_120220978

I expect him to tear up trees.

Get well soon Mr. M.

molloyjh · 09-02-2023 11:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120221842#Comment_120221842

France do have more depth than we have though as well.

PokeHerKing · 09-02-2023 11:09pm

Givin the Italians ran the French close I'm fully expecting the French Globetrotters to show up and run rings around us.

Hopefully not!

FrancieBrady · 10-02-2023 8:48am

Given the hit Sexton took and what looked like two key players out for this game I think fortune is favouring us a bit this week.

I'm from an era when this tie used to have us hoping a travel affected French team would turn up, so immensely proud that we don't fear any French team home or away now.

The eyes of the rugby world will be on this game. The clash of No.1 and No.2 in the world.

Bring it on!

Shehal · 10-02-2023 11:38am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120221982#Comment_120221982

Not in the positions they are missing key players. They have noone who can fill in the role Jonathan Danty or Cameron Woki fill.

ironingbored · 10-02-2023 11:47am

Last year was a 6pt deficit in a raucous Stade de France.

19-7 down at HT (penalties killed us).

We were without Sexton, Lowe.

Even without Furlong, Sheehan, JGP and Henshaw, we should be 7pts better than France at home.

AckwelFoley · 10-02-2023 12:24pm

I've been waiting for this game since Autumn.

We have injuries, but reality is if we are going to be a great team and have any half aspirations of doing anything at all at the world cup we need to deal with this type of thing. No team will really ever have their first choice 15 available to them for extended periods. No great team is built around ine player, but if course not having g them can make a difference

Six Nations 2023 - Ireland v France Build-Up Thread, Sat 11th Feb KO 2:15PM - TV: RTÉ2, ITV, France2

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