Ireland vs France, 16:30 Saturday 13 February, Paris

Riskymove · 09-02-2010 02:36PM #1

Let the fun begin:

15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
10 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)

1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
3 - John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - A.N.Other
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

Riskymove · 09-02-2010 02:38PM

Rugby - Ireland v France team news: Ireland coach Declan Kidney will afford Stephen Ferris every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday’s crunch Six Nations clash in Paris. Ferris came through training with the rest of the squad this morning but a final decision on the flanker’s inclusion will not be taken until Thursday.

Ferris’s physicality and abrasiveness will be badly needed at the Stade de France and Kidney is clearly prepared to give the Ulster blindside as much time as necessary. Should Ferris fail to make it, Kevin McLaughlin and Sean O’Brien are waiting patiently in the wings.

There was initially some confusion over Donncha O'Callaghan’s involvement, with an IRFU press release claiming he too would be assessed over the next 48 hours. But it soon became apparent the second row has not recovered from the knee injury sustained in training last week and Leo Cullen will again start in his stead.

In the front row, Jerry Flannery retains his place at hooker while Marcus Horan is not even included among the possible replacements.

Behind the scrum, Ronan O’Gara’s performance against Italy saw him nail down the number 10 jersey with a fit-again Jonathan Sexton only named among the replacements.

Indeed, the solitary change in the backs sees Andrew Trimble make way for Keith Earls on the left wing. Trimble, who had been struggling with a hamstring problem, is among nine replacements to be whittled down to seven when the selection is finalised on Thursday.

Kidney's opposite number, Marc Lievremont, was dealt a series of blows earlier this afternoon after both his first choice wings were were ruled out.

Aurelien Rougerie and Benjamin Fall have failed to recover from knocks picked up in Scotland last Sunday while prop Luc Ducalcon also joins them on the injured list.

Rougerie started France’s 19-8 win over Scotland at the weekend but lasted just five minutes after two massive hits on Kelly Brown and John Beattie led to him injuring his neck.

Brive’s Alexis Palisson has been drafted into the squad but Vincent Clerc, so often Ireland’s tormentor in the past, is expected to be in the starting line-up when Lievremont reveals his hand tomorrow morning.

There seemed to be better news about Fall, who was initially pronounced fit today, but the Bayonne wing has now been replaced by Clermont’s Julien Malzieu for the meeting of the tournament favourites and defending champions.

Toulouse prop Jean-Baptiste Poux replaces Ducalcon with the 30-year-old coming back into the France squad for the first time in two years.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2010/0209/1224264061973.html

thomond2006 · 09-02-2010 02:54PM

Earls hat-trick ftw!

Crash · 09-02-2010 02:57PM

Glad to see Cullen keep his spot - in all fairness, I think we'll need his stabilising presence in the scrum.

Reloc8 · 09-02-2010 02:59PM

Glad for Cullen - think he's showed a lot of dog in him over the last couple of seasons and makes a nice pairing with POC (admittedly DOC clearly not considered as opposed to Cullen being preferred outright. Suspect Cullen would have got the nod anyway).

Big game for Earls...first major outing as starter since Lions (?)...best of luck to him...would be nice for him to repeat BOD's performance of 10 years ago.

Major question is who plays 6 if Ferris is out of action. I don't think McLaughlin did himself any harm against Italy but I don't think he did Italy any harm either. Personally I'd start Quinlan with O'Brien as cover and expected to play 20 minimum. Can't see that happening though

edited to remove nonsense lol

Riskymove · 09-02-2010 03:01PM

I presume they'll drop one of sexton/wallace from the bench?

its an interesting decision as wallace gives more cover, which may be more important than giving sexton 15 mins or whatever?

then again if Rog got injured early on i'd rather have sexton come on

Pocaide · 09-02-2010 03:01PM

Hope Ferris is fit to play will be badly needed n Paris

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 03:02PM

If Ferris isn't fit I don't see why it would be anything but McLaughlin starting and O'Brien on the bench.

Pocaide · 09-02-2010 03:03PM

Who would you rather have come on with 15 minutes to go chasing the game, Wallace or Sexton

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 03:04PM

At outhalf? Sexton, by so much it's not even funny.

Riskymove · 09-02-2010 03:04PM

Pocaide wrote: »

Who would you rather have come on with 15 minutes to go chasing the game, Wallace or Sexton

yeah but what happens if we get an injured centre or wing early on?

I suppose they could go with sexton and trimble on the bench but thats fairly light

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 03:06PM

Riskymove wrote: »

yeah but what happens if we get an injured centre or wing early on?

I suppose they could go with sexton and trimble on the bench but thats fairly light

What do you mean by fairly light? Earls, Bowe and at a push Trimble can all play centre. Trimble covers wing. Bowe covers full back. Trimble/Sexton is a grand bench.

If Trimble isn't fit then its a bit sketchy.

Reloc8 · 09-02-2010 03:11PM

If Ferris is not fit, I presume McLaughlin starts.

It then depends on whether he goes for 5 forwards 2 backs or 4 and 3. If the former, Reddan and Sexton if sexton is fit (he has four competent centres on the starting 15 already) and he brings in Shane Jennings from the extended squad presumably. If he goes for 4 - 3 then Reddan, Sexton, Trimble (can't see Trimble dropped all the way off the 22 from starting last week and no reason for him to be dropped).

If Sexton is not fit, same applies but Wallace instead.

I presume he picks 3 backs and 4 forward replacement but can see a strong argument for the other option in light of the versatility in the backline.

Reloc8 · 09-02-2010 03:19PM

Rougerie, Ducalcon and Fall are all out for France. Replaced by s Palisson (Brive), Poux (Toulouse) and Malzieu (Clermont).

So V Clerc to start then...buggerit.

Then again its unreal that Lievremont doen't have Picamoles, Millo-Chluski, Fritz and Elissaide in that squad/starting 15.

thomond2006 · 09-02-2010 03:24PM

Reloc8 wrote: »

Then again its unreal that Lievremont doen't have Picamoles, Millo-Chluski, Fritz and Elissaide in that squad/starting 15.

Both are injured.

d'Oracle · 09-02-2010 03:26PM

Other seems to get a lot of caps.
Never seen him play though.......

Reloc8 · 09-02-2010 03:27PM

It is therefore less unreal

09-02-2010 03:27PM

Good selection i think.

Not a lot of people seem to agree with me but i thought Trimble was shocking the last day. He just seemed really really nervous and didn't know what to do at times. This vulnerability just wasn't exposed in the Italy game.

Earls has a lot more confidence of late. I'm not worried about him. I think he'll do well.

In the absence of Ferris, McLaughlin is a fine player. Not as physically monstrous as Ferris, but he plays in such a way as to make up for it. He seems to be an intelligent player and makes the right decisions most of the time.

That being said, i'd also like to see Quinnie get a shot. He's really up for it. Every interview with him over the last 6 months, he's been going on about how much he'd love to play in green again.

The Wallace/Sexton thing is, actually, an interesting one. Paddy's in good form, showed some flashes of magic last week i thought and can play 10 (reasonably) well, although obviously not as well as Sexton. He could change the game at 12 though.

D'Arcy and Wallace are very different players. Wallace i think, gives the backline more fluidity, which could be handy in the last 15/20 minutes when the opposition are battered.

Can't wait.

France by 10.

OAOB · 09-02-2010 03:36PM

Strange that there's no Ulster player named in the starting line up (presuming Ferris doesn't make it), thought that R.Best would start at hooker if this was the case

Spud83 · 09-02-2010 03:37PM

OAOB wrote: »

Strange that there's no Ulster player named in the starting line up (presuming Ferris doesn't make it), thought that R.Best would start at hooker if this was the case

Surely thats not a good way to be selecting a side?

shawpower · 09-02-2010 03:40PM

I've a couple of thoughts on this squad selection.

1. I thought McLaughlin did just about okay for his first cap, but really not enough to suggest he should start v France. Which isn't bad considering his goal for the year was to get one or two games for Leinster!! But realistically if Ferris doesn't start, I'd sooner have Quinlan or else O'Brien in at 6. But from the panel, it looks likely that McL or SOB will play 6 with the other on the bench. McL isn't a huge threat from the bench I'd suggest. So this is a questionable call by DK. :eek:

2. DK holds off on backup for ROG until Sexton passes/fails fitness test. Can't see a problem here, as Sexton is clearly 1st/2nd choice 10 for Ireland at this stage.

3. No real surprise to see Leo start, given DOC isn't fit yet. It'll be interesting to see who gets the nod when DOC is back again. I would guess it'll stay with the guy in possession of the jersey given how well Leo played in the first game.

However, for me the strangest decision is on the wing.

I figured Trimble would be out given he had a niggly injury, but really don't understand him being dropped to the bench in place of Earls. Earls hasn't played much on the wing recently, and although he has serious pace and a reasonable step, I'm not convinced of his finishing when in traffic. Against SA I thought he spurned one or two half chances. Someone like Hickey of old, or Bowe/Shaggy now might have done better. He's got oodles of potential, and this will hopefully improve as time passes. But equally, him not playing regularly in the wing position for Munster might limit this.

But I think it's fair to say that at this stage DK has made a permanent decision that Horgan won't be back in the team. I think he's been the form wing out of all our players going back since the summer. His tries and creation of tries for Leinster have been superb. Against the French, his power, pace and experience could have been key. I hope he does well, but I'd have Earls on the bench with Horgan starting. Earls could have covered for Centre/Wing or FB. Trimble is a good wing, but we've seen his serious limitations in centre a few times before for Ireland.

Just my 2c worth.

OAOB · 09-02-2010 03:40PM

alanmurphy83 wrote: »

Surely thats not a good way to be selecting a side?

I didn't say it was a good way of picking a team but Ireland nearly always line up with at least 1 Ulster player starting

09-02-2010 03:42PM

OAOB wrote: »

Strange that there's no Ulster player named in the starting line up (presuming Ferris doesn't make it), thought that R.Best would start at hooker if this was the case

What do you think this is? South Africa?

jokejokejokejokejokejokejokejokejoke

shawpower · 09-02-2010 03:45PM

OAOB wrote: »

I didn't say it was a good way of picking a team but Ireland nearly always line up with at least 1 Ulster player starting

I think it's only happened once that not a single Ulster player was included in the match 22. Not sure if that shows the politics of the situation (sorry), or that they've just been a strong bed of talent down the years.

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 03:49PM

OAOB wrote: »

I didn't say it was a good way of picking a team but Ireland nearly always line up with at least 1 Ulster player starting

Because there's normally at least one Ulster player worthy of a spot.

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 03:53PM

I still can't get over people suggesting Quinnie for the 6 spot. You'd get 50 minutes max out of him and bemoaning a loss of physicality in Ferris and then asking for Quinnie makes no sense. He's a great 6, but he's not exactly a monster (McLaughlin is the bigger guy). He looked off the pace against the Argies last season, keeping up with the pace of a game against France in Paris is simply beyond him at this point.

09-02-2010 03:56PM

Im just glad Barcela is injured,id say Hayes is aswell.

Riskymove · 09-02-2010 03:57PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

Because there's normally at least one Ulster player worthy of a spot.

tbf he moved to the Opsreys

Reloc8 · 09-02-2010 03:59PM

And then suddenly the Welsh players didn't like us anymore.

buck65 · 09-02-2010 04:19PM

Wallace would have to be the bench option even with Sexton fit. Same way if Sexton was 10 I wouldn't have O Gara in the 22.

andrewdcs · 09-02-2010 04:19PM

Quinlan has had a few standout games for Munster in the HC recently, but McL has hardly lacked for Leinster. Can't see any reason to drop him, but for Ferris coming back.

peterako · 09-02-2010 04:30PM

shawpower wrote: »

I've a couple of thoughts on this squad selection.
.....
However, for me the strangest decision is on the wing.

I figured Trimble would be out given he had a niggly injury, but really don't understand him being dropped to the bench in place of Earls. Earls hasn't played much on the wing recently, and although he has serious pace and a reasonable step, I'm not convinced of his finishing when in traffic. Against SA I thought he spurned one or two half chances. Someone like Hickey of old, or Bowe/Shaggy now might have done better. He's got oodles of potential, and this will hopefully improve as time passes. But equally, him not playing regularly in the wing position for Munster might limit this.

But I think it's fair to say that at this stage DK has made a permanent decision that Horgan won't be back in the team. I think he's been the form wing out of all our players going back since the summer. His tries and creation of tries for Leinster have been superb. Against the French, his power, pace and experience could have been key. I hope he does well, but I'd have Earls on the bench with Horgan starting. Earls could have covered for Centre/Wing or FB. Trimble is a good wing, but we've seen his serious limitations in centre a few times before for Ireland.

Just my 2c worth.

Add another 2c to the above from me.....

ALH-06 · 09-02-2010 04:34PM

shawpower wrote: »

Earls hasn't played much on the wing recently, and although he has serious pace and a reasonable step, I'm not convinced of his finishing when in traffic.

Is no-one else worried about his defensive ability? I've seen Earls shrugged off way more tackles than is acceptable for an internationally capped player. It goes without saying that Clerc is one of the more elusive players in world rugby, I hope Earls rises to the challenge.

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 04:34PM

buck65 wrote: »

Wallace would have to be the bench option even with Sexton fit. Same way if Sexton was 10 I wouldn't have O Gara in the 22.

I disagree. Wallace only really covers 12, if he has to come on at 10 for any length of time Ireland are in serious trouble. Earls and Bowe can both play centre if needs be. Sexton can come on and change the game at fly half which could be important.

Benny Cake · 09-02-2010 04:35PM

Delighted to see Earls get a go from the start. Trimble did well the last day but not enough to make his selection a no-brainer......

Its time for Earls to deliver on his potential and show he is the international class player we need him to be......

premierstone · 09-02-2010 04:37PM

andrewdcs wrote: »

Quinlan has had a few standout games for Munster in the HC recently, but McL has hardly lacked for Leinster. Can't see any reason to drop him, but for Ferris coming back.

I think the arguement for Quinlan is horses for courses and that bit of experience, but I agree McLaughlin has also had a great year, and was fine against Italy if not spectacular but thats not suprising considering he was making he's debut and the team as a whole were under performing, my biggest concern for him would be he's relative lack of big game experience.

While I think personally a Quinlan, Wallace, Heaslip backrow has more balance to it, I dont think McLaughlin overly weakens it tbh.

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 04:42PM

God, Frankie Sheahan has to be one of the worst pundits going at the moment. He's apparently shocked that Horan didn't make the bench despite him not covering TH and having his arse handed to him against Scotland in the scrum. Meanwhile Court came on at TH against Italy and did a stand-up job.His blog seems to be just somewhere he can talk about how great all his friends are - it's the problem with ex-players doing this kind of stuff.

buck65 · 09-02-2010 04:43PM

As much as I rate Quinlan, I think it's time to focus on who will be there in the seasons to come. Mc Laughlin will benefit enormously from this campaign. Quinlan could do a job for 55 minutes but what are we learning?

Wallace has also plenty of place kicking and OH experience. He definitely added to the game when he came in last week at OH.

buck65 · 09-02-2010 04:44PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

God, Frankie Sheahan has to be one of the worst pundits going at the moment. He's apparently shocked that Horan didn't make the bench despite him not covering TH and having his arse handed to him against Scotland in the scrum. Meanwhile Court came on at TH against Italy and did a stand-up job.His blog seems to be just somewhere he can talk about how great all his friends are - it's the problem with ex-players doing this kind of stuff.

He's not the worst.

siltirocker · 09-02-2010 04:44PM

As regards the whole at least one Ulster player starting political BS. Matt Williams said it on the Hub during the November internationals & Neil Francis said it on the radio b4 the Italy game. Francis was quite forward in this statement and reckoned Trimble wouldn't have started if this wasn't the case.

Now im not saying i agree with it but, testimony from a former Irish international and a very recent Ulster coach is hard to shoo away.

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 04:49PM

Yes, but Francis is an idiot. That said, it may well have happened in his day, that I wouldn't be surprised about, but there is no way it's happening now (though you have to wonder if Francis was replaced by an Ulster player and he decided it was for a quota rather than because he was a lazy sod). Winning games is of far more value to the IRFU than appeasing the Ulster Branch or whatever other reason these people think it might be done. I'd be shocked if half the people who claim Trimble was a "quota call" had even watched him play this season, because if they had they would have known he's playing better than Earls.

Emmet Byrne actually implied it as well, which I was surprised about.

siltirocker · 09-02-2010 04:52PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

I disagree. Wallace only really covers 12, if he has to come on at 10 for any length of time Ireland are in serious trouble. Earls and Bowe can both play centre if needs be. Sexton can come on and change the game at fly half which could be important.

I find it hard to say but i'd give Wallace the 21 shirt. If ROG is poor, yea Sexton will be great but if ROG is getting on fine and we still need that va-va-voom (which is probably what is going to happen) Wallace would be great as he showed last weekend.

Sexton on the bench might not need be called on. He'll only come on if ROG is having a 'mare.

Wallace if on the bench, will definitely play a part in this game.

There is just more likely scenarios where we'll need Paddy Wallace next weekend than we'll need Sexton.

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 04:59PM

siltirocker wrote: »

I find it hard to say but i'd give Wallace the 21 shirt. If ROG is poor, yea Sexton will be great but if ROG is getting on fine and we still need that va-va-voom (which is probably what is going to happen) Wallace would be great as he showed last weekend.

Sexton on the bench might not need be called on. He'll only come on if ROG is having a 'mare.

Wallace if on the bench, will definitely play a part in this game.

There is just more likely scenarios where we'll need Paddy Wallace next weekend than we'll need Sexton.

Wallace would not be great. I would have no issue with Wallace starting at 12, but he is not a good 10. He was poor against the Saxons and playing 15 minutes against Italy when the game is over as a contest is hardly indicative of anything. If anything happens to ROG, be it an injury or just playing poorly, and Sexton isn't on the bench then we're screwed. Every single outside back in the 22 bar Kearney has played at centre at some point so there is cover there so we won't need Wallace for anything.

I think it's quite harsh on Wallace if he is dropped from the 22, but thems the breaks unfortunately. I'd be more concerned about lacking back 3 cover or fly half cover than centre cover given the players starting. This could all be moot depending on how the injury to Trimble comes along.

siltirocker · 09-02-2010 05:13PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

Wallace would not be great. I would have no issue with Wallace starting at 12, but he is not a good 10. He was poor against the Saxons and playing 15 minutes against Italy when the game is over as a contest is hardly indicative of anything. If anything happens to ROG, be it an injury or just playing poorly, and Sexton isn't on the bench then we're screwed. Every single outside back in the 22 bar Kearney has played at centre at some point so there is cover there so we won't need Wallace for anything.

I think it's quite harsh on Wallace if he is dropped from the 22, but thems the breaks unfortunately. I'd be more concerned about lacking back 3 cover or fly half cover than centre cover given the players starting. This could all be moot depending on how the injury to Trimble comes along.

I don't think you caught my drift (but that's probably down to the way i loosely put it).

It's not a positional thing at all in my opinion. It's down to who, (with 15 minutes) left will make more of an impact for Ireland. And unless the one scenario, where O'Gara is playing shockingly bad (which i reckon he won't), i would prefer Wallace to Sexton. I highlighted in your previous post the notion of Sexton 'changing' the game, i feel Wallace would be the man for that. I have the notion that Sexton will 'improve' the team. But i think quality won't be our problem on Saturday, it'll be our variety and ability to change it up when/if needed. And for that reason im hoping for 80 of O'Gara and Wallace at centre for the last 15/20 minutes on Saturday.

If you were strictly on about fly-half cover, then we've been discussing apples & oranges. haha.:D

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 05:24PM

siltirocker wrote: »

It's not a positional thing at all in my opinion. It's down to who, (with 15 minutes) left will make more of an impact for Ireland. And unless the one scenario, where O'Gara is playing shockingly bad (which i reckon he won't), i would prefer Wallace to Sexton.

Fair enough, but Sexton is a different player to O'Gara and would certainly alter things by coming on at 10 for the last 15 minutes. O'Gara doesn't have to be playing badly for that to happen any more than D'Arcy has to be playing badly for Wallace to come on. I suppose you could argue as to which would have the greater impact but I think Sexton would. Wallace is certainly a very different player to D'Arcy but Sexton is in the more pivotal role and can change things up a lot by starting to run at the French backrow and midfield - something ROG won't be doing. There is definitely space to exploit there, as evidenced by Scotland and the change of tack could easily catch the likes of Basteraud out methinks. Wallace doesn't seem to be used all that effectively by Ireland in the 12 shirt anyway.

Ciaran-Irl · 09-02-2010 05:38PM

buck65 wrote: »

He's not the worst.

He is a good match commentator, but the blog isn't great at all.

outwest · 09-02-2010 05:50PM

my god he must of been watching the under20 games, horan wont play anypart in the 6 nations, just not up to the fitness levels just yet,

it be along few day till we find out the actual 22,

thomond2006 · 09-02-2010 06:01PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

God, Frankie Sheahan has to be one of the worst pundits going at the moment. He's apparently shocked that Horan didn't make the bench despite him not covering TH and having his arse handed to him against Scotland in the scrum. Meanwhile Court came on at TH against Italy and did a stand-up job.His blog seems to be just somewhere he can talk about how great all his friends are - it's the problem with ex-players doing this kind of stuff.

Link?

09-02-2010 06:01PM

outwest wrote: »

my god he must of been watching the under20 games, horan wont play anypart in the 6 nations, just not up to the fitness levels just yet,

it be along few day till we find out the actual 22,

This is getting comical.
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/sixnations/

has replied to people saying that Horan cant play tighthead and thus shouldnt be on the bench,with the response that John Hayes can play loosehead if needed.

It apears that Frankie is suggesting that John Hayes can switch to Loosehead and Horan can move to tighthead.

Hi all - thanks again for all of your comments.

On the Horan v Court issue - lets look at the issue in a bit more detail…..

-Firstly, let me clarify that i do believe that Cian Healy deserves his starting place at loosehead after his performance against Castro on Saturday.

-Secondly, I do believe that its imperative that Horan is included in the 22 as he would be a great guy to spring off the bench, especially against the French.

-Thirdly, I have played with John Hayes at loosehead and while it is not ideal he can switch into the position without too much disruption. The question is - how much better would Court be at tighthead than Hayes would be at loosehead.

-Finally, how many times has John Hayes ever had to leave a pitch due to injury for Ireland or Munster. You would expect him to last the full 80

Comment by Frankie Sheahan

Podge_irl · 09-02-2010 06:10PM

Court replaced Hayes at tighthead in the very last match Ireland played! And I don't expect him to last the full 80, it's rather unfair to expect that of him at this stage. Hell, ignoring the TH issue, Court is currently a better loosehead as well. Horan will be back I've no doubt, but he's still short of full fitness and was awful in the Scotland game.

Imperative that Horan be there? What is he smoking.

Edit: wait a second, I've just re-read the whole Hayes at loosehead thing. It doesn't even make sense. Horan can't cover tighthead, but its okay because Hayes can cover loosehead? What the hell?

09-02-2010 06:11PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

Court replaced Hayes at tighthead in the very last match Ireland played! And I don't expect him to last the full 80, it's rather unfair to expect that of him at this stage. Hell, ignoring the TH issue, Court is currently a better loosehead as well. Horan will be back I've no doubt, but he's still short of full fitness and was awful in the Scotland game.

Imperative that Horan be there? What is he smoking.

I really dont see how he can get himself out of this situation haha.

Ireland vs France, 16:30 Saturday 13 February, Paris

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