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Irish best 2 players in each position.

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Brendan
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Post by Biltong Thu 19 Apr - 9:59

I would like the Irish supporters to tell me who are their BEST CURRENT two players in each position, BUt I also want to know how many international caps they have, and how many clubs caps they have.

It won't help if you just provide names, I want to establish a list of the best with experience noted.
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Post by LordDowlais Thu 19 Apr - 10:06

Why ?

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Post by Biltong Thu 19 Apr - 10:11

Well, we are having a discussion about the Irish prospects over in NZ, and squad selection seems to be a big debating point.

Over the six nations Kidney has been criticised for some of his selections and gameplan.

So I want to establish how many players that are believed should be in a potential squad of thirty has international experience.

It will indicate how "risky" it will be to make selections if Ireland wants to change things up. thumbsup
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Post by red_stag Thu 19 Apr - 10:16

This is all subjective. Front Rows.

Best Team:
01 Cian Healy, 24 years old, capped 30 times for Ireland, played 35 Heineken Cup games, 57 games in the Pro 12
02 Rory Best, 29 years old, capped 60 times for Ireland, played 34 Heineken Cup games, 89 games in the Pro 12
03 Mike Ross, 32 years old, capped 20 times for Ireland, played 38 Heineken Cup games, 40 games in the Pro 12 (and some Premiership)

Backup Team:
01 Tom Court, 31 years old, capped 29 times for Ireland, played 28 Heineken Cup games, 67 games in the Pro 12
02 Sean Cornin, 25 years old, capped 19 times for Ireland, played 23 Heineken Cup games, 58 games in the Pro 12
03 Jamie Hagan, 24 years old, uncapped, played 14 Heineken Cup games, 54 games in the Pro 12

More to follow.
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Post by red_stag Thu 19 Apr - 10:20

Best Team:
04 Donnacha Ryan, 28 years old, capped 18 times for Ireland, played 28 Heineken Cup games, 72 games in the Pro 12
05 Paul O'Connell, 32 years old, capped 85 times for Ireland, played 65 Heineken Cup games, 61 games in the Pro 12

Backup Team:
04 Donnacha O'Callaghan, 33 years old, capped 85 times for Ireland, played 85 Heineken Cup games, 102 games in the Pro 12
05 Dan Tuohy, 26 years old, capped 2 times for Ireland, played 19 Heineken Cup games, 47 games in the Pro 12 (and Premiership)

More to follow
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Post by Biltong Thu 19 Apr - 10:27

Thanks Stag, this will help to bring some format to the discussions.
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Post by rodders Thu 19 Apr - 10:31

15 Rob Kearney, Felix Jones
14 Bowe , Trimble, Kearney jr*
13 O'Driscoll, Cave, Earls
12 McFadden , Wallace, D'arcy
11 Fitzgerald, Zebo*, Gilroy*
10 Sexton , Madigan*, ROG
9 Reddan, Boss, Murray
8 Heaslip, O'Mahoney, Coughlan*
7 SOB , O' Mahoney , Henry
6 Ferris, SOB
5 O'Connell, Touhy, McCarthy
4 Ryan, Toner, O'Callaghan
3 Ross, Hagan
2 Best, Cronin
1 Healy, Court

* uncapped

Sorry Biltong will need to look up the caps later. I've added 3 were the best two are not clear cut.
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Post by red_stag Thu 19 Apr - 10:32

Best Team:
06 Stephen Ferris, 26 years old, capped 35 times for Ireland, played 28 Heineken Cup games, 68 games in the Pro 12
07 Sean O'Brien, 25 years old, capped 19 times for Ireland, played 25 Heineken Cup games, 42 games in the Pro 12
08 Jamie Heaslip, 28 years old, capped 48 times for Ireland, played 51 Heineken Cup games, 92 games in the Pro 12

Backup Team:
06 Peter O'Mahony, 22 years old, capped 4 times for Ireland, played 6 Heineken Cup games, 23 games in the Pro 12
07 Chris Henry, 27 years old, capped 1 time for Ireland, played 22 Heineken Cup games, 60 games in the Pro 12
08 Rhys Ruddock, 21 years old, capped 1 time for Ireland, played 5 Heineken Cup games, 32 games in the Pro 12

More to follow
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Post by Biltong Thu 19 Apr - 10:32

That's fine thanks rodders, I am sure we will debate the best two selections of each position once we have a big enough data base to work from.
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Post by Mickado Thu 19 Apr - 10:34

guinness


Last edited by Mickado on Thu 19 Apr - 10:37; edited 1 time in total

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Post by red_stag Thu 19 Apr - 10:36

Best Team:
09 Conor Murray, 22 years old, capped 9 times for Ireland, played 9 Heineken Cup games, 13 games in the Pro 12
10 Jonathan Sexton, 26 years old, capped 29 times for Ireland, played 28 Heineken Cup games, 59 games in the Pro 12

Backup Team:
09 Eoin Reddan, 31 years old, capped 42 times for Ireland, played 64 Heineken Cup games, 62 games in the Pro 12 (and Premiership)
10 Ian Madigan, 23 years old, uncapped, played 6 Heineken Cup games, 39 games in the Pro 12

More to follow but I have to go do some work first. Will try to finish this at lunch.


Last edited by red_stag on Thu 19 Apr - 10:37; edited 1 time in total
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Post by red_stag Thu 19 Apr - 10:36

Sorry Mick - yes I mean ERC matches. This includes Amlin Cup.
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Post by GunsGerms Thu 19 Apr - 11:11

red_stag wrote:Best Team:
09 Conor Murray, 22 years old, capped 9 times for Ireland, played 9 Heineken Cup games, 13 games in the Pro 12
10 Jonathan Sexton, 26 years old, capped 29 times for Ireland, played 28 Heineken Cup games, 59 games in the Pro 12

Backup Team:
09 Eoin Reddan, 31 years old, capped 42 times for Ireland, played 64 Heineken Cup games, 62 games in the Pro 12 (and Premiership)
10 Ian Madigan, 23 years old, uncapped, played 6 Heineken Cup games, 39 games in the Pro 12

More to follow but I have to go do some work first. Will try to finish this at lunch.

Conor Murray isn't our best scrumhalf. He is good but Reddan is better.

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Post by GunsGerms Thu 19 Apr - 11:16

..captain slow.

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Post by rodders Thu 19 Apr - 11:29

I don't think Murray is second best either. Isaac Boss is and Paul Marshall is arguably 3rd best.

No idea how Stringer is getting on though.

Murray isn't playing any better than O'Leary right now. Not sure whats wrong with him but his service has become really slow this season.

He needs to sort himself out because he has the talent to be world class.
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Post by geoff998rugby Thu 19 Apr - 11:33

In order Murray, Reddan, Marshall, Boss, Stringer, TOL for me - none convince me at this level though.

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Post by Biltong Thu 19 Apr - 11:38

Guys, once we have enough candidates I will put up a poll for you to vote and discuss who is best and bac up, for now, I just need the names and experience please.


It doesn't matter if we have ore than two players per position, we will establish that with a poll.
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Post by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 19 Apr - 12:19

Fair play Biltong OK

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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 12:39

1. Healy is the obvious first choice, with Court second. McAllister will overtake Court soon enough, and I think he will even push Healy hard for the starting place. He is a similar type of player. But for now, Healy and Court.

2. Best is the best option for sure, tons of experience and leadership. Could be the next irish captain. Cronin follows Best, he is young and has really stepped up this year. Very dynamic ball carrier, needs to work on the set piece a bit more. Improving though.

3. Ross is the ONLY option we have. Our backup is apparently Court, a loosehead. We need to seriously start giving a chance to our younger options. Hagan, Archer, Macklin. Macklin I think has the most potential of all those guys. He NEEDS game time though, and needs specialist coaching. This position should have the most focus for the future. It is essential we sort this out.

4. This shirt has to be in Ryan's possession now. I have a horrible feeling O'Callaghan could still start, but it must be Ryan at 4. He gets through a ton of work, is fantastic in the line-out and just adds so much to the pack. O'Callaghan probably the back up 4 for now.

5. O'Connell, this one is pretty obvious. He offers a lot to the team, both in his playing ability and his leadership. Not sure how much longer he will be there though. The next best option is Tuohy. A very dynamic ball carrier, he performs best with a hard working second row by his side. Ryan and Tuohy would be the perfect partnership IMO. Hopefully one we will see gel for years very soon.

6. This is where I start to get confused. The best two back rows I have seen for Ireland, consist of O'Brien or Ferris at 6, with Wallace a 7 and Heaslip. Not sure which I prefer either to be honest. For now Ferris gets the shirt, he is playing some of his best rugby. But O'Brien is the next best option, and will be pushing Ferris hard for the starting position. Like I said, not sure which I prefer though.

7. This is where I get really confused. I would say O'Brien, but as I pointed out our best two back rows had EITHER Ferris or O'Brien at 6. With that in mind, I guess I would still have O'Brien as first choice 7, and probably Jennings based on his performances for Leinster as back up. Henry next. We need a few young guys coming through though. Maybe Birch will be a prospect? Or O'Donnell for Munster. We will see.

8. Time to play O'Mahony in his best position, and bring out the best in Heaslip too. He has all the attributes for an 8, and gives such momentum when he carries the ball. He is also very aggressive, and a fantastic line-out operator. Heaslip as the back up. We all know exactly what Heaslip can offer on his day, but we haven't been seeing those days consistently. With O'Mahony presenting a huge challenge, I think we will start to see the best of him again. He still sits behind O'Mahony for now though.

There are my choices for the forwards. Will look at the backs later.

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Post by GunsGerms Thu 19 Apr - 13:26

roddersm wrote:I don't think Murray is second best either. Isaac Boss is and Paul Marshall is arguably 3rd best.

No idea how Stringer is getting on though.

Murray isn't playing any better than O'Leary right now. Not sure whats wrong with him but his service has become really slow this season.

He needs to sort himself out because he has the talent to be world class.

Completely agree. Boss and Marshall have been playing really well and add more than Murray. Dont get why he keeps getting the nod.

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Post by red_stag Thu 19 Apr - 13:42

Murray has been very poor since his return from the RWC and was downright dreadful in the game against Ulster. I don't want to scapegoat him but his poor performance was a massive factor in that defeat.

I think the absense of Stringer has stalled his development and we will see an improved Murray next season when P.Stringer returns to us in May.

I personally think Marshall is a little over rated and his top performances are often short cameos at the end of matches or in the Pro 12. He is fast but his accuracy isn't great.

I'd be inclined to stick to Reddan, Murray and Boss for this tour. Murray isn't playing great but he is the current first choice hence the reason I included him.
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Post by GunsGerms Thu 19 Apr - 13:50

Appreciate your honesty Stag. Why do you think Boss keeps getting overlooked?

Maybe you're right about Marshall. It is hard to tell how good he really is when not first choice but everytime I've seen him he was impressive.

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Post by geoff998rugby Thu 19 Apr - 13:55

To repeat the stat that Marshall has had more game time than any other Irish scrum half this year.

Marshall is, probably, not good enough to start BUT, and its a big BUT - he is a game changer, as a sub, in a way none of the alternatives come even close to matching.

Boss and Reddan are both the wrong side of 30 which is why I only would select one - we need to start looking at alternatives and Reddan has to go.

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Post by red_stag Thu 19 Apr - 13:57

Geoff - I'd have no problem with bringing only one of Boss/Reddan.

Leinsterbaby - he got noticed at an awkward time and was fairly unlucky. Only got noiced really when moved to Leinster but was playing well for Ulster
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Post by LeinsterFan4life Thu 19 Apr - 14:03

jennings is our best 7 not o brien

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Post by rodders Thu 19 Apr - 14:08

geoff998rugby wrote:
Boss and Reddan are both the wrong side of 30 which is why I only would select one - we need to start looking at alternatives and Reddan has to go.

Well Murray is the alternative but isn't playing well. Marshall is the other.

Leinster have shown over the past two seasons the value of having contrasting styles of scrum-half - someone with quicker service and good all round scrum half skills and footballing ability and someone with a bit more physicality, agression and running threat. They cover all the bases and the only catch is knowing who to use when.

Leinster have two sets of quality half backs, all of whom are performing extremely well and are IQ, so I don't know why we want to reinvent the wheel at international level when schmidt has layed the halfback combinations to us on a plate.

Murray is not performing as well as Reddan or Boss this season so I don't know why we would break up either Leinster half back combination to accommodate him. If he finds his form then yes for sure but until then no.

It is purely a political decision by Kidney to avoid playing two Leinster halfbacks imo. I'm sure I'll be slated for saying it but thats what I believe.

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Post by Brendan Thu 19 Apr - 18:02

Problem with Jennings is he has tried and failed repeatedly

Being good at HC and International are not the same.

Madigan is good but until he starts a game against the big teams he is unproven.

Look at Sexon great at HC but he wasn't great at International for a while and still has off days.

Nothing like doing a Cips on it like england and ruin him before he is even there.

There is a great scum half at leinster who is Irelands u20s don't think people think he should be thrown into HC because he has potential

L4F you do come across as leinster is great the rest of Ireland suck. It is fine to love Leinster more then Ireland many do but please don't be blind.

Ferris in a bad Ulster team was still the best.

If Munster but out their B&I cup team with Paul O he would still be the best lock in Ireland.

Leinster are a great team but their sum is better not all their parts

Rant over! Rest of leinster posters you are objective and we all have some colour in our eye but we have one good eye to see.

Bare one or two places few would disagree that DK is picking the right players. Its how he uses them we all have issues with

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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 21:37

No, he isn't picking the right players though. D'Arcy, DOC.. why are they still starting for Ireland? Why even were they playing in the 6 nations? You can play like a dog's dinner and still get selected for Ireland. There is no passion needed to play.

Backs selection coming right up btw.

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Post by Notch Thu 19 Apr - 21:47

1. Cian Healy, Tom Court
2. Rory Best, Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross, Jamie Hagan
4. Donnacha Ryan, Dan Tuohy
5. Paul O'Connell, Leo Cullen
6. Stephen Ferris, Sean O'Brien
7. Peter O'Mahony, Shane Jennings
8. Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry
9. Eoin Reddan, Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton, Ronan O'Gara
11. Keith Earls, Simon Zebo
12. Paddy Wallace, Fergus McFadden
13. Brian O'Driscoll, Darren Cave
14. Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble
15. Rob Kearney, Felix Jones

That's my opinion. Not all like for like. Sean O'Brien has been playing at 7 for Ireland for instance, a bit of a problem position. Hagan isn't even in the squad, not getting first team rugby in the Heineken Cup with Leinster but the tighthead situation is desperate.

There are some guys like Gordon D'Arcy, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace who were previously key players and will retire with the respect and admiration of every Irish rugby fan- but their race is run. Time to move on.

EDIT; Trimble so good I named him twice? Oops. Meant to include Simon Zebo. Changed it now. OK


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Post by Notch Thu 19 Apr - 21:49

red_stag wrote:I personally think Marshall is a little over rated and his top performances are often short cameos at the end of matches or in the Pro 12. He is fast but his accuracy isn't great.

In Ireland, when a player does flashy, eye-catching stuff well we tend to go overboard. Whereas often we don't notice the difference basic skills make. That's whats happened with Marshall. Brings a great spark into the game and a real running threat but is far from the consummate 9 in terms of his passing, game control and decision making. He's come on a lot though, he deserves credit for the improvement in his game. But I don't see him as being above 4th or 5th choice even still.
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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 22:09

9. Reddan should be first choice at the minute. He gives Sexton quick service at the breakdown, and generally excels with quick recycled ball. The type of game Ireland wish to play. Or should be playing already. Murray would probably be next, as the more modern physical 9, which I am not that keen on if I'm honest. First and foremost, quick ball is key. McGrath is the player to watch in the future though, and he fits the quick ball game.

10. Definitely Sexton. For Leinster he really does run the show, I love watching him for Leinster. We all know now why he doesn't replicate it for Ireland though (like nearly every other player). But, he is the best option regardless. I hope we actually do play to his strengths someday, and become a world class team, but sure. Madigan as the back up. He has the potential to be even better. But once again, you have to actually play to his strengths. Otherwise just pick ROG for another 4 years.

11. Probably Trimble here. He is a fantastic, direct running winger, and has amazing strength. Loves to cut inside and run through defences. He and Bowe are likely to start for Ulster next season and I am very exciting to see them both play. This is another reason why I think we could see both play for Ireland too. They will be playing so many games together, I think it will bring out the best in the both of them. My back up here would be Earls. I don't really know what to say about Earls. Such a dangerous player, but I just think he is out of his depth compared to some of the other guys. He really should have stayed at wing.

12. This one is tricky. The three players right now I would pick from, are Wallace due to his current form, McFadden as the youngest and possibly best option, and BOD to switch to 12 and help bring through the next 13. My first choice would have to be O'Driscoll I think. Having him play at 12 means we keep his rugby brain and leadership on the team, don't lose anything with regards to his lack of pace, and he can help bring through the 13. Next option is McFadden. Unlucky for Wallace, but I think his time is over. Hanrahan will be the next big thing here IMO, with Marshall challenging him for that title.

13. Everyone is going to raise their eyebrows at my choice here I think. We have an abundance of talent here it seems. Any country that produces a big name in a position, the kids all seem to want to replicate them. Of course, O'Driscoll has set that standard. Cave, Spence, O'Malley, Griffin etc. Tons of options. Though my first choice is actually going to be Fitzgerald. I genuinely think he is the heir to O'Driscoll's throne. He has all the skills needed, and the position is made for him IMO. Much more than wing. He is the talent needed here. Cave as the backup, who has a similar rugby brain, but maybe not the same talent that Fitzgerald has.

14. Bowe is first option here, for quite obvious reasons. Even when he isn't on the best of form, he is so dangerous and has such a good scoring record for us that he cannot be ignored. Runs wonderful lines and can tear teams to shreds when he is on form. The back up option here would probably be Gilroy, who is normally an 11, but at 14 I don't know who would be back up honestly. Bowe isn't really in trouble for his shirt. Zebo is another potential candidate, but I just don't think he is as good a player as Gilroy. I can see Spence as a future option on the wing too, he is a similar player to Trimble. Maybe Gilroy and Spence could be like for like replacements of Trimble and Bowe Wink we will see.

15. Nobody could argue against Kearney taking the top spot. He is playing out of this world right now. Nobody is close frankly. In terms of potential, Jones could be as good for sure, but he is only a year younger and will seriously have to up his game. Kearney's main weakness I always felt was his counter attacking ability. He was so dependable, with a huge boot, but offered little in attack. That has changed dramatically, and he is so dangerous. Jones is the back up, but I think Earls too should get another shot at 15. His best position IMO but he is behind these guys. Kearney Jr. I think will end up following his brother and become a full back. He is a similar player.

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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 22:12

Notch wrote:1. Cian Healy, Tom Court
2. Rory Best, Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross, Jamie Hagan
4. Donnacha Ryan, Dan Tuohy
5. Paul O'Connell, Leo Cullen
6. Stephen Ferris, Sean O'Brien
7. Peter O'Mahony, Shane Jennings
8. Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry
9. Eoin Reddan, Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton, Ronan O'Gara
11. Keith Earls, Simon Zebo
12. Paddy Wallace, Fergus McFadden
13. Brian O'Driscoll, Darren Cave
14. Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble
15. Rob Kearney, Felix Jones

That's my opinion. Not all like for like. Sean O'Brien has been playing at 7 for Ireland for instance, a bit of a problem position. Hagan isn't even in the squad, not getting first team rugby in the Heineken Cup with Leinster but the tighthead situation is desperate.

There are some guys like Gordon D'Arcy, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace who were previously key players and will retire with the respect and admiration of every Irish rugby fan- but their race is run. Time to move on.

EDIT; Trimble so good I named him twice? Oops. Meant to include Simon Zebo. Changed it now. OK

Have to cringe when I see O'Mahony as the 7 option. He should definitely be there instead of Henry at 8, with Henry as the 7 option (behind Jennings IMO). I really think the arguments against SOB at 7, should be even more dramatic for having POM there.

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Post by Notch Thu 19 Apr - 22:15

I've never been a backrow fundamentalist; I would always prefer 3 versatile backrowers together than three specialists. The destroyer, link man and ball player backrow is great but the roles are much more fluid in the the modern game.

It's what I see as his best position long term- but not as a traditional 7. I feel that Ferris and Heaslip are good link players and O'Mahony has the potential to be a very good fetcher. I would like to see him start 2 out of 3 tests at 7 in New Zealand.
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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 22:32

I think O'Mahony has the potential to be a better carrier than either Ferris or Heaslip, as an 8 anyway. He just gives such momentum and takes things on himself. In terms of potential to be a fetcher, I just think it would waste his other attributes. O'Brien has more potential than O'Mahony to be a fetcher, but even he I would probably prefer to do more carrying. The best fetchers we have available are Jennings and Henry. O'Brien next, but I would still pick him ahead of the other two as he has to start atm. No real young fetchers coming through yet.

6. Ferris
7. O'Brien
8. O'Mahony/Heaslip

That would be my back row for the near future. When a fetcher does come through, it will be between Ferris and O'Brien for 6, and Heaslip and O'Mahony for 8.

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Post by Golden Thu 19 Apr - 22:47

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
13. Everyone is going to raise their eyebrows at my choice here I think. We have an abundance of talent here it seems. Any country that produces a big name in a position, the kids all seem to want to replicate them. Of course, O'Driscoll has set that standard. Cave, Spence, O'Malley, Griffin etc. Tons of options. Though my first choice is actually going to be Fitzgerald. I genuinely think he is the heir to O'Driscoll's throne. He has all the skills needed, and the position is made for him IMO. Much more than wing. He is the talent needed here. Cave as the backup, who has a similar rugby brain, but maybe not the same talent that Fitzgerald has.

14. Bowe is first option here, for quite obvious reasons. Even when he isn't on the best of form, he is so dangerous and has such a good scoring record for us that he cannot be ignored. Runs wonderful lines and can tear teams to shreds when he is on form. The back up option here would probably be Gilroy, who is normally an 11, but at 14 I don't know who would be back up honestly. Bowe isn't really in trouble for his shirt. Zebo is another potential candidate, but I just don't think he is as good a player as Gilroy. I can see Spence as a future option on the wing too, he is a similar player to Trimble. Maybe Gilroy and Spence could be like for like replacements of Trimble and Bowe Wink we will see.

Dont agree with your comparison of Fitz and Cave. IMO what sets cave apart from the rest (apart from BOD) is his intelligence. This is not a trait i would associate with Fitz. In fact that I would say its probably his biggest flaw.

Also would have Kearney Jnr ahead of Gilroy or Zebo but thats probably with a bit of Leinster bias on my part.

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Post by Golden Thu 19 Apr - 22:48

Ignore


Last edited by Golden on Thu 19 Apr - 22:54; edited 1 time in total

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Post by Biltong Thu 19 Apr - 22:52

GentsI have a good list of players, can you look through the names on here and tell me if there are any other players you might want to add to the poll.

There are four positions that only has provided 2 names each.

the entire front row and fullback.

I will write up the poll tomorrow evening, there are still a lot of detail regarding players outstadning.

Thanks stag for being so thorough, your deatailed posts helped a lot.
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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 23:25

Golden wrote:

Dont agree with your comparison of Fitz and Cave. IMO what sets cave apart from the rest (apart from BOD) is his intelligence. This is not a trait i would associate with Fitz. In fact that I would say its probably his biggest flaw.

Also would have Kearney Jnr ahead of Gilroy or Zebo but thats probably with a bit of Leinster bias on my part.

Cave is probably the smarter player between himself and Fitzgerald, at least for being able to make the right decisions at the right time, and as a team player, but I think in terms of beating his man, Fitzgerald has the guile. Fitzgerald is just born to play rugby IMO. I love watching him every time he gets the ball. His flaw has been his decision making in the past, but I haven't seen that recently. When he was low on confidence he was like that, but not anymore. He is a very clever and dangerous player I think.

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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 23:26

Kearney Jr was in my full back category, where I see him ultimately featuring. He is similar to Kearney Sr. Not sure he is a winger myself.

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Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 19 Apr - 23:30

biltongbek wrote:GentsI have a good list of players, can you look through the names on here and tell me if there are any other players you might want to add to the poll.

There are four positions that only has provided 2 names each.

the entire front row and fullback.

I will write up the poll tomorrow evening, there are still a lot of detail regarding players outstadning.

Thanks stag for being so thorough, your deatailed posts helped a lot.

At loosehead, the starting option is Healy, followed by Court. McAllister is the prospect who will challenge Healy eventually.

At hooker, Best is the man in possession. Cronin would be next, and he will be battling Sherry for the 2 position in the future.

At tighthead, there is Ross, then a big gap. Court is the back up, but for proper tight heads, Hagan and Macklin are potential back ups.

Finally at full back, there is Kearney leading, with the talented Jones behind. Kearney Jr will be an option I think, and Earls is an option.

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Post by Goosestepper Fri 20 Apr - 1:26

Notch wrote:1. Cian Healy, Tom Court
2. Rory Best, Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross, Jamie Hagan
4. Donnacha Ryan, Dan Tuohy
5. Paul O'Connell, Leo Cullen
6. Stephen Ferris, Sean O'Brien
7. Peter O'Mahony, Shane Jennings
8. Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry
9. Eoin Reddan, Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton, Ronan O'Gara
11. Keith Earls, Simon Zebo
12. Paddy Wallace, Fergus McFadden
13. Brian O'Driscoll, Darren Cave
14. Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble
15. Rob Kearney, Felix Jones

That's my opinion. Not all like for like. Sean O'Brien has been playing at 7 for Ireland for instance, a bit of a problem position. Hagan isn't even in the squad, not getting first team rugby in the Heineken Cup with Leinster but the tighthead situation is desperate.

There are some guys like Gordon D'Arcy, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace who were previously key players and will retire with the respect and admiration of every Irish rugby fan- but their race is run. Time to move on.

EDIT; Trimble so good I named him twice? Oops. Meant to include Simon Zebo. Changed it now. OK


There still seems to be a fixation from some on the whole D'Arcy/ P Wallace debate.

On his day D'Arcy was the better option, Wallace had chances and if he really was good enough he would have that slot by now. All that's immaterial, in the here and now neither offer enough to warrant selection in the Squad let alone starting 15. And when I say "Offer Enough" i'm considering their age the chances they've had and ability to improve.

We've a multitude of options here, I like the idea of moving BOD to 12 and let the likes of Earls, Fitz, Cave, McFadden, O'Malley etc. (Don't get to hung up on who is considered a natural 13, lets broaden the focus and look at the combinations) and whoever else play out of their skins for the 13 shirt.

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Post by Standulstermen Fri 20 Apr - 1:37

It's difficult t call without wearing ulster specs so I nominate this team that I would like to see with ulster specs firmly on, be warned.

Healy
Best
Ross
Ryan
Tuohy
Ferris
Henry
o'Brien
Reddan
Sexton
Earls
BOD
Cave
Bowe (I know he is injured) could be replaced with Trimble, fitz, Zebo
Kearney

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Post by Biltong Fri 20 Apr - 7:47

I need one more fullback.
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Post by rodders Fri 20 Apr - 8:57

I thought you only needed 2 Biltong?

Kearney and Jones.

I'd go for Gavin Duffy as 3rd choice on current form............

....unless we can find Stefan Terblanche an Irish passport....... Whistle
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Post by Biltong Fri 20 Apr - 9:04

Very Happy Yeah, right.

I'll use Duffy, I want to put a poll up so it can be voted on, then once we have a best thirty, we will select five more, to make the squad 35, and then select the first 22 for match day, I am interested to see how experience and youth will make up the matchday 22.
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Post by GunsGerms Fri 20 Apr - 9:08

I think Dave Kearney should be Irelands second choice fullback. Cut from the same cloth as big brother rob.

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