How far has Irish rugby come when we can play poorly and still outscore Wales in cardiff 3 tries to none. Easterby more than justified his selection. Thought the back row was terrific.
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How far has Irish rugby come when we can play poorly and still outscore Wales in cardiff 3 tries to none. Easterby more than justified his selection. Thought the back row was terrific.
I've got to say i was impressed with our front 3, they have been criticised all last week with the Welsh making noises on how they'd beat em up and I'm pleased to say they held their own.
D'Arcy was outstanding, back to his best.
Yep noticed that too. A win for both of us would sent the English into hysterics!Quote:
Originally Posted by shakermaker1982
Better second half performance but very worried about the number of mistakes and the performance of the half back axis.
O'Gara showed good recovery skills to bounce back towards the end of the game but he really wasn't helped by Stringer. Peel showed Stringer what a world class scrum half. I really think he's holding back Ireland as he is a limited player with too many downsides and I could see Boss in permanently before the World Cup.
On the plus side, good to see the scrum holding up, Hayes is worth his (considerable) weight in gold. Great to see Flannery back also, Best did fine in the scrum and lineouts but he'll never offer what Flannery does in the loose.
Really think we'll struggle against the French without O'Driscoll and Horgan and Paul O'Connell really needs to up his game.
Impressed by Geordan Murphy in his limited time. Maybe getting dropped was exactly what he needed?
fingers crossed BOD makes the French game. When is big Shane likely to feature?
England at the earliest I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by shakermaker1982
Below par prefromance yesterday, but as they say it's the sign of a good side that can play badly but still win. Improvements needed all over the pitch for the French game.
Have to say Wilko looked good, even if it was against a poor scottish side. still the best kicker in the world.
A win is a win as they say. I'd still make 3 changes to the team (if there are no injuries). Boss in for Stringer, Murphy for Trimble and Flannery for Best.
Stringer was horrendous yesterday. Trimble didn't do anything wrong but Murphy offers a bigger threat. As for Best - he needs a hearing aid or can he just not understand the southern accent?
I'd agree with those changes and also introduce Neil Best at some stage.Quote:
Originally Posted by finlma
If BOD is injured I'd put Trimble in at 13, although I suspect Eddie might favour Paddy Wallace at 12 and Darce at 13.
Bad in all that Stringer was he will not be dropped for France game. I agree with other replacements as they were tight decisions for Wales match anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by finlma
Dempsey is poor international player although he has the odd good game. He doesn't have the ambition or cutting edge for Internationals (i will almost always kick the ball back) & kicking isn't good enough to justify his place. He is very good usually at club level though.
Is it me or is Flannery looking 'lighter'?Still a class player, looks like he's missing a bit of bulk, although I am probably wrong?
That's very harsh on Dempsey. He is dependable, and will rarely make a mistake under a high ball or miss a tackle, which must be the priority for a full back. Murphy offers more in attack, when he can be arsed, but is much poorer defensively.Quote:
Originally Posted by pete
Agree with macy. Dempsey isn't brought in for his kicking as they'll use Hickie as a left footed option instead (and occasionaly O'Driscoll). He's in there as he makes less mistakes than Murphy. He had a quiet enough game on Sunday but no reason to drop him IMO
do ye notice in England they always look for saviour or a villian/scapegoat.ALWAYS.Quote:
The English media and fans alike are starting to write us off whilst Wilko will come to their saviour and win the 6n plus WC. Can't wait till he comes up against us in 3 weeks time.
wilkinson did play well though. you have to give it to him.
I thought Ellis was better!Quote:
Originally Posted by paul_oshea
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneRedArmy
How did Best get MOM against LLanelli if he was outplayed by Easterby? Was it just a case of a home player having to get the award? Scarlets battered Ulster that day in Ravenhill and Easterby was brilliant.
I'm referring to the away game in Stradey, which Ulster also lost. In the game in Ravenhill Easterby did play well, but in fairness it was hard for Best to exert a lot of influence when the whole Ulster team folded like a pack of cards.Quote:
Originally Posted by swano
There's no doubt Llanelli are a far superior team to Ulster (and just about every other team in the competition this year).
Still reckon Best's ommission is a mistake, particularly given Chabal's presence in the French side.