posted Jan 12, 2007

Kellyizer, that is just the sort of narrow-minded, biased view I have come to expect on these message boards. I’m all in favour of endorsing your own nation, but not at the expense of other nations and not to such an exaggerated extent.

Yes, Ireland are the form team in Europe and probably the second best team (based ONLY on form) in the world right now. However I think you are either building them up too much or are simply far too optimistic.

I won’t pick apart your entire argument, just certain aspects, but let’s just say I don’t agree with most of it.

I cannot understand how Peel ‘just pips Stringer’. Have we been watching the same players? Peel has been off since the Grand Slam (with occasional moments of brilliance) yet is still a better player than an on-form Stringer – have you ever seen Stringer come out of a game against Peel having played better than him? Not in my opinion. Stringer’s main strength, as you said, is nipping round the scrum because he’s such a small guy. He can make or break a game on occasion, but he is simply not as good as you say he is.

Now to the other half-back position – and this is where I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at your comments - O’Gara is one of the most inconsistent players in world rugby. I’ve seen as many dismal performances by him as I’ve seen good ones. Stephen Jones is not as great as some Welshmen think he is, though he does control the game better than O’Gara. However – and I know this will be controversial – I think Hook is the best of all three. In 3-4 years time he will surely be, assuming good management, one of the best players in the world.

I will agree that D’Arcy is an outstanding player, but object to the way you dismiss Henson.

Shane Williams versus Dennis Hickie is laughable. Hickie has very few strengths, aside from his speed, whereas Williams has everything a modern winger needs, apart from the obvious lack of size and strength. I think you have to admit that Williams is one of the most exciting and elusive runners in world rugby with ball in hand.

I like Trimble, but I’ve always thought of Horgan as a bit of a cart-horse, though I can’t deny that he is dangerous within 20 yards of the tryline.

Regarding the Autumn internationals – yes, as I said, Ireland did very well, but a far from full strength All Black side still beat Ireland convincingly. Let’s see how the All Blacks at full strength would do against Ireland in Christchurch or Wellington, plus the Irish revel in bad conditions whereas the All Blacks do not, so that does not strengthen your argument. Furthermore, Wales are still building after the terrible luck they’ve had with injuries since the Grand Slam, so the Autumn was a stepping stone to the World Cup, when Wales can be fairly judged on their performance.

Don’t misinterpret my comments, I’m a big fan of Ireland and have always thought of them as my ‘second team’, I just think you’ve championed them too much and I’m sure that the future for Irish rugby isn’t as strong as you think.

It would not surprise me if Ireland beat Wales in this year’s 6 Nations, though I’d favour a Welsh win. Either way, I hope the best team wins.

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posted Jan 12, 2007

Wales aren't the same team without Ruddock, players don't look right without Ruddock behind them.

Ireland are by far better than Wales.

Im betting them them for the World Cup. After all, it only takes one bad game and the All blacks are out just like 2003.

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posted Jan 12, 2007

The idea that Welsh people think Wales are better than Ireland is actually laughable. Statistics boys....

We have beaten you consistantly for years. In fact (and I do accept I may be wrong on this point) I'm pretty sure that you have only beaten us once in 5 years (the year you fluked a grand slam) and in that time we have beaten you by a record score at least once.

Our domestic sides quite frankly make yours look amateurish. In the HC when was the last time a Welsh team came anywhere NEAR winning it? We, on the other hand, have the reigning Champions who have lost 2 finals, and also Leinster have been in several semi-finals the past few years.

And in terms of players, Wales have absolutely nobody of the class of O'Connell, O'Driscoll, O'Gara (and you don't, because for the past year he has been by miles the best fly-half in the NH), D'Arcy, Horgan...the list does go on. And also, whoever said that a half strength AB side beat us this autumn...we didn't play the All Blacks this autumn. We battered South Africa, then battered Australia, then trouced the Pacific Islanders.

Can Wales say the same? I think not. See you in Croke Park boys.

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posted Jan 12, 2007

Ireland definately are the form team in Europe. I think thats the only statement I can make on here without any argument. (And yes I am Irish)

The front row is still a problem area. John Hayes (although he has improved in the past few seasons) is poor at best usually. He adds a lot of weight to the scrum and mauls but other than that had little or no influence. Marcus Horan and Simon Best are both much more consistent. The future Irish Props is Bryan Young who has performed well for ulster and Ireland on his few opportunities.

The second row is well settled affair with O'Connor being immense as always and O'Calaghan being very useful in scrums, lineouts and open play.

The back row sparks another debate in Irish rugby. The best combination is probably Wallace, Leamey and Neil Best. Best's one problem is that he does tend to apprear as a bit of a headless chicken sometimes but it is great to see him get up fast and break and opposing out half. This whole hearted approach is probably the reason he is usually substituted after 60 minutes due to fatigue. A nit more self control wouldnt go amiss.

The 9 shirt is probably a 50/50 decision. Stringer is very experienced, consistent and works well with ROG but Isaac Boss is pushing him for that place. Boss showed his versatility when he come on as a winger during an Ireland match and his passing is solid like stringer. Little to choose between here but Boss is injured at the moment which will probably damage his chances.

The 10 shirt still goes to O'Gara. Humphreys is past it and Wallace is very inconsistent. He seems to play well on a large stage but is pretty useless at out half for Ulster usually. When they are all on form Contepomi is the best fly half in Ireland.

The centre partnership needs no introduction. BOD is sublime and D'Arcy isn't far behind in my opinion. D'Arcy beats Henson hands down in my opinion.

Horgan is a great winger and is very useful as an extra forward on occasion. The comparisons on here between Hickie and Shane Williams are pretty pointless as it is likely that Andrew Trimble will play ahead of him. Trimble provides an extra dimension to the backs being similar to Horgan as a strong runner but has a lot pace and good vision.

Full back is a bit disappointing at the moment to be honest. Geordan Murphy was great up until last season but seems to have tailed off slightly. Girvan Dempsey is probably playing more consistent rugby at the moment but if both players are on top form you would have to side with Murph.

Ireland are probably the second best team in the world at the moment. Australia and South Africa are both fairly poor. France havn't had much chance to shine though as their matches were against New Zealand so you can't really compare them. They will get their act together for the Six Nations and the world cup. England and Scotland are all on a fairly level playing feild with Wales being out infront of them. Lets just hope Italy can carry on the great work and fight their way off the bottom of the table this year. My prediction for the Six Nations:
1. France (as much as it pains me to say it)
2. Ireland (they wont be far behind)
3. Wales
4. England
5. Scotland
6. Italy

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posted Jan 13, 2007

1.Ireland (Grand Slam)
2.France
3.England
4.Wales
5.Italy
6.Scotland

The only side Ireland could struggle to beat is France. Unfortunately, Ireland don't have any decent props. This is the only area Ireland will struggle in.

Murphy is a genius, Horgan one of the best in the world, O'Driscoll and D'Arcy are the best centres in the world, Trimble is a brilliant young talent, O'Gara the best in the world other than Carter, shame Stringer is rubbish, other than their props their pack is outstanding. O'Connell is the best second row in the world and Leamy the best number eight in the world.

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posted Jan 13, 2007

todays Scarlets vs Ulster result i think had proved the void between the two nations created during the autumn is quickly being filled.

Still can't comprehend O'Connell being the best lock in the world - i have never seen him even compare to the likes of the monsterous Matfield, Jack, Botha, Williams and even Tom Palmer is better in my opinion.

I agree totally with the talents of Horgan and BOD and Trimble is a very good prospect, but again O'Gara is so inconsistent, and just hasn't played for munster this year (possibly due to their annonymus start to the magners league)

I still think people underestimate the english and the french - and we cannot forget that the worldcup is still a grueling and injury forcing season away!

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posted Jan 14, 2007

An Honest Irish Perspective.

Ireland's front row is poor and fails to maximise their world class second row both in the scrum (poor props) and in the line out (we need Flannery back ASAP).
The back row, at the very least matches any other teams back row and has great strength in depth.
Stringer is average but very reliable and consistent, unfortunately not like his fellow Cork man Ronan O'Gara who is guaranteed one bad game per tournament (does any one remember the France game last year?).
Darcy and O' Driscoll are like two extra flankers in the middle of the park. Both superb.
Trimble has massive potential. Horgan, I hate but in fairness to him is playing great rugby and Dempsey, like stringer, is average but reliable.

Wales are undoubtedly Ireland's biggest hurdle this spring and Ireland’s entire six nations will hinge on that first game in Cardiff.

Predictions:
Ireland
France
Wales
England
Scotland
Italy

One other thing, watch out for Italy at home. Ireland was lucky last year.

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posted Jan 18, 2007

Not wishing to prolong the 'discussion' but...
Irish front row, Hayes - scrummaging weak however, work in the outfield as to tackles made, outstanding, statistics will bear this up. Flannery - world class adn hopefully fit again. Marcus Horan - no slouch and good in the tight. Dependable rather than oustanding. 2nd rows- no need to comment, no one argues here. Bearcin mind that Mal O'Kelly is on the bench and has seen it all if not up to 80mins now. Back row - perm any one from 8!!!. LEamy better than Chabal who gets all the headlines in UK, Wallace without doubt the best with the 'headless chicken' best no far behind. No problem with him running himself out after 60 mins, just bring easterby on. Not a bad replacement. Stringer, not a 21st Century No9. However, his pass alone is worth his place.the spilt second he gives No10 is worth a lot. Boss is good and worth a start. ROG has had off days and missed sitters both in front of the posts adn to touch. But generally is on song and the best No 10 in NH. Centres, again no argument./ Only the Welsh could mention Henson and Hook in the same sentance as them. Henson is a one trick show pony living off the reputation of one good game against an English 19 year old two years ago,. Hook a talent but in the same class as BOD and GD - never. I used to think of Horgan as a carthorse however, performances over the last year have changed that. He has speed and strength and has amazing hands. TV backs thhis up. Trimble young, strong and up for it with any team he comes across. The weakness as I see it is ion the other wing and No15. Girvan Demsey is solid, relaible but is not a No15 who can influence by breaking the line. He'll never let you down under the high ball but needs more of a game.Geordan Murphy is where Darcy was 2 years ago, stuck in the doldrums but a class player on his day. Ireland never had a squad before this year in that the 15 on the field were the only choices. We are now getting two or three players for each position, Ulster coming through to add to the sqaud.Don't like being favourite though. Wales, give over. They imploded with the Ruddock affair. England, imploded since 2003. Scotland, Italy, just not there. The French - dismiss them at your peril

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posted Jan 19, 2007

It makes me laugh to hear so many biased narrow minded irsh supporters on here. Almost like you now suddenly have an untouchable team. Yes you battered S.A- but not once has anyone mentioned that it was an extremely experimental S.A team. Yes you beat AUS comfortably, but in very favourable conditions for you boys. And heck even we battered the islanders! Dont get me wrong Im in agreement that Ireland are by far the in form team in the NH, but it surprises me to hear you boys practically rubbishing other nations world class players.

For a start stringer the slinger is not on the same level as dwayne peel. Yes he offers a threat in ooo one area of his game. Peel has proved himself in the international arena, a threat all over the park, dont agree with me? look at his try stats.

D'arcy is one of the most over rated players in irish rugby. Horgan is a much better centre than he is a winger and in my opinion would be far more effective in the ireland 12 shirt. He is far from the donkey that some people perceive him to be because of his stature.

leamy better than chabal??? are you sure??

Henson i agree is not in the same league as o'driscoll but who is sayin he is? he offers wales versatility from the bench in my opinion. And as for hook, well what a talent! Hell if he was irish you boys would be going on about him as much as we do!

Prediction:

1. France
2. Ireland (not by much)
3. Wales
4. England
5. Italy
6. Scotland

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