posted Jan 5, 2009

Yes long term he has the potential to be world class. But like the people calling for Keatleys inclusion his time will come. He is young for a prop and still has much to learn I have actually played against him myself thats how young he is. It is also not about best players but the best for the team and Courts versatility is a factor.

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posted Jan 5, 2009

So put Court on the bench then! Hayes probably wont last 80 mins every game (although thats been said for a few seasons now and he always plays full game). I wouldnt play Keatley at all. would have in the 40 man squad for experience but Humphreys has put himself well into the back up out half role. There is such a gulf in class between ROG and Keatley at the mo that Ireland would struggle so badly if Keatley was played. My point is that difference doesnt exist between Healy and Horan. And with Healy's potential its important to get game time at international level. And i think Keatley will be class but it'll be 2-3 seasons before he's in the Irish team.

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posted Jan 5, 2009

I (and you can check my threads for this) am a MASSIVE anti-Horan poster. He is only Munster player I dont respect. But I would still keep him in. He has shown no real reason to lose his place and actually did very well versus Argentina when he FINALLY got stuck into it and stayed off the wing.

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posted Jan 5, 2009

Excellent! So am I! I think he's garbage but I didnt want to cause any controversy! I understand your point, but my reasoning is that i feel Ireland can only benefit from Healy's inclusion. We wouldnt lose a huge amount with Horan left out. Even if Healy played the first couple of games from the bench coming on after 50/60 mins, to see how he goes, then start a couple of games.

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posted Jan 5, 2009

Healy is a great prospect and should be the new Loose Head. He is the only Loose head who has given Botha a game this year. Having said that a good case can be made for Court on the bench as he can play both sides. The trouble with Hayes and Horan with Healy or Buckley on the bench is we are in big trouble if the wrong prop gets injured - who would you put at Tight Head if only Horan and Healy are fit. Court, Healy and Ross should be part of the squad set up so that we start to introduce the replacements for Horan and Hayes - the longer we delay the more painful it will be.

Same at 10 - Humphreys and Keatley should be part of the set up and Humphreys should be on the bench - we are an injury away from a fly half crises. Wallace should not be asked to play there.

Someone questioned Wallace's physicality - all I can say he has bulked up , is the form Irish 12 and in 4 starts has never let the side down, in fact just the opposite - give him the shirt.

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posted Jan 5, 2009

i agree geoff any worries about wallace's physicality or defence should have been put to bed after his good performances on the summer tour. also has any1 noticed how strong a tackler cave is becoming?reminiscent of o'driscoll of old he might not have the flair or step that drico used to have but his strength and some of the lines he is picking are just brilliant.

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posted Jan 5, 2009

I agree with the above, in fact in the run up to McCrea’s try when Schifs took the ball in, it was only down to Wallace that Mafi, of all people, couldn’t get the ball. Quiet man but he’s been very sure-footed this year, plus he hasn’t played OH, which he’ll enjoy I guess!

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posted Jan 12, 2009

Most of the arguments above are mute.

The single biggest reason for the under performance of Irish national team over the past 2 to 3 years has been the lack of depth in the squad and the resultant lack of competition for places.

It is frequently quoted that rugby is not a 15 but a 22 man game. In the same way the six nations is a 30 man tournament rather than 22.

Unfortunately at the moment, the Irish team is far from this point. I would hope that for the upcoming six nations that Kidney picks a squad of both youth (including most of the players mentioned in the above posts) and experience and gives every one of those players at least, AT LEAST, 80 minutes game time.

Then, if (/ when) we don't win the 6N, at least we have a squad that has much improved in ability/ experience as well as its chances to perform in future competition.

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posted Jan 13, 2009

We've a couple of A games in the first two weekends of the tournament. England Saxons on the 6th of Feb and Scotland A on the 13th, both games in Donnybrook. I'd say a number of the new players impressing this season are more likely to see action in these two games.

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posted Jan 14, 2009

Do you think Cave be in the centre if D'arcy hasn't fully recovered in time or a place on the bench.

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