If DK seriously wants to get a win in Paris, he surely must freshen the starting XV up a bit. At the moment Ireland are standing still while the rest of the world are moving forward, most of the reason for this is due to conservative selection.
If you ask me it's obvious that Ireland will send out the same XV, with the same game plan and get the same outcome. The only way they can get a result in Paris is if they try and mix things up a bit. I would like to see the following changes:
1. Someone new at 12. I'm afraid D'Arcy's had his day and is not solid enough in defence. Only problem is there is no decent replacement. I suppose Paddy Wallace is next best but he's quite erratic at international level.
2. Start Donnacha Ryan instead of DOC.
3. I'm not sure about this one but I'm going to throw it out there. Drop someone from the back row and play O'Mahony at 7. George Hook called for this to happen and I think he has a point. The back row has no balance, SOB is wasted at 7 as he has to spend so much time in rucks. Hook said to drop Heaslip and play SOB at 8. I'm not so sure about that, but then again I don't know who I'd drop to make way for O'Mahony.
What do you lot think?
Irish changes for France game
posted on 7/2/12
indeed Taras. Only one caveat with that tho.
Is Zebo as good as BOD was? I don't like to see youngsters thrown in to a team too early either. BOD was a massive exception really
posted on 7/2/12
No, probably not, but then, who is?
posted on 7/2/12
Is there not a danger that Ireland will overreact to a close result?
Your midfield surprised me how vulnerable they looked - but then the lad North is the size of an express train. In fact the whole Welsh backline would be forwards in other squads!
I find it slightly bizarre that a country which is kicking a** at european level, isn't blitzing the likes of Wales. A slightly naive viewpoint i wholly concede - but still i anticipated great things from Ireland in this comp.
I've no vast knowledge of the game, nor do i profess to be an expert on the tactics or skills of the game. I just really enjoy watching it, as i do the other code.
I know one thing for sure. The game on Sunday was rivetting and a wonderful advert for the sport. Compare that with the almost chess like match that Eng/Sco served up. I was fixed to the screen for the full 80 - excellent entertainment, which afterall is what it should be..........
posted on 7/2/12
Wales? Express trains?
Well, they are, aren't they?
I must admit to being a bit disappointed.
Not that we lost, well, yes, obviously, but the manner of it.
Wales were great, as they were in the World Cup, but I remember when Wales played, along with France, beautiful rugby.
Now it's all about huge men crashing through.
I miss the magic.
posted on 7/2/12
Taras .... . you're joking???
That try set up by North had a mixture of power and the sublime. The pass was brilliant. Wales have been playing stylish rugby for several years in my opinion. It's just now they've got big blokes to back it up. Shane Williams was a maestro who didn't tend to crash through ......
posted on 7/2/12
Nah, not joking, 1 good pass, after the wing made a forward-like break, does not a summer make.
Wales, especially since the retirement of Lovely Wee Shane, are now the new England.
Powerful, efficient, successful and very very very good.
Just not magical anymore.
posted on 7/2/12
I see Ferris has been cited.
Bloody stupid, it shouldn't even have been a penalty.
posted on 7/2/12
Taras
Im as patriotic as anyone but ferris broke the rules. He made a bad tackle and lifted the players legs above the hips. It may not have resulted in any injury for the player, hell it looked like nothing was in it, but to the letter of the law he was wrong.
We can't complain. the ref was consistent. Thats life.
posted on 7/2/12
I didn't see it like that but there we go.
posted on 7/2/12
Bit harsh referring to Wales as a bunch of express trains. I think we offer a bit more than that, North beating Bowe 1 on 1 right on the touchline being a good example.
Davies will get suspended for a few weeks. He's been a great player for us but his discipline as always let him down. Ferris may get a suspension as well, although I think this could benefit Ireland as it'll mean DK will have to play O'Mahony.
I also like the idea of Zebo playing. I know he's young and inexperienced, but he scored a hat-trick away to Northampton. The guy is in form and so DK should take the risk on him. Ireland have nothing to lose in Paris, the only way they can win is by taking a few risks.