Tips for O'Sullivan & my Croker verdict
- 16 Feb 07, 11:46 AM
Belfast 鈥 Apart from the obvious, will Eddie O鈥橲ullivan tinker with his line-up against England next weekend? Going by previous selections I doubt it.
There will be no new faces emerging into the 22-man squad next Tuesday, that鈥檚 for sure.
Watching the Ireland A performance last week in Belfast where they were well and truly whipped by the England Saxons, there was certainly nobody putting their hand up.
So I reckon O鈥橲ullivan will not be making too many changes other than the much-missed Brian O鈥橠riscoll, and Peter Stringer returning to action for the second game at Croke Park - which I'm not sure is ideal for hosting rugby union.
While I felt that did all that was asked of him at scrum-half, O鈥橲ullivan will undoubtedly recall Stringer.
Ireland鈥檚 game will be to drag the big England pack around the wide open expanses of Croke Park, hence Stringer鈥檚 rapid siege-gun pass will be a key weapon.
O鈥橠riscoll will claim back the number 13 jersey and revert to kind with his buddy Gordon D鈥橝rcy and shore up a midfield that looked a little disorganised against the French.
It should be an interesting match-up between the Irish pair and Mike Tindall and Andy 鈥樷 Farrell.
With O鈥橠riscoll back, that will see Shane Horgan return to the right wing with Denis Hickie on the left flank with Andrew Trimble the unlucky one to lose out.
But his time will come again, take my word for it.
Now comes one of two big decisions for the coach. Does he drop Geordan Murphy to the bench again, or move him back to his preferred position at full-back?
Girvan Dempsey is as safe as houses, but does he really offer more than Murphy does? No. If Ireland are to progress, the Leicester man has to be the last man.
Yes, missed a tackle against France, but one blip should not usher him to the bench again. He has skill, pace and is the spark that Ireland need 鈥 and he does enjoy playing against England and his Premiership rivals.
O鈥橲ullivan will then have to decide on who should play blindside forward. Simon Easterby may be under pressure from Neil Best who looked a lot more vigorous at the breakdown during his cameo against France.
However, O鈥橲ullivan does like Easterby鈥檚 all-round contribution, and it鈥檚 likely he will hang on to his jersey.
I also suspect that Rory Best will retain the number two jersey and continue to keep out Jerry Flannery. I feel he is a better scrummager, and that is an area where England, as with all teams, will attempt to disrupt Ireland.
So what do you think? Will Eddie O鈥橲ullivan be adventurous?
Now back to last weekend. This may sound like sour grapes, but it鈥檚 not I can assure you. There鈥檚 no other way to say it, but as a rugby nut, not nutter, I did not enjoy the experience.
Don鈥檛 get me wrong. The stadium itself is a magnificent monument to the Gaelic Athletic Association and their ability to construct the third-largest playing arena in Europe with the minimum of fuss.
It has every-known facility for player and spectator alike, with easy and comfortable access and exit with cosy seats to ease the fizzy posterior. With restaurants and bars aplenty in and around the depths of the stadium, it has a real family feel.
My enjoyment was not spoiled by France snaffling victory at the death thanks to a well-executed kick-off which Ireland failed to nail. Fair play to them.
No, it鈥檚 the fact that Croke Park is not made for rugby, and there are a number of modern stadiums which would have the same effect.
Croker is obviously perfect for GAA football and hurling where the ball or is always in open play. Although trying to spot the sliothar flying through the air at 100 miles per hour is a tad difficult.
Croker would also be advantageous for the hybrid which is a composite of GAA football and Australian Rules. Once again, the ball is in view for all to see.
American Football - Chicago Bears played the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park in 1997 - would also be ideal, again for the same reason - ie the ball is 鈥渁bove ground鈥.
But to my mind rugby is different. There is the dark art of scrummaging, the ballet in the line-out, the huff and puff at the maul, and the stud farm at ruck time.
In none of these important facets of rugby can you view the ball with any certainty if you are perched in the steepling territory of the Hogan and Cusack stands.
Like quite a lot of the journos in the well-appointed press area, a casual glance to our TV monitors was needed to confirm just what had happened.
With the pitch itself situated a further 10m inside the grass area of the vast playing arena (144.5m x 88m), it made watching close-in action of a technical game even more difficult.
I know dilapidated was a dismal place in its dying embers, but it served its purpose. You felt you were on top of the players, and you could see the nuances of the game from fairly close range and you heard the thumps and groans as the big hits went in.
Now you know why the new stadium in Dublin 4 is going to be just 52,000 capacity.
Planning, of course, prevents high towers to shadow the residents around the Havelock Square end, but the IRFU will be happy enough with their new toy 鈥 once it is given the go ahead, which is believed to be some time this month.
In the meantime, I will at least continue to enjoy the atmosphere generated at Croker for a little while yet 鈥 up to the 2009 autumn Tests ... providing the GAA give the go ahead for the next two Six Nations campaigns.
Wales 27-18 England
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So you don't like Croke Park for rugby!? What else do you propose?
Sounds like knit-picking to me. Rugby supports should be damm glad that the GAA made this place available. Guess if we played the game in Cardiff you would have been able to see the game better. Hopefully this will be the case in the future.
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Re team selection I would pick Murphy, Flannery and N Best but I think EOS will go for Dempsey, R Best and Easterby.
I agree Croke Park is not ideal for rugby but it is better than Stade Francais and at least as good as Twickenham in terms of spectator proximity. Also the atmosphere (which was muted v France, despite hype) will be better for visit of England
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No thanks for that terrible "Soda" Farrell pun.
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Look at the monitors?!! You poor thing! I feel so bad for you that Im willing to take the hit and take your ticket off you for next Saturday. Wouldnt want you having to look at a ghastly monitor!
How about you go count your blessings that you have a ticket at all!
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Good article, but there's not much choice on the Croker problem. It's perfectly designed for the GAA games, cos....that's that what it was designed for. And remember, it was never considered possible that a 'foreign' sport like rugger would ever mark the turf.
Geordan Murphy is definitely a great option, however, i can't help but think he should stay as a super sub. Bring him on, for bloods and when the grunt work has been done, cos it's then he does his magic. Cardiff was a perfect example. On as bloods for Hickie, a high ball and chase, Welsh on the back foot, 15 secs later, BoD in the corner for a lovely try. he's more the shock and awe player, for those occasions. I think EoS has that in mind. Girvan Dempsey's form for Leinster is well worth a start at 15. Some of the yards he has been making for the province have been superb. Edinburgh in the HC for eg. He was excellent, he bobbed and weaved, and broke tackles. Definitely worth a place. He's safe as houses, and with opposition like Jonny W bangin the ball high and long, you need safety under it. Girvan's the man. Prediction for Ireland v England at Croke, Ireland win 28-15
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I agree with your selection, i do prefere murphy aswell but he did cost a try against france and his tackling is less to be desirable, the last man should should be solid, as dempsey proved against wales with 2 try saving tackles, murphys a good player to bring off the bench if things aren't going our way.
I believe Jamie Heaslip would be a great accomadation to the bench as he's been in outstanding form for the last two season, but that also means one of the backrows would have to drop out of the squad, which is a very tough call, but form should come first and hes on fire.
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I would go with Murphy at full back, I think he offers more options. He did miss a tackle but also saved a try, so cancel each other out. He also knows the English game and players. Dempsey is steady but he missed a few tackles also and doesn't inspire in attack as much as Murphy. I think Murphy edges it but he needs to put in a big performance, he owes Ireland a big performance!! It may be the last chance saloon for him. I agree, BOD and Stringer to come back and Horgan and Hickie to go on the wings. I see Trimble coming on in the last 20 for Hickie. I would like to see Best come in for Easterby, Easterby is an option in the line out and hasn't done much wrong but I think Best will get the crowd going and will get in the face of the English. I would bring in Flannery also, a ball against the head against France may work against Rory Best (in-excusable in my eyes), I think Flannery offers a more combative game and is the best hooker in the northern hemisphere (in my opinion), again he gets the crowd going with his style of play. But I wouldn't be at all surprised if all Eddie did was bring back BOD and Stringer. I think POC and DOC also need to up their games. Sick of people having a go at Hayes and Horan, I think they have held their own so far. The bull offers so much and that seems to go unnoticed. I think they will achieve parity with the english front row. Those with the rose on their chest and now tinting their glasses may beg to differ, we will see. It's going to be a cracking game with an almighty atmosphere.
As for Croke Park, I am fortunate enough to have a ticket for the England game so will reserve judgement till then. I cannot wait!! I'm glad the world has got to see that gem and all credit to the GAA for building such a magnificent stadium. A wonderful advert for Ireland and our national sports.
I just hope the IRFU and the FAI along with the Irish Government learnt a thing or two last weekend.
For one, 52000 for a national stadium is not big enough, move away from Lansdowne (too many restrictions) and build somewhere else (Abbotstown has been mentioned).
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Regarding the viewing conditions at Croke Park, may I suggest that Mr Stokes watches future Ireland games from the comfort of his own living room (from where he will be treated to "no end" of close-up action replays and meaningless statistics), rather than alongside 81,000 rugby union fans creating one of the most amazing atmospheres in the game. As an avid fan of English rugby, after watching two poor games on Saturday, I can't imagine anywhere a rugby fan would rather have been on the Sunday afternoon than Croke Park.
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"hence Stringer's rapid seige gun pass"
Am i missing something here? Boss's service is infinitely better than Stringers.
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Jim, I don't think your criticism of Croke Park is fair. I watched the Ireland vs Wales game on tv and found myself squinting a few times as the tv camera had problems picking up the action on the far side of the pitch. If I had one negative thing to say about Croke Park is the extra space between the crowd and the pitch which might explain the poor loose kicking of O'Gara and the back 3.
On the selection... I'd like to see Best stay in at hooker and would prefer to see Neil Best come in instead of Easterby. Stringer will be good to have back but the midfield distribution has to improve on the French game. I thought Horgan starved Darcy of too much ball so it'll be great to have Brian O back. I think we really need to move the English pack around because if we don't we could be in trouble.
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Ok so girv has been playing well for leinster but at international level he never makes the yards you talk about. Using Edinburgh as an example is false - they never turned up that day - geordan is very safe under the high ball and offers far more in attack
Having been in Croker for the game I disagree with Jim on this one. I thought the fact that youwere so high meant that it was much easier to see the game as a whole. I was in the canal end and could see the gaps developing and watch the lines run by the backs - have some fantastic photos! Bring on England!!!!!!!
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Croke Park was magnificent for any sporting event. Get real. Your comments defy belief. Have you been to a GAA match there before? You sound like a bitter anti GAA man to be honest.
As for saturday week, Stringer and BOD will come back. Murphy was awful last week. There is no way he should drop Dempsey. I would bring Flannery in and Best on the flank.
We will beat England either way. Comfortably.
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The stadium factor definitely got to the players last week. Lets hope the IRFU bring the advertising hoardings within a few metres of the touchline to stop so many quick line-outs by England. Why didn't they think of that before the French match?
Stringer may pass quicker, but he seems to pass too high these days, slowing O'Gara's next action. Stringer rarely runs so the England midfield and loose forwards will be in O'Gara's face every time he receives - Boss is the better option I feel, he'll at least keep them guessing.
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If croke park isnt suited to rugby neither are murrayfield twickenham or any stadium for that matter with over 60k capacity.
I find it a bit absurd saying you couldnt see the ball from the hogan stand... and you could from the upper west?
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As an Englishman I think Croke is a wonderful stadium and people should complain. I agree it is probably not ideal for rugby but for a stop gap it shopuld be viewed as an honour and we should thank the GAA for letting rugby using it. If anything Ireland will have a huge advantage if they get to play there for next season as well. Given that the touchline is so far in it will make kicking for touch that much harder, but the continuity of using it regularly will give O'Gara a huge advantage over the opposition. In fact, I expect him to out do Wilkinson next weekend in this area simply because he has played there before...
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I was shocked Neil Best didn't start against Wales. The guy is an animal, a beastly tornado against Australia in November and offers a dynamism and untamed aggression in the back row that Ireland, despite having reliability and responsibility in those positions, could really use.
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I was shocked Neil Best didn't start against Wales. The guy is an animal, a beastly tornado against Australia in November and offers a dynamism and untamed aggression in the back row that Ireland, despite having reliability and responsibility in those positions, could really use.
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Oh please! You're honestly telling me that the cracking atmosphere at Croker wasn't conductive to the game of rugby. For God's sake Ireland couldn't hold the ball for love nor money in the first 20 minutes, but that crowd made all the difference. To be fair, there are places in Landsdown where you can't see the pitch if a big bloke's sitting in front of you, let alone the ball. Croke Park is totally different and far superior in every single way. Just be thankful you're alive to see the "foreign games" played on the hallowed turf. Can't wait to see what happens during "God Save the Queen" next weekend, who'd ever have though you'd hear that song echoing out through the gap by the Nally!
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Oh Stephen, I think you took Mr Stokes' comment a little out of context. I am sure he enjoyed the game and the brilliant atmosphere generated in a wonderful arena which is a credit to the GAA, but I think his point that whereas in most sports the ball is visible at all times, in rugby there is a lot of murky stuff, and you really need to be close to the action to view and appreciate it. Croker does not provide this "closeness", indeed many of the other rugby stadia are also blighted with being a little too big. I am delighted that rugby has been granted the opportunity to shows its wares in Croker, but I agree with Mr Stokes that the smaller 52,000 stadium will be far better suited to rugby football.
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There are two reasons why EOS will not pick Murphy. First of all he never really has done it for Ireland. He did well against Wales, but cliched as it might sound, he never brings his Tigers' form to the paler green jersey. Secondly, he missed that tackle. Girv is more reliable and being part of a back five that play together every week, is a huge advantage.
Re Croker. You have a point but hey, all the other advantages you listed, make it a great venue. I wish I was lucky enough to be there to enjoy it!
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The ball is much harder to see in American football than it is in rugby because its brown and smaller, and hidden under piles of colliding armou-clad bodies. And the ball in rugby is perfectly visible in open play. Fair enough, you can't see it in the middle of a maul but that applies even if you are standing right next to it.
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Saw Croke park on the TV last week and it looks a fantatstic arena - I would also like to volunteer to brave the situation and take your place in the stands....i'll even pay the bus fare.
I am massively looking forward to the Irish game as it will tell us where we (england) are in the scheme of things. I fancy us to run the irish close and possibly sneak a win......Hope Steve Walsh is not reffing
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I don't think Stringer has a 'rapid seige gun pass'. I think he is one of the most limited scrum halves in the UK. His one saving grace is his experience & this does count for a lot. He rallies forwards well & knows when to distribute the ball. However, Cusiter, Ellis & Peel are all much more talented at number 9.
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Did anyone else have a problem with the TV coverage of the penalty kicks and conversions?
I struggle to remember seeing decent coverage of even one kick. Perhaps the cameramen were used to shooting the football and the hurling.
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I have to say I agree with Daire, I was also at the game last weekend and the atmosphere was fanstastic inside the ground to be only muted at the end of the game. I would like to know at which international rugby ground he has been to which allows a spectator to see the ball at the base of rucks, under scrums and in the arms of players in mauls. I was high in the Cusack stand and had a great view of the pitch. Perhaps the only people that where affected by the fact the pitch is 20 Metres narrower than the grass area was the players kicking to touch.
That aside, the Irish players have now played on the pitch and hopefully have got used to it now as well as the atmosphere inside the stadium. Now we just need to pick our best 15, which I think should include Murphy that talisman of a back and also Neil Best, the savage of a man, will eat Ellis for a snack during the game.
We should just put last weekend down to experience and hope never feel that way after a final whistle again and look forward to the historic game against England.
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I taught Croke Park was super, i was lucky enough to have a ticket in the Upper Hogan beside the press area about four rows back. I taught the view was very good. The atmosphere was also super. I've been to Lansdowne many a time and there was rarely a atmosphere that would have matched last sunday.
Regarding the selection, As like many of the other readers i'd like to see Murphy & N.Best replace Dempsey & Easterby. Murphy is pretty safe at full back also (remember the munster game). I know he missed one major tackle last week but he also made a try saving half tackle half block. Dempsey also missed a tackle in the second half, albeit not a try scoring one, but was nearly one! Got to go with Murphy, Dempsey offers nothing in attack.
I'd leave Flannery on the bench. R. Best has been good enough to keep his place and i still don't think Flannery has played enought to start. Although i think E.O.S will keep Demspsey and R.Best. I have a sneaky feelin he'll pick N.Best!
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Having been to matches in all the six nations grounds (apart from rome),how can you say that about Croke Park? Was in the upper hogan on sunday and thought the view was supurb.
And by the way, here's a fact to think about before you go writing your next article, after millenium stadium (which suffers severely from closterfobia in the upper tier) and the stadium in rome, croke park has the next smallest pitch area in the six nations. Ttwikenham(2 lines of advertising hoarding either side of pitch), murrayfield(100m running track) & stade de france(running track) all have larger pitch areas & hence fans are further away from the pitch
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Am i missing something here? Boss's service is infinitely better than Stringers.
You must be. Half his feeds to ROG were at head height and above
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Well now, in my very humble opinion I feel Neil Best is the man for the job and not just against England. His performances for Ireland both at the end of last season and his brief moments this make Easterby look like my mums playing, he simply SHOULD be first choice! As for the Hooker position, well thats where I played and Flannery is my man. He has more dimensions to his game than Best. With these 2 changes alone Ireland become more dynamic, much more Irish!
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Agree totally with H - Stringer has never had a 'rapid, siege-gun' delivery and has nothing in the rest of his game that offers anything substantial either, oh unless you count the mythical, cliched 'telepathic understanding' with O'Gara. Boss is Ireland's only option if they wish to even get CLOSE to (his home country) NZ in the RWC.
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I had the good fortune to go to Croke Park for a business seminar a couple of years back, and though the place was empty it made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The TV could not get over any of the atmosphere last weekend - next weekend there is a rumour I have a ticket. And I can not wait to experience the atmosphere. As for watching the game - when at Lansdowne a couple of years abck I could not see anything on an overcrowded packed terrace anyway!
No doubt the history will add a lot to the day - and without wanting to get that thread going again, I have to say that actually by playing England at Croker I personally have become aware of a bit of British and Irish history I was not aware of, so that has to be a good thing!
As for the Irish team to play - I fear the way England have been playing we will be lucky to come second. So pick Best, BOD, Stringer...
I am sure there will plenty of happy Irishmen on Saturday evening, and a lot of Englishmen abroad enjoying the Craic.
PS Can anyone recommend where to watch the evening match after THE GAME?
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if i was you i'd be far more worried about the inadequacy of your two irish props than the viewing difficulties of your temporary home.
to lose a scrum against the head at international level is pathetic and neatly showcases their glaring deficiencies.
paul o'connell's brainless decision to kick the penalty and thus allow france to compete for the last four/five minutes just outside your 22 shows that he hasn't learnt very much savvy since his lunacy in the early stages of the lions second test in 2005 following jonny's kick that rebounded off the post.
the english clubs have helped you out this weekend by playing 14 of the 22 man squad but there will still be far more english players on the field next week who have won important matches throughout their international careers than irish ones.
beware the prickly rose!
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You shouldnt be allowes into croke park with that mentality. its not the gaa fault the rugby pitches dimensions are smaller and the pitch is a lil way in from the stands. Not the easiest to see a rugby ball in lansdowne when its at the far end of the pitch with 2 sides of oversized men lying on top of it so your comment about not seeing the rucks or mauls holds no sense. Sounds like bitter Northern sour grapes
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Excuse me Houstie???? Stringer is IRISH and last time I looked at the map Ireland was a sovereign country... After all mentioning Ireland as part of the UK and talk about Croke Park is a big insult...
So lets just interpret your words as: "halves in Europe" shall we?
I had to watch the game on TV whilst working but even I could feel the great craic in the Stadium... Many thanks to the GAA for allowing Rugby Union to be played in Croke Park!!!!!!
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I agree with no 1 stephen. We were very lucky the GAA were kind enough to allow such sports to be played there.Ok it may not be ideal for rugby (as in it may be to soft under foot) but were else would irish rugby go? Crokke park is huge and is a very able stadium. Apparently the atmosphere was completely huge last week. If so that noise might imtimidate the english and make them fault.
IRELAND 4 THE TRIPLE CROWN!!!
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Given our struggle, let me first say Stringer's not part of the UK.
Secondly, I don't think there's much denying his pass is very quick and usually (not too much of late) very accurate. He cojoles his forwards very well and as you say is quite good with his decision making. Granted he concedes on box kicking and sniping to other scrum half's. I think he's easily up with Peel for first or second.
That's why he's a Lion and that's why he's a Heineken Cup winner. Nobody likes a scrum half apart from their own.... they're far too irritating.
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Look stringer is shocking and is completely one dimensional!!. At least O'Gara has developed his game. What has stringer done. We need Boss in as he plays more like DPeel, dynamic, although I except he doesnt think with his head sometimes. Easterby does what he has to do, but we need best in there. The English wont be able to cope with his hits or power. He's the Irish Chabal.
Did anyone think that the referee for France Ireland was poor after all his talk previous
Croker Park - Quality, lets not even go there.
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Peter Stringer may indeed be limited Houstie, but doesn't come from the U.K., he comes from Ireland. Have a ticket for next weekend, can't wait. Ireland to win 19-16!
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I just read someone say that Boss's pass is better than Stringers - gobsmacked is an understatement.
Stringer is so underrated it is incredible and it was shown last weekend. Being lucky enough to be at the game Boss infuriated the crowd with his delayed passing from the base of the rucks, resulting in either a high or low pass to O'Gara who had to adjust after almost every pass. He reminded me of Tierney he was so slow.
And as for his so called snipping runs, everytime he did one of those he lost the ball.
No for me Stringer is by far the best scrumhalf Ireland has ever had and should always start when fit.
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I have to agree in general with Jim's comments regarding the playing personnel but I would stick with Dempsey who showed in his counter attacking against the French that he can make ground carrying the ball and has more to offer than his Garryowen. Neil Best must be in contention though.
Regarding Croke Park, it certainly got the thumbs-up from the 91热爆. Unfortunately the emotion disturbed the Irish more than the French which was evident both at the start and end of the game.
England at Croke park can expect a hostile reception and this should help Ireland on the day.
Come on the Irish!!!
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Houstie since when has Stringer played in the U.K?
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I'm confused. I thought that the GAA only lifted the ban on non-GAA sports at Croke Park in 2005 (https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6369357.stm) but in your article you mention the Chicago Bears playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997 ???
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Houstie... Ireland is not in the UK... geography not your strong point, either are scrum halves. Stringer is far better than ellis and cuister. A few snipping runs dose not make the scrum halve, marshalling the fwds and quick release of ball to backs is what it's all about!
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You haven't a clue what you're on about! Shutup and be thankful for what you've been offered.
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If Stringer is the best Irish scrum half ever, that's a sad reflection on the rest of the rabble! The only reason he has survived in international rugby is because he has played behind a strong pack - he gets bullied and thrown around like a rag doll EVERY time the pack is under pressure. The sad thing for Ireland is that Boss is superior and he couldn't even consistently hold his Super 12 place down in NZ!
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I think that what Houstie was getting at is that Stringer is one of the most limited scrum halves playing in the UK
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Personally i believe that Neil Best deserves the '6' shirt after his impressive performances thoughout last year for Ireland and Ulster. I also think that Isaac Boss is a better choice at scrum half, he is quick at the breakdown and brings a quicker, more varied game to the ireland back line, The Stringer - O'gara combination is the past!!
I am a Leinster fan so i believe Girv the Swerve is the best 15 in the 6 nations, i think Geordan Murphy is another brilliant player but the illustrious backline of Ireland cant fit him in, definately one for the bench with Trimble!!
I predict Ireland will beat england and england will beat france, so there will be a tie at the top of the table. England's inferior goal difference will let them down as the failed to produce a big win at Italy, i therefore think Ireland will build there difference vs ENGLAND and ITALY! IRELAND 4 6 Nations!
PAT 15 BHAm
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I also think the IRB should seriously consider bringing Argentina into an annual tornament, like the TRI nations, they are a strong team and clearly better than scotland and italy!!
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I was on the terrace last week at Croke and truely enjoyed the day! Very impressed with ground and all the safety aspects.
Regarding selection - Boss added an extra to ireland last week - his oover tackling and tidying up of tapped line out ball was excellent. Sure it is 50/50 between him and Stringer but the great thing is that Ireland have another option now!
Regarding Murphy v Dempsey. Dempsey has been average this year for Ireland- a few times on saturday he seemed to disapear from view when France kicked through. If Murphy played for ireland like he plays for Leicester he would be an automatic pick but he seems unable to bring club form to the international arena.
Good luck to whoever plays.
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I am pumped for Croke Park I played all the english junior teams then Wasps and then as I have the green granny syndrome, Of which I am so proud of, I played for London Irish and the Exiles, I am proud of my ancestry maybe not the histirocal detail but I cannot wait for the game. I will have a tear in my eye at kick off and of course Ireland in Dublin....... a must/will win... Croke Park!!!!!bring it on.
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For my money comical Eddie has to pick Neil Best at 6 against England. The guy is an 1 man wrecking crew, yet his discipline is not bad. I recall watching the autumn Australia game at which the commentator exasperated, "it is just the sheer violence of the man, all legal, just the sheer violence". Even in his cameo appearence against the French he made a tackle, got up and cleared three blue shirts off the ball to turn possession over to Ireland. His presence, turn overs and big hits give Ireland that edge and he will certainly give the crowd a talisman, a Celtic warrior to get the blood pumping and hearts beating. Come on Eddie, uncage the passion!!!!!
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dan wrote:
"I think that what Houstie was getting at is that Stringer is one of the most limited scrum halves playing in the UK"
Funny that, I always thought that Munster was in Ireland!!!
I think that we've long past the comments of England being the mainland, Ireland is a nation all on it's own and the only mainland I know of is mainland europe. Croke Park holds alot of strong emotions for a number of Irish people, and I fear that the english team will show the staduim the disrespect they showed our President a few years ago when the forced her to walk on the grass in order to wish them luck before the game in Landsdowne.
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i can`t wait 4 joe worsley vs neil best it` going 2 be a cracker , it`s like a lion against a tiger going head to head.
peter stringer is a solid 9 & his understanding with ROG is the best in the northern hemisphere although there r still better 9`s.
england 2 win by 5points..
cum on u pomsxxxx
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"seige gun pass", do you know what a seige gun is? if you're going to use cliches, then at least use them correctly!
i can't understand how you can say boss had a good game. the french did a brilliant job of slowing him down by retreating slowly (an old kiwi trick) and then rushing their defence. boss should have been wise to it and cancelled it out in the first half by hitting them with the ball (like pichot caught j.white in the autumn internationals), and that would have raised walsh's attention to it, instead he focussed on the break-down and turned his back on the defence.
i was also disappointed with horan, you *never* kick on your own advantage unless its a drop at goal (the ref will give you another shot at goal if you miss). for boss to take a quick-one in their half, in front of the posts, was amateurish, but for horan to kick away advantage is unforgivable.
it'll be good to see BoD back, Horgan was like a fish out of water and d'arcy had to double up to try and close the holes.
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I think many have misread the comments about Croke Park...I did not see it as Mr. Stokes slagging the stadium...more commenting on the difficulty of viewing from the press box...which many of you have pointed out, must be a rough life.
Stringer, IMHO, is one dimensional...Boss' passes may have been high, which may have confused O'Gara as he is used to receiving sevice at his knees or lower.
EOS is as stubborn as all get out...he has his favourites and is reluctant to pick any one over them. He evn lost a reliable fly-half in humphries because O'Gara kept pouting.
Bring on England
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I don't agree with Easterby at 6. Best is a man possessed, as many know. He reminds me of Chabal and I do think, although he isn't the player that Easterby is on the floor, his defensive work is fantastic. Whether O'Sullivan will pick him I don't know.
Come on England.
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Watching the Ireland v France game at home, I was getting goosebumps just hearing the roar of the Irish crowd in Croke Park. It really is one heck of a stadium. If anything, the game reignited my interest in Gaelic football.
It beat the Twickenham atmosphere anyway, which is mainly composed of Chardonnay drinking middle class individuals.
Ireland deserve to beat England simply for the raw passion the Irish exhibit.
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we should have the upper hand on england but whos to say whos going to turn up on the day and hope fully the boo boys will be out in force for that song about saveing that lady hahaha
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I for one really hope that the Irish fans don't boo the God Save the Queen. OK - it might be a crappy, pompous song and without doubt there is several centuries of unsavoury history between our countries (hopefully we're slowly converging on an agreeable solution) but booing another's national anthem is pathetic. I've seen it done by England's football fans in the past and it's bl**dy embarrassing. For the sake of rugby I hope the Croker crowd don't partake.
Moreover, if we're being frank, with your team being an ALL IRELAND selection, some of your Ulster-born players may be of the political persuasion to want to sing along to GSTQ anyway! Probably not much though because the tune and sentiment are pretty much pants.
Roll on next week!
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I've read all the post, and think it's great. The comments about the stadium and the players are all fascinating. I'm English, but have a long-standing regard for the Irish and their humour, and can only apologise for the actions of my ancestors, which has been far from what most of the present-day population would have supported. I watched the French game on TV and thought your stadium was one of the best in Europe. Whichever team you select for the 24th will be fine, I thought Boss had a good game against the French, but I think Stringer is better and should have played in the last Lions tour. The back row Best is exceptional, and will give the English a hard time if selected. The Giordan Murphy argument is difficult, since he always seems to have the potential to swing a game, yet his counterpart is very talented. I have a good feeling for the English with their new Manager, Brian Ashton, and I'm picking them to win the game, as long as Wilkinson is fit to play.
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Hey Jim, Go and have an eye test. You'll be amazed at the difference a pair of glasses will make!!!! Croke Park is amazing for rugby.
Stringers pass is exceptionally quick, long and accurate generally, but he needs to improve elsewhere. Boss can also improve his pass with more work.
Neil Best should be playing. Flannery should get the nod. Dempsey to start and Geordan Murphy to be an impact sub.
The GAA did not have a problem with American Football, Professional Boxing, Rock and Roll over the years. Only 'garrison games' like rugger, soccer and cricket!
I predict an action-packed, score-for-score match with Ireland to get the nod this time!!
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Regarding the possibility of booing. I attend a lot of different sports matches and over the years have experienced booing on some occasions. I recall when Roy Keane returned to play soccer for Ireland in Lansdowne Road, some of the ragmags and ragradio stations promoted the idea of booing him. When he took the field and when he touched the ball he was booed loudly. It sounded very, very loud. I looked all around me and could see nobody booing. It was obvious that only a few hundred people were booing but it sounded like half the crowd!
So if some gobshites do indulge in this practice (and I really hope that they don't), please understand that it may only be a minority. I suggest that if it happens that the rest of the crowd applaud the English team.
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It hardly matters to me what team O'Sullivan selects. Against England at croker emotion skill and never say die attitude should win the day.
As someone now living in Asia who grew up in a nationalist part of N.Irl
it never surprises me when 91热爆 Belfast employees critisise a Gaelic football stadium. Would he be happy if the game was moved to Ravenhill?
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In reply to Jim's column, what are you talking about when it comes to Croke Park? Forget about any argument where the game should be played. Croke Park is a fantastic venue across the board, no argument. So what if there is 10 metres space at the sides of the pitch. The place looked unbelieveable. As a proud Irish sports fan across all codes who has been going to croke park since '93, it is hard to match. You did not enjoy the atmosphere. As many have said before me please get off the stage and do not go to Croke Park to watch the rugby in future if this is how you feel. There were more people than I've ever seen outside the ground looking for spare tickets. I saw two touts and neither had spare. From what you have said many if not all of these people deserved to be there instead of you. Well, enough ranting.
I personally thought that Ireland bossed the game in the 2nd half and really deserved to win it in the end. It was such a pity because I do not think we will get as good a chance to win the grand slam again. In saying that I thought it was one of the best performances from an away French side I have ever seen. There defence was unbelieveably good and there tactical kicking was fantastic.
From Ireland's point of view I think the pack were immense as was Isaac Boss. I think he will push Stringer really hard for the number 9 jersey this year and who knows maybe the world cup? Girvan Dempsey was also very good and I think anyone who thinks Geordan Murphy should start at full back should get there heads checked. I like Murphy as a player but I would say that he probably plays well in 1 out of every 5 games he plays for Ireland. For the Tigers its more like 4 out out 5.
On to England, this a lot tighter than people think but I still feel that Ireland have too much in the backs for England to cope with.
Prediction : 23-15 to Ireland. No more than 2 tries in the game.
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Could you have used a worse picture of hurling?
It does nothing to show the skill of the game and only re-enforces the image of men hitting each other with sticks that people who know nothing of the game have.
Maybe that was the intention?
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I dont believe anyone can doubt that EOS has done a wonderful job of leading Irish rugby to its current position.He does have however a conservative approach which with the world cup coming ever closer should be questioned. Selections with this current squad may be close calls but it is time to look to the margins and pick those players who seem to have that little extra flare and give them more play time at this level.We know what Dempsey and Murphy can do,so Murphy's undoubted game breaking ability should put him in the team,accepting the fact that his defence can be suspect.Hickie is playing attacking rugby at the moment but Trimble has another dimension and needs more game time to bed in.Boss is another player in the same situation and particularly in such an important one, needs regular inclusion from now on.Once again Easterby is a sound player but Simon Best has shown what an outstanding player he can be and needs the time to up his 'groundhog'game to be on a par with his massively aggresive tackling.Flanery is the hooker of choice,but is probably not quite match fit yet, so a thirty minute spell against England would be about right.None of these changes I think will weaken the goal of landing the six nations championship and if anything may just tip the scales in Irelands favour.
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I disagree with the team that you have said. I think we could fine Jerry starting instead of Rory, Neil could also move to openside and i think dempsey will be droped all together because his positioning is wrong and i think hickey has lost his flare so i think he should move to the bench to be honest and but a better player on the wing such as trimble so this should be the Irish 22 v England:
1.M.Horan
2.J.Flannery
3.J.Hayes
4.D.O'Callaghan
5.P.O'Connell
6.S.Easterby
7.N.Best
8.Leamy
9.I.Boss
10.R.O'Gara
11.A.Trimble
12.G.Darcy
13.B.O'Driscoll
14.S.Horgan
15.G.Murphy
REPLACEMENTS:
16.R.Best
17.S.Best
18.M.O'Driscoll
19.D.Wallace
20.P.Stringer
21.P.Wallace
22.D.Hickie
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Tiernan, I think you'll find that it was Ireland who forced your President to walk on the grass - was it not THEY who lined up second, and chose to stand on the grass? We showed respect by lining up for TWO of your anthems, so a little pre-match gamesmanship is par for the course. Don't be so one-eyed.
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Re no.68: The Easterby/Best debate should not be solved by sacrificing the outstanding Wallace.
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David Meller wrote:
It beat the Twickenham atmosphere anyway, which is mainly composed of Chardonnay drinking middle class individuals.
and the irish crowd isnt? that was the first time half of ballsbridge had ever been to de nortsoide.
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Even though i am an England fan, i really really hope Ireland play murphy. He is a much much better full back than Dempsey! i find Girven to be negative, solid, but negative. If, as is commonly accepted, ireland want to play with some width and adventure surely its gota be him?
That said, i do think Ireland will have most joy up the middle, so we never know, murphy as an impact player may stil have something to be said in its favour...
Personally, im still backing england to win this game, O'Gara cnt afford to miss kicks, and ireland will have to be much more clincal, otherwise jonny will kick 21 points and we'll win the game :D
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Re post 53 by Tiernan
If you think it's annoying being referred to as part of the UK, then don't refer to Britain and/or the UK as England. Don't expect others to recognise your own differences when you lump the Scots, Welsh (and even Northern Irish) in with "England".
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I think some are getting a bit over sensitive about Jim's comments on Croke Park. He wasn't criticising the ground which he acknowleged was built with Gaelic Football and Hurling in mind (correctly obviously). He was simply saying that in his view it wasn't ideal for watching Rugby for that reason.
I've been in Croke Park many times and though I wasn't there on Sunday I suspect he might be right. I was in Wembley for an Ireland v Wales rugby match and that stadium had disadvantages. From where I was sitting penalty kicks went above the stand and you couldn't judge for yourself whether they had gone between the sticks. Of course Wembley was built for Soccer.
Croke Park is a fantastic 21st Century venue. Far better facilities and a far bettter atmosphere. From what I could judge on TV the atmosphere lagged a bit in the first half but was excellent in the second, but that had more to do with the Irish team's performance than the venue. It was, I suspect, part of the French tactics to run at Ireland early, ideally score early, and try to take the crowd out of the game.
The venue is a credit to the GAA and they deserve still more for agreeing to lease it out for Rugby. It's a justifiable source of pride both for the GAA and the country as a whole, but Jim's comments were not criticisms of the venue per se. Rather, they were points about its suitability for watching Rugby, a game for which it was not designed. That's not an unreasonable debate to have and I don't think most GAA people would take offense.
I would add that I think it would be a terrible venue for watching a darts match, tiddley-winks, marbles or bowls. That doesn't detract from it as a venue or as an achievement. It's simply a recognition that some venues are better than others for different sports.
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There was a great shot from the France/Ireland match at Croke when ROG scored and fans were celebrating almost directly over the pitch it seemed. Rather like some royal box towering over the gladiators. I think it can only be good news that Croke opened it's gates to rugby. How much awareness has it raised outside Ireland of Gaelic games - let's face it, it has little hold on the imagination outside Ireland... which is maybe why the French didn't crumble as csome thought they would.
PS. Who is Ireland's sovereign?
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Although I agree that Murphy is a better attacking option than Dempsy, I feel defensive ability is just so much more important for a full back. Based on current form Dempsey is, as Jim Stokes says, 'safe as houses'. Theres plenty of attacking ability through out the back line as it is. With regards to his complaints about Croke Park, the IRFU and Irish rugby can hardly complain.
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English rugby is a joke !! and this is from an england fan , why o why are the rfu letting the clubs play on the sunday before a 6n game - it does not take a genius to work out who will be the better prepared team come saturday and if england did manage to win it would be one of the biggest upsets in 6n recent times. I am so dismayed with the guiness premiership and its owners and i for one would rather see franchises brought it so the rfu could compete on level terms with the other countries and see the owners of the clubs go to the wall - these arent rugby fans they are businessman and as soon as they are out the picture the better for all concerened - the clubs will survive as they always do as these will make up the frnachises but it should all be about the national team and not people like walkinshaw or mcafferty = what do they know about the game ?? I for one hope we do win but in another way hope we lose comprehensivly so it can hopefully act as the start of the watershed which will turn the game round in england and to catch up again with the other nations because at the moment we are light years behind
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And people say Ireland have no strength in depth?
All I can say, is if I was O'Sullivan I'd be chuffed I'd got the choice!
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England's tactics will be simple - get the big pack to roll early and take advantage of the slow Ireland start. Get a lead and let Wilkinson keep the score board rolling with penalties and drops. I would expect to see: Flannery, Stringer and O'Driscoll start and Horgan to be retained. Unfortunately, the tactical and strategic battle against France was made easy for Laporte, nevertheless the French showed a high skill level when it was required and therefore deserved to win. Ireland need to target a slow England midfield and that means the forwards need to secure at least 50% of the possession. I think there will be even more pressure on the Irish team and the psychological battle may swing it.
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Technical game? How many international grounds provide the intimacy Mr Stokes desires? As for the technical side of the game is that the constant knocking the ball forward or holding on to it whilst on the ground that he was unable to witness? The Rugby Football Unions don't provide so many bars at that venues out of the goodness of their hearts they understand one thing very clearly. Their product is best viewed from a distance through beer goggles.
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If you dont like Croke Park
Dont go back there again we dont want you there!!
There are plenty of people who would only be delighted to have your ticket.
I was there last Sunday and it was amazing
I would like to see you pick a better stadium.
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1.M.Horan
2.J.Flannery
3.J.Hayes
4.D.O'Callaghan
5.P.O'Connell
6.N.Best
7.D.Wallace
8.Leamy
9.I.Boss
10.R.O'Gara
11.D.Hickie
12.G.Darcy
13.B.O'Driscoll
14.S.Horgan
15.G.Dempsey
REPLACEMENTS:
16.R.Best
17.S.Best
18.M.O'Driscoll
19.D.Wallace
20.P.Stringer
21.P.Wallace
22.A.Trimble
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When on earth was Stringer a British Lion? (someone said he was)
His pass has to be the most inconsistent service of any international half back. At least two balls a game hit the deck from his hands. Siege gun? Unbelievable.
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I am disappointed in Mr Stokes going for Stringer before Boss. I thought Boss had a great game against the french and was shocked to hear Austin Healeys comments about his inexperience costing the irish team. With regard to Neil Best. He must start. I would even bring back David Humphries or his younger brother Ian. O,Gara is so over rated!!
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83 - British Lion? Dont make me come down there.
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I really rate murphy i thought he had a good game last week. I thought he should have started for the Lions. I'm English so that saying something.
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Have to say I am astounded Neil Best hasn't beem playing. Would bring back Flannery at hooker. Trimble should be on the left wing. As for the scrum half debate against England I'd go with Stringer. Purely because it will be a tighter game and he is the better passer. Boss is good with the ball in hand and scored a wonderful try last night.
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The mention of Ian Humphries raises an interesting question...why is the fly half for the league leading Leicster Tigers not in the Irish squad?
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So when stringer plays in the ML if he does against Scots and Welsh is he not playing in the UK?
Not that it really matters hes a poor S/H end of....Personally I'm not too bothered who EOS picks he usual gets it wrong anyway.
Lets quit with this "we was robbed" nonsense,you were beaten by a better side and after all the derogatory comments about Jonny Wilkinson it will be nice to see him lay waste to your title aspirations.
England by 5-10 points
Come on you Whites!!
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It's a shame that EOS will probably just default to Stringer instead of letting Boss continue to show what he's capable of. Personally, I think Boss offers more versatility than Stringer and we should be about getting alternatives available at this stage (late as it is). However, I think the debate on Stringer versus Boss is less significant in the context of the lack of alternative to O'Gara. I also favoured Humphries over him when the two were competing. I've been very disappointed with his recent kicking for Ireland and do wish that we had some other options.
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RE Ian Humphries - He played in the A international last week and his performance left a lot to be desired. He appeared defenesively weak and far too small. O'Gara is untouchable and Wallace did enough in the AI's to secure the reserve position in the squad.
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Boss should start ahead of Stringer. Best should start ahead of Easterby. Horgan looked unfit, Trimble should keep his place on the wing
And here's one to chew over...Paul O'Connell needs to be dropped
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Ireland will not slam until they play Ulstermen on the team. EOS has made it obvious that he has a problem with that. I am not even looking forward to the England game. Another year gone, and no slam - what a bummer.
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90 - Let me guess? You are from Ulster? rolls eyes
Apart from a dodgy 30 minutes against Wales, O'Gara has been outstanding. Won us the game V Wales when he showed the mental strength to put his poor form behind and a Man of the Match performance against France. You'd drop him? Strange.
Ps - To those of you who think Neil Best is some sort of superhero type who will single handedly carry us to victory, he was one of the players responsible for the shocking defence for the last minute French try last week. That said I would rather have him start against England then Easterby. Flannery must start against England also.
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Yes, let the Ireland team be made up from a lot more Ulster players, that would be good. Lets think about it - Ireland's hopes of winning the championship will be dramatically increased by increasing the player quota from a team who cannot get out of their Heineken Cup group year in year out. Ulstertism at its best. Superb.
We'll take Trimble and R and N Best. You can keep the rest. Boss included. Step step step pass isnt tolerated in an under 10 game let alone in International rugby.
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Neil Best should start as he adds extra physicality to the back row. The No2 call is close but I think he will stick with Rory Best which is a fair call with Flanery coming on after an hour as an impact sub. Boss deserves another chance but I have a feeling fast eddie will bring stringer back. BOD back and Horgan to wing with the swerve staying at full back. Trimble to the bench with Murphy well , no where. He never produces his club form for Ireland. He needs to come back and play here regularly. Think about it-there are only two overseas based players that started against France and they are both under pressure for their places.
The Irish pack stood up to the french by and large and with O'Driscoll back, the pace of the Irish game will be too much for lumbering england.Ireland would have beaten France with O'Driscoll playing. Ireland by 15 points.
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I was interested that there was so little speculation before the France game as to touch kicks, because I checked the distance from sideline to pitch and 10m is a long way when you are aiming a kick. ROG knows the geography of Thomond and Lansdowne Road so well he can find good touch with his eyes closed. The first 20 minutes in Croker he was not so reliable. But he should be better next week.
Boss v Stringer - I would go for Stringer, more experience and very occasionally does a darting run which is so out of character, no one expects it (last year's HC!). But Boss for Scotland and Italy, he needs the experience before the WC.
Easterby v Best - gotta be Best; but not Best for Wallace. Easterby was picked for Wales because he plays for Scarlets and knew the Welsh players, but now I'd go for Best, definitely an Irish Chabal,
Dempsey v Murphy - Murphy is a great and talented footballer, but sometimes he just loses it and that can cost big time. Great impact player/blood replacement.
Ireland in the UK? We sorted that all out a few years ago. Part of Ulster is still in the UK, but from living in England for a long time I know that many people here are geographically challenged!
I saw a report in one of yesterday's papers that Brian Ashton has called in Colin O'Shea to explain the history surrounding this match to the England players in Bath tomorrow. Also a suggestion that the RFU & IRFU are considering the two teams walking out together - just like they did in 1973! Perhaps the English are showing some sensitivity at last (not a notable feature of relations between the two countries over the past few hundred years) or maybe this is because of Ashton's experience as Irish coach.
My predictions:
Ireland to get over their nerves and win;
the Croke Park crowd to be impeccably well mannered and stay silent for GSTQ;
the crowd to stay silent for kicks at goal (just like at Thomond);
But the best bit of all is that they won't be playing that utterly reprehensible musak they play at Twickenham when England score (that is just so unbelievably awful).
And finally - a good day to be had by all - especially my son who will be at his very first Six Nations match, courtesy of a birthday present from his mother (me) who ever since I gave him the tickets (him + girlfriend) have been regretting my generosity! (The things Irish mothers do for their sons).
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At least Ulster have won the HC...also, and yes this might sound like sour grapes, but the fiasco against Toulouse, while it did not affect their overall finish was a sad end to this years competiton. They are currently second in the ML, and have won as many games as Leinster, and they regularly beat teams that had weaker pool groups in the HC. Thy are points clear of Munster in the ML.
You can accuse me of Ulsterism if you want, but IMHO Ulster could win the HC and EOS wold still only start 2 of them.
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You can criticise the Ulster team all you want, and you can call it Ulsterism to support your team and want its players to be given a chance based on performance and not reputation. However, Ireland should learn from England in 2003, when an aging team won the WC and then left a legacy which they are still trying to fix. The way to develop team is give players playing time to improve their game...are we (Ireland) to become a one dimensional team based on BOD, or will EOS and the selectors look at developing the likes of Ian Humphries,Paddy Wallace, Boss, Neil Best, Bowe etc. Not to mention players from the other Irish teams.
Criticisms of Humpries are fair. Bu As for Humphries being too small and weak in the tackle, have you looked at O'Gara lately...it would take two of him to make up a Daniel Carter.
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You can criticise the Ulster team all you want, and you can call it Ulsterism to support your team and want its players to be given a chance based on performance and not reputation. However, Ireland should learn from England in 2003, when an aging team won the WC and then left a legacy which they are still trying to fix. The way to develop team is give players playing time to improve their game...are we (Ireland) to become a one dimensional team based on BOD, or will EOS and the selectors look at developing the likes of Ian Humphries,Paddy Wallace, Boss, Neil Best, Bowe etc. Not to mention players from the other Irish teams.
Criticisms of Humpries are fair. Bu As for Humphries being too small and weak in the tackle, have you looked at O'Gara lately...it would take two of him to make up a Daniel Carter.
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You can criticise the Ulster team all you want, and you can call it Ulsterism to support your team and want its players to be given a chance based on performance and not reputation. However, Ireland should learn from England in 2003, when an aging team won the WC and then left a legacy which they are still trying to fix. The way to develop team is give players playing time to improve their game...are we (Ireland) to become a one dimensional team based on BOD, or will EOS and the selectors look at developing the likes of Ian Humphries,Paddy Wallace, Boss, Neil Best, Bowe etc. Not to mention players from the other Irish teams.
Criticisms of Humpries are fair. Bu As for Humphries being too small and weak in the tackle, have you looked at O'Gara lately...it would take two of him to make up a Daniel Carter.
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Apologies to all for the multiple posting...technical glitches and operator (me) tupidity to blame.
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15.murphy
14.horgan
13.bod
12.d'arcy
11.trimble
10.rog
9.stringer
1.horan
2.flannery
3.hayes
4.poc
5.doc
6.best
7.wallace
8.leamy
16.best
17.best
18.o driscoll
19.easterby
20.boss
21.wallace
22.trimble
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Ask O'Gara, Darcy and O'Driscoll who they would prefer at No.9. They will all say Stringer. For all Boss's extra dimensions, yet to be seen above Magners League level by the way, the fact that O'Gara can stand so flat with Stringer inside is always going to win the argument. Without that, our famed three-quarters just can't get going to the same degree.
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re:Phil 69
sorry but you dont seem to know rugby protocol it is the home team which lines up second so it was England who forced the President to walk on the grass and anyway that bit of ''gamesmanship'' cost England the staging of this years rugby W.C. so he who laughs last......
On the point of two athems lets get it straight the Irish national anthem is played because the Irish
President is present then the rugby athem(Irelands Call) is played as the I.R.U. covers the whole of Ireland both the Republic and Northern this is why only Irelands Call is played at away games.
Maybe there is still a little respect left to learn
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I think Murphy, Best and Boss are all impact subs. I also think Flannery is more solid at the lineout than r best so I would favour him. The selection will be very harsh on Trimble but he will have his day and as Wallace can cove centre as well I htink it is beter to have hickie there as a specialist winger and Murphy to cover wing and full-back. All this chat about Ulstermen not getting into the team is pathetic. There are no connacht players at all and no-one is copmplaining - why aren;t there any - cos they aren't good enough. Please can someone name an Ulster player not in the 22 who is better than a non-ulster player in the 22? In fact I would argue that Jennings and Gleeson are both as good as Neil Best. Sheahan, Jackman and Fogarty are not far off R Best. Paddy Wallace is preferred to Staunton cos he is better. Boss is prefered to Reddan cos he is better. Give us a break.
Re GSTQ - there is no way it will be booed. The Irish rugby fans are very sporting and will not boo GSTQ. The best way to show we have moved on is to treat England as our equals I cringe when England soccer fans persist on booing other nations' anthems. However, i think that anyone singing along to GSTQ who is wearing green (on or off the field ) should bog off. You don't get Welsh fans singing along to GSTQ.
I hope the headlines on Sunday are
"I can't belive the news today...Ireland win 19-16"
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O'Sullivan said that if the choice was between a home player and someone playing away then he would go with the home player. And yet he picks Easterby in front of Best !!!!
Ireland were the best side in Europe during the autumn international. And yet that side was tinkered with!!!
When Best came on for the side was transformed. We turned over their ball, won balls from rucks and drove some poerful mauls.
OK we lost but that was becuase of the first half perfomance and the fact that we declined too many penalties. Nobody should doubt that Best is much better than Easterby and this change has unbalanced the side. Why oh why oh why oh why did it happen. I can't watch if Easterby plays again.
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Very fair comment about the Connacht squad...I am sure there are talented players there as there are throughout Ireland...sadly, and this is not meant as a dig or slight, they have yet to reach their potential...their day will come.
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It's a disgrace they are using croke park.
Well I supose the english will not have there guns this time..
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Liam
We all want Ireland to win, however being from Ulster we are keen to see our players get a fair chance. How Trimble was originally not even in the squad of 22 for the French match is unbelievable, I know Denis is playing great at the minute but even the Leinster fans would agree that he has lost alot of gas, Trimble scored a fantastic try for Ulster on Friday night. Neil Best would be a much more positive selection compared to Easterby, his tackling is immense, other than that horror against France, his running with the ball is superior to Easterby and he brings that Irish mayhem this Irish Team needs. Has everyone forgot about his performances in the autumn and what about the games against the All-Blacks. The call between Rory Best and Flannery is very close, however the Irish Front row seems to function very well when Rory is playing, however I played in the backs so know nothing about the dark arts of the front row. I also thought that Boss had a good game against France, at least he will keep the opposition back row guessing, with Strings they just head for ROG. You asked for mention of an Ulster player who has not been selected who is better than a non-Ulster player, just remember the name of Stephen Ferris, he is going to be some player.
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Ulster won a Heineken cup when the English teams turned their back on the competiton.
Ulster are 2nd in a Magners League where Leinster, Munster, Ospreys, Scarlets and Cardiff dont really care. The reason Ulster do so well is that hardly any of their first choice team are involved with the international side. Sad but true.
And some other logic I cant quite comprehend - Ian Humphries is not as big as O'Gara who is not as big as Daniel Carter so therefore Ian Humphries should be in the squad. Yes, quite so.
Ps - Colin, the machine gun gag was done to death two weeks ago. Your take on it is neither funny nor original anymore.
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Houstie
If you are trying to justify the inclusion of Trimble ahead of Hickie after his performance against Wales then all I have to say is thank God you are not in charge of picking the Irish team.
Trimbles day will come. He's just not a winger, he cannot kick and is defensively suspect when the opposition kick. Imagine how please Wilkinson would be!!. He's an exciting talent but his selection on the wing cannot be justified at the moment. I would have put him at 13 instead of Horgan last week. He is not a winger though. Definitely not.
Regarding Stephen Ferris - I expected a lot more from him the A game. I left Ravenhill dissapointed.
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Jack,
And how many English teams have won the HC since? The implication is that if the English had played then Ulster would not have won. A slightly unfair comment I would think.
Sorry if my logic was not clear...something may have got lost in the translation...the point I was trying to make was simply that O'Gara is not a big lad himself. His defense has also been questioned over the years. This is not to say that he should be replaced by Humphries, but rather that Ireland need to start grooming some talent for the future. I am not myopic enough to suggest that Ulster be the only source of that talent.
As for your sweeping statement about the other teams, they all seem to play hard in the league, and for a team that doesn't care Leinster have turned in some great performances this season.
I completely agree with you about Trimble, he is not a winger, but a centre played out of position.
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i find it hilarious to read this (mostly) irish myopic drivel.
the reason ireland have never, ever beaten new zealand in the history of rugby; never won a grand slam since 1948 (that's 59 years!) and have never even reached the semi-final of the world cup, let alone the final, is because year-in and year-out they are clearly shown to be not good enough!
the reason you are not good enough is because your players are nowhere near as good as you think. your coaching is nowhere near as good as you think.
the reason why england are the reigning world champions, have beaten new zealand on numerous occasions, have won the grand slam on numerous occasions in recent years, have appeared in one other world cup final, apart from the one we won, and one other semi-final (having knocked out the then reigning world cup champions to get there) is because we have proved, time and again, that we are good enough at top level!
anyway continue spouting on about how world class stringer is, how neil best will transform you into world beaters, how o'sullivan is a world class coach, how the referee robbed you against france (maybe try reading the laws pertaining to playing advantage?) and leave the accumulation of grand slams and world cups to the rest of us.
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Honest Tim,
Since professionalism was introduced the Celtic nations have caught up a lot more then you think and like by the sounds of it. Hungary used to be good at football, England used to be good at rugby. See the similarities? Ireland has a playing pool which is probably 20% the size of Englands (if even).
Regarding our players being poor at the moment? Here's to 4 in a row for Ireland on Saturday. Yes, 4 in a row. That would be 4.
Sling it Tarquin.
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Pedrito,
Dont even pretend that Munster, Leinster , the Ospreys and Co. are even trying to take the Magners League seriously.
Kieran Lewis, Devin Toner, Darragh Hurley, Chris Wyatt? Theres a selection of Magners League regulars. First choice?
How many games has Paul O'Connell played in the Magners League this season? 5? When was the last time O'Driscoll turned out for Leinster?
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Hey Honest Tim,
Do you see your domination of European and World Rugby continuing this year? Honestly, honest Tim, I DO NOT.
Seems that you are a little upset about the recent dismal run of form of you World beating England team.
Why not just accept that, in the present state, the Irish team are superior to the English team. As you rightly imply this does not occur very often. However, it is occuring now. I think that you are a little embarrassed that your country, of a vastly more substantial population, is not always better than little old Ireland.
Perhaps we'll get the ol' 'rub of the green' on Saturday and scrap a win.
But Honestly, Honest Tim it is more like that we will completely outclass an inferior English team.
Dont worry though its only a game of Rugby. And try not to be so disrespectful the next time. In sporting terms, atleast, the hilarious notion is that you are accusing Irish people of myopia. You guys are world famous for it!!!!
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Neil Best for the NO6 shirt.
I disagreed with but could understand why Eddie O鈥橲ullivan selected Simon Easterby for blindside. He has been playing quite well for a very inform side. However, Best was at times struggling to be at his BEST in an Ulster side that had gone off the boil. Eddie O鈥橲ullivan was very quick to forget Best鈥檚 quality world class performances for Ireland; Best during this time was actually named in many international experts world 15 selections. Easterby without doubt is not in form, it appeared he was not on the pitch for the first half of the French match, and did not do much more in the second. Best was dynamic and during his short time on the pitch showed what he is capable off.
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Honest Tim, how has is this discussion which, from the lead article a man of such obvious intelligence as yourself must have realised is concerning Irish rugby, been short sighted?
Some might say that England, with the largest pool of rugby players, by a considerable distance, should be world beaters on a regular basis, but strangely they fail time and time and indeed time again to match the abilities of their distinctly disadvantaged opponents. And let鈥檚 face it the one time you did win the WC (hardly an accumulation by the way) was a result of bbbbbbbbbbboooooooooorrrrrrrrrriiiinggggg the opposition in to not so much summation but complete apathy.
And with a current selection which is not so much a team but a support centre for the bionic number 10 I鈥檓 sure you鈥檒l once again live down to expectations when Saturday comes.
Tally hoe
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Lads, Lads, and professional wind up merchants/bloggers. How many of you actually watch the game, other than 6 nations ???
1. Neil Best, all judging him on November form, it dipped, with Ulsters !! Easterby was magnificent in HC, also great spoiling game in Cardiff..therfore a form selection, just like any other club around the world.( Note: I am Best fan)
2. Stringer has performed at the top level for a long time, like everybody he has weaknesses and strengths, but he is quality, those other sc's mentioned all have major faults also, cue Ellis last week, Cusiter & Peel..none of whom performed better than Boss. Ireland have an option and that should be good enough..When you win a HC, come back and complain then ! Boss 'struggled' because Ireland were not on the front foot..period..ask any scrum-half worth his salt and he'll say the same.
3. To critise Croke Park is churlish at best and rabble rousing most probably . When your choice is to keep your home matches at home (in a very grand & and bigger capacity stadium) or migrate abroad, causing huge expense and loss of advantage...I think its a bit of a no brainer. Many thanks to the GAA, it was a big decision and one that will help Ireland when all the dust settles ! However, no mention is made of all the cooperation that has been offered by numerous RFC's towards the local GAA clubs who embarassingly could not then recripricate the generosity due to an archaic, outdated rule.
4. Dempsey is a major weakness in Irelands attacking format. One break againnst Edinburgh has been held as prime example of attacking form, he is not that safe and also has a knack of 'falling' over when one on one with an attacker...While I agree Murphy should have made the tackle on Ibanez, mistakes are made, Murphy offers more, even on a bad day...Dempsey offers...Up and Unders !
5. Little is said about a clinical and astute French performance, they had little pressure on them, written off, Ireland for World Cup Final read all the banner headlines ...they did their homework on Ireland, and executed it well.. however I dont think they'll be strutting out onto Stade France brimming with confidence, they got the rub of the green and they know it.
6. Steve Walsh was appalling, and before sour grapes is mentioned, I will say for both sides..French, dominant scrum, penalty to Ireland, Horan twice, taken out, POC taken out on critical restart..I really liked this ref a couple of years ago, but this is the guy who seems to be a loose cannon...mouthing off last week and then retracting it ?? the hassle with Shane Horgan on the Lions tour, I believe he has the ability to be the best but it seems he already thinks he is - clearly not !
7. Relax and enjoy the experience next week...and stop taking yourself so seriously...after all you were not that good in your playing days either !!
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I agree that Croke park is a great stadium but I do understand Jim Stokes comments. I personally was five rows from the front of the Hogan stand at the end beside TV commentary boxes / Hill 16 - couldn't see a thing!! Was at least five metres behind the deadball line and spent most of the match watching the big screen.
Some of my mates were at the top of Davin stand and apparently it was like watching ants!!
Yes, probably a good stadium generally but lets get real here -
not a patch on the Millenium stadium for overall viewing and atmosphere.
Everybody has gone totally overboard on the thing because of the history etc - the reality is slightly different!
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Jack,
point taken. However, as an Ulster fan, and not necessarily a bipartisan Ulsterman, I will always advocate for my team.
The other teams mentioned are rightly focussed on the HC...I hope it is won by another Irish team, but there is still a lot of rugby to be played there.
I will also concede that Ulster have continuously put themselves on the backfoot with regard to the HC as their poor performances come back to haunt them year after year.
As the Irish dream about winning another grand slam, so the Ulster fan dreams about another HC.
On a final note to all rugby fans and bloggers...the Ulster fans have come in for some criticism of late and I hope that you will not judge all of us by the actions of a few. It is one thing to be passionate and partisan for your team...it is another to be racist and sectarian as they have been accused of by several clubs in recent months. Hopefully the Ulster fans will continue to be the first and weed out any who advocate the latter.
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Not a patch on the Millenium stadium in terms of atmosphere? It was like a library when Ireland beat the welsh a couple of weeks ago. Now to the pertinent question, have you ever actually been to Croke Park? Obviously not. Hill 16 is louder then Fortress Rupert and the Millenium Stadium put together.
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. Dempsey is a major weakness in Irelands attacking format. One break againnst Edinburgh has been held as prime example of attacking form, he is not that safe and also has a knack of 'falling' over when one on one with an attacker...While I agree Murphy should have made the tackle on Ibanez, mistakes are made, Murphy offers more, even on a bad day...Dempsey offers...Up and Unders !
Cliches. Since Cheika took as Leinster coach Dempsey has been transformed. I suggest you look at the video highlights of Ireland in the AI's to see what a new and imporved Dempsey can contribute. One break against Edinburgh? Now I know that you dont watch any Leinster or Ireland games.
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Time to stop whining about the past at Croke Park. Last time I looked the so-callled "history" was 87 years go. Begging forgiveness from my 100% pure Irish grandparents, and the incipient tongue-lashing to come, this is not the Croke Park, nor the time of the shootings. They were part of a misguided "tit-for-tat" past, which make little sense in today's world (try serving in Sierra Leone, Afganistan, or Yugoslavia for real perspective). As to the stadium itself, forget any history, since it is not the same place, it is just another big building. By American NFL or Baseball stadium standards, Croke is average. For Rugby it has many issues, only one of which is being too far from the action. So I look at Croke as a nice stop-gap until a proper stadium is built for Ireland and their supporters. And for a wounded Ireland losing to a wounded France (both wihout inspirational captains), it is hard to say what it means, except whetting the apetite for Ireland-England. But when does that not happen, anyway? Let's fill the stadum, let's fill the pubs, and hopefully watch a ripping match, without all the nonsense which goes along with it. Here's to the match!
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Jack,
'Have I ever been to Croke Park?' - Have you difficulty reading? My post started with my problem in seeing the match from the bottom of the Hogan Stand!!
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Honest Tim,
Yes England have beaten NZ & do indeed have a world cup to their name & (with the exception of this Saturday) good luck to them! This may well be to do with them having by far the largest player pool in the world. Rugby union is a minority sport in Ireland & given the size of the player pool, Ireland are currently punching above their weight of numbers. By comparison, I do think England underperform....
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Jack,
would you by any chance be a Leinsterman?
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Auld - Yet you claim the atmosphere isnt a patch on the Millenium? Something doesnt quite add up here..
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i may have inadvertantly done peter stringer a disservice earlier when i questioned his "world class" credentials as ascribed by various contributors
i am forgetting the expression on his face when neil back hooked the ball, rather unconventially i admit, from the last minute scrum in the 2004 heineken cup final. credit where credit's due - the look on peter stringer's face was truly world class.
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Auld - Yet you claim the atmosphere isnt a patch on the Millenium? Something doesnt quite add up here..
David - I dont think anyone is 'whining' about Croke Park and its historical context. All occassions with such significance are marked, always have been and always will. Whining?
Again you go off on a tangent about the view form the stands etc, but were you actually there?
And if you're coming over, I recommend any pub down the Gardner street area. Tell the locals how you dislike the whining and tell them how average a place Croke Park is, then tell them to drink up and have the 'craic'. They are going to love you.
Honestly.
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Pedrito,
No not at all.
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And just for the record - neither Dempsey or Murphy will ever set the world on fire. Dempsey is by far the better player. Unless the Murphy is playing in a Leicester shirt he's guaranteed at least 1 match altering blooper per game.
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And just for the record - neither Dempsey or Murphy will ever set the world on fire. Dempsey is by far the better player. Unless Murphy is playing in a Leicester shirt he's guaranteed at least 1 match altering blooper per game.
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honest tim - Yes you are right, Stringers face was comical in fact it was right up there with Lewis Moody in the last minute of the Ireland Engalnd game in Fortress Rupert when the TMO said 'You may award the try'. I remember it well. I bet your face was a picture too.
4 in row?
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108,
Get over it.
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Honest Tim,
Still clinging to past glories I see. Don't worry you are not alone. It is an affliction that many of your country-men suffer from.
The sooner you overcome this affliction the sooner you will be able to come to terms with the fact that England will not be suceeding at this years World Cup.
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Auld Hand- obviously its all abour personal preference and thats fair enough. However its the choice of words. "not a patch" on the Millenium stadium is a serious overstatement! I was at the game and the atmosphere was spectacular! I have also been numerous times to the Milennium stadium, the Stade du France and I was also at the UTD BAYERN champions league final!!!!!!!
In my opinion Croker is easily on a level playing field with those stadiums. "Easily a patch" on the Millenium stadium, and that is especially true of last weeks France game!
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Could all the british bloggers stop referring to Croke Park as "croke" its so annoying for a true Gael like myself the sooner lands(Landsdowne road)is reopened the better.
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Good on the 91热爆 as a precursor to the Ireland - France game to give the viewer a little insight into Irish history and the significance of the GAA's decision to allow Croke Park to be used for both football and rugby internationals.
That said I am looking forward to the day that Jim Stokes and his cronies from 91热爆 Northern Ireland have to script a contextual piece on the historic significance of the former H-Blocks and possible home to the new "community" stadium outside Belfast. Now that really was somewhere that the "dark arts" were practiced!!!
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Auld and Jack etc
Croke Park was a splendid venue to be sure, and I think it could be insane for the England show-down, but don't make the mistake of slurring the Millennium Stadium. I have been there for an England/Wales game and it was spine-tinglingly atmospheric. Looking forward to Croke Park.
PS. marc: sorry if we've offended. Why is "Croke" an offensive term? Will gladly desist, but would be interested in the reason. Cheers.
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Let's not start getting into the recent history of Northern Ireland. There is lots of muck to be thrown by both sides...The Prison in question housed prisoners from both sides. Northern Ireland has its own "bloody sunday" and "bloody friday". How about looking at something positive coming out of a dark period in Northern Ireland's history.
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Let's not start getting into the recent history of Northern Ireland. There is lots of muck to be thrown by both sides...The Prison in question housed prisoners from both sides. Northern Ireland has its own "bloody sunday" and "bloody friday". How about looking at something positive coming out of a dark period in Northern Ireland's history.
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Come on guys we're all on the same side. We all want to see Ireland win-the history of irish rugby has players of all persuasions included. Ulster fans just feel that Best and Trimble are worthy of a place-both of them having been dropped via "stealth". We won all of the AI's. Why change a winning formula?
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Why don't they move the advertising hordings in closer to the side line of the pitch? this way ROG would have a better feel for where he was kicking when going for touch and it might slow down the quick line-outs that France used so well.
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Green Lover,
well said. We may argue the toss over selection, but when they take the field we all support the same team and want them to win.
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We don't all want ireland to win. I want ireland to lose. In fact it would be funny if ireland were slightly ahead towards the close, get awarded a penalty, stupidly kick the three points and england score a try from the restart to win. I can see the headlines now: "History repeats itself at Croke Park".
Don't underestimate the world champions!
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Honest tim
It would be funnier if Ireland hosed you by 20 odd points which is probably more likely then a Farrell inspired victory. Lets be honest.
He looks quicker in slow motion. But you know best.
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Yeah Croker is clearly a great stadium, and what a magnificent advertisement for Gaelic games and the Gaelic community generally.
However I feel that the gratitude that many are expected to show for being allowed to play an international sport representative of the whole island is a bit much.
I know the history so don't require a lesson, but this is long overdue.
No other association in any country in the world would be allowed to be so retrictive on its members, proposed members and until recently on whole communities, both religiously and sportingly.
Can you imagine an organisation being allowed to survive if it was so restrictive upon any other section? I for one cannot.
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J J Jackson
Cobblers. When was the last time you saw a 5 a side football match take place in Wimbledon? A horse race take place on St. Andrews? A cup final played in Twickers?
Have you any proof the GAA discriminates against people on a religious basis? We all know about the millitary/RUC bans but in light of the Crossmaglen debacle you'd have to say that is fair enough.
Get off your high horse.
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Just a couple of things.
re:- Croke Park. Thought it looked magnificent. As an Irish sports fan I was indeed proud of the Stadium and the day that was in it. Was disappointed to witness a rendition of The Sash and comments about "the sooner we get back to Lansdowne Road the better" from a few drunken middle aged middle class "supporters" on leaving the train at Portadown station. Didnt spoil the day though - just makes you aware that we dont all share the same outlook and sing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to supporting Ireland on whatever field.
re:- Full Back. Dempsey vs Murphy. Doesnt matter much... Neither is a Francie Bellew !
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Wish to respond to several people...
Honest Tim, your welcome to your opinion, but since the majority of posts on this site refer to the Irish squad, I felt like being inclusive. If you want to throw stones, be prepared to have a few hurled back. England have beaten the two weakedt teams so far. They may very well beat Ireland, but they will know they were in a game on Sunday morning.
JJ Jackson...Jack's point, while overstated is accurate...courses for horses...the GAA had opened Croke Park to different sports over the years...and if you read some irish history you would know the GAA was part of a revival of Irish culture...after several hundred years of policies that were not that different from apartheid.
Jack - NI has had its problems, but an RUC ban?...I had friends from the Catholic community who served in the RUC during the 70' and 80's...they were some of the bravest people I ever met...as it meant going against two sets of bigots and not just one.
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I wouldn't have murphy about me.
Makes too many major blunders.
I thought that missed tackle was unforgiveable.
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Wish to respond to several people...
Honest Tim, your welcome to your opinion, but since the majority of posts on this site refer to the Irish squad, I felt like being inclusive. If you want to throw stones, be prepared to have a few hurled back. England have beaten the two weakedt teams so far. They may very well beat Ireland, but they will know they were in a game on Sunday morning.
JJ Jackson...Jack's point, while overstated is accurate...courses for horses...the GAA had opened Croke Park to different sports over the years...and if you read some Irish history you would know the GAA was part of a revival of Irish culture...after several hundred years of policies that were not that different from apartheid.
Jack - NI has had its problems, but an RUC ban?...I had friends from the Catholic community who served in the RUC during the 70' and 80's...they were some of the bravest people I ever met...as it meant going against two sets of bigots and not just one.
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Wish to respond to several people...
Honest Tim, your welcome to your opinion, but since the majority of posts on this site refer to the Irish squad, I felt like being inclusive. If you want to throw stones, be prepared to have a few hurled back. England have beaten the two weakedt teams so far. They may very well beat Ireland, but they will know they were in a game on Sunday morning.
JJ Jackson...Jack's point, while overstated is accurate...courses for horses...the GAA had opened Croke Park to different sports over the years...and if you read some Irish history you would know the GAA was part of a revival of Irish culture...after several hundred years of policies that were not that different from apartheid.
Jack - NI has had its problems, but an RUC ban?...I had friends from the Catholic community who served in the RUC during the 70' and 80's...they were some of the bravest people I ever met...as it meant going against two sets of bigots and not just one.
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"Good afternoon, we are hereby taking this section of your private grounds to plonk a watch tower". "We can fully appreciate how some of you might view this as unfair but tough bally luck".
etc,
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I'm 43 and did not know about the troubles 87 years ago. It was a different world then. This should not be forgotten but it should not become part of this match. As a very loyal England fan I dont want anything more than a great match between two great teams on a superb ground.. May the best team win ( and I fear it may not be mine ) ..
W
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Many of the above comments made in relation to the Irish management鈥檚 selection decisions represent the thoughts of all those "rugby" fans, who appear out of the woodwork for major test matches or championships and who pay little credence to the club rugby! We played some great rugby in the November tests, no doubt, but there is one important issue here; that was in November, we are now in February and some rugby had been played between then and now!
Anyone who had seen Easterby's form, as captain of Llanelli, leading up the 6 nations will agree that he has earned his place in the team. His work-rate, particularly in his defensive duties, is absolutely immense and indicative of his leadership characteristics. N Best, who makes a huge impact in open play, was excellent in November, but he came into an Irish team high on confidence and playing aggressively - from 1 to 15.
On the subject of Murphy versus Dempsey at fullback; on one hand you have the attacking flair and creativity of Murphy, on the other the no-frills reliability of Dempsey. Personally, I would choose Murphy, but with the attacking capabilities of our 3/4 line I don't think opting for Dempsey will limit our ability to penetrate the opposition's defense greatly. All the same, I'm sure that this is one selection dilemma EOS gladly welcomes!
And finally, why there is any confusion over the choice of R Best over Flannery at hooker is absolutely mystifying. Flannery is not long back from injury and is not match fit, how could he be?! And at this level match fitness is a COMPLETELY different level of fitness. Can you imagine how far off the pace Flannery, a man who has played so little competitive rugby since last summer, would have been in that frantic 1st half of the French match? He is a quality hooker and needs to be eased back into the set-up with a view to fully re-establishing himself as number one hooker by the summer.
Credit to O'Sullivan, he really does pick on current form.
Ireland for 6 nations, it should鈥檝e been our Grand Slam year.
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So! Murphy's out then - EOS:
"The exclusion of Geordan will be an issue for some but with Brian back and Shane on the wing it was a scramble for the utility position on bench," he said.
"It was a tough call but that's where we were. Geordan is not firing on all cylinders at the moment and Andrew has come back stronger."
Seems like a bad call to me
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I put a post on this website before the competition that I feared that Eddie O'Sullivans conservative selection policy would cost Ireland the Grand Slam and by the time he realized that both Neil Best and Andrew Trimble should be on the pitch it would be too late.
I feel on this count I have been proven right and even given the evidence in the aftermath of the French debacle and make no mistake about it that is what it was a debacle, Eddie still can't see what was clear to everybody else in the stadium that Best and Trimble have to start. Trimble has two ingredients that Hickey lacks and that is pace and power. Best has power and aggression and an ability to put the team on the front foot which to me is far more positive than a player whose apparent strength is to slow the opposition down.
Lets take a little walk back to the AI's when Neil Best after playing a man of the match role against the Aussies was taken off after 60 minutes to be replaced by Simon Easterby. My feeling then was that o'Sullivan wanted Best off the pitch to give Easterby a chance to make a positive contribution and justify his inevitable decision to drop Best come the 6 Nations.
After the AI's we were been touted as the only team in with a shout of running the Kiwis close. It is my opinion that if we go to the World Cup with the team that EOS wanted to start the first two games of the 6 nations and not the AI's (Hickey and Easterby in Best and Trimble out) that we won't have to worry about the Kiwis because we won't make it out of the group.
And jsut to cut off the usual Ulster fan with a gripe mails I see all too often on this I am actually from Dublin and a Leinster fan.
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and when you and your neighbours learn to play together like good little children we'll give it back.
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Jack,
"and when you and your neighbours learn to play together like good little children we'll give it back."
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Jack,
"and when you and your neighbours learn to play together like good little children we'll give it back."
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Murphy out of the squad, i find this surprising with his attacking ability, one that can turn a match around. Although im glad to see trimble on the bench, as he brings pace and power to the back line, although even as an ulster fan i would have dropped him from the squad, as murphy covers for wing and fullback, also Eddie will not bring trimble on in the centre if gordon or brian gets injured, he will bring horgan back in field. I feel its a good decision to start hickey as he brings more to the pitch with his kicking ability. Neil Best on the bench, thats one decision i totally disagree with, even it he doesn't contribute to the lineout as much as Easterby he is superior in open play, i good ball carrier and someone who will put in the big hits to raise the team and put you on the front foot as shown in the Autumn. as a true ulster fan i hope boss starts, he adds more around the fringes, i would agree he was not outstanding against france, but deserves another chance with how he playing for ulster, he adds another dimension to ireland game plan. Going against the ulster tradition i looking forward to Flannery getting his fitness back, Rory best has done well, although i feel doesn't offer as much as Flannery on the big stage.
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Jack,
Your reply barely credits a response, but please please tell me when Dempsey did anything other than kick the ball back !!! I am not here to slate or castigate Dempsey but trying to be objective..unlike yourself !
You may think I don't watch Ireland/Leinster matches, please believe that, if it makes you feel better.
One point I do agree on, neither player is perfect or ideal but pound for pound, if you are to play an attacking game...Murphy has the edge. He may be overrated but so is Dempseys defensive ability. I have yet to witness 'crunching' tackles by either.
As I said earlier, relax and enjoy the rugby & the atmosphere... drink a few pints with your mates, (if you have any) and stop taking yourself so seriously.
Have a nice day
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Pedrito -
"We'll give it back"? Looking forward to the day very soon when WE might just build one in Windsor park for the laugh.
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