Ireland Team (Announced) vs Wales - 6Nations 2012 Round 1

Here we go...

IRELAND Team & Replacements (v Wales, RBS 6 Nations Championship 2012, Aviva Stadium, Sunday, February 5th, kick-off 3pm):

15 -Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) Captain
6 - Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 -Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
19 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

*Denotes uncapped player



ORIGINAL: So the Declan Kidney will be naming his team to face Wales at lunchtime today. In preparation for complete meltdown of 606v2 as is customary for all Ireland team selections I suggest that we keep everything to one thread, namely here.

I'm assuming this one will be broadcast live on irishrugby.ie and as such, I'll be posting that link here before the announcement is made.

Helmets at the ready folks, this could get ugly.

UPDATE: No live stream.

@irfurugby tweeted
Ireland team announced at 1:15 today. No live stream this week. Team will be on website and twitter.

judging from the photos on the IRFU site Mcfadden to start?

Christ, this site will go into meltdown.

Team/22, will be this imo:
15. Kearney
14. Bowe.
13. Earls.
12. Darcy.
11. Trimble
10. Sexton.
9. Murray

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Ross
4. Ryan
5. O' Connell
6. Ferris
7. O' Brien
8. Heaslip

16. Cronin
17. Court
18. Tuohy/DOC ?
19. O Mahony/Henry?
20. Reddan
21. O Gara
22. McFadden

I agree that looks like the team to me.

I hope thats the team.

Its just amazing that Ireland have very healthy competition for many positions. Cant wait for the announcement. I am sure that i will scream when i see D'arcy's name though

caoimhincentre wrote:judging from the photos on the IRFU site Mcfadden to start?

Id love that, but will Deccie have two comparitive Rookies in the centre? Unless McFadden plays at 13 alongside Dorce.

I'd prefer
12. McFadden
13. Earls.

But, will Deccie risk it? If he does, I'll take my hat off to him.

Gibson wrote:

caoimhincentre wrote:judging from the photos on the IRFU site Mcfadden to start?

Id love that, but will Deccie have two comparitive Rookies in the centre? Unless McFadden plays at 13 alongside Dorce.

I'd prefer
12. McFadden
13. Earls.

But, will Deccie risk it? If he does, I'll take my hat off to him.

That would make me feel so much happier

I can see McFadden getting the nod at 13.

I think the team will be:

Healy, Best, Ross
Ryan, O'Connell
Ferris, Heaslip, O'Brien
Murray, Sexton
Darcy, McFadden
Earls, Kearney, Bowe

Cronin, Court, O'Callaghan, O'Mahony, Murray, O'Gara, Trimble

Having seen the squad thats what I see Kidney going for.

Ya that's what I'd go with too Gibbo.

On the bench I'd go with DOC over Tuohy as he's actually performed very well of late coming off the bench. He's also one of our best exponents of the choke tackle.

As much as I'd love to see POM on the bench (and who could say he doesn't deserve it?), I think that Henry should get the nod based on his fine season so far with Ulster.

There's already far too much agreement here for my liking. So.....

Sexton is carp and Leinster are just a bunch of ladyz! And don't get me started on their pack's soft underbelly...

I'd still perfer darcy at 12. still think he is a better player that mcfadden. dont want to get into that arguement though.

Gibson wrote:

caoimhincentre wrote:judging from the photos on the IRFU site Mcfadden to start?

Id love that, but will Deccie have two comparitive Rookies in the centre? Unless McFadden plays at 13 alongside Dorce.

I'd prefer
12. McFadden
13. Earls.

But, will Deccie risk it? If he does, I'll take my hat off to him.

I'd absolutely love that.

Im amazed so many think Trimble is guaranteed to start at 11.

caoimhincentre wrote:I'd still perfer darcy at 12. still think he is a better player that mcfadden. dont want to get into that arguement though.

Too bleeding late, you should not have posted if you didnt

D'Arcy is not the man anymore, he really isnt. He has lost his step, a bit of speed and his handling is poor. The only reason that Kidney would possibly pick him is for his experience

MMC wrote:Ya that's what I'd go with too Gibbo.

On the bench I'd go with DOC over Tuohy as he's actually performed very well of late coming off the bench. He's also one of our best exponents of the choke tackle.

As much as I'd love to see POM on the bench (and who could say he doesn't deserve it?), I think that Henry should get the nod based on his fine season so far with Ulster.

There's already far too much agreement here for my liking. So.....

Sexton is carp and Leinster are just a bunch of ladyz! And don't get me started on their pack's soft underbelly...

Yeah, he will probably stick with DOC on the bench. It's a slow evolution. Its the way he works. I just think Tuohy and O Mahony have really shone this year.

you are dead right billy.

we'll leave it at that

red_stag wrote:I can see McFadden getting the nod at 13.

I think the team will be:

Healy, Best, Ross
Ryan, O'Connell
Ferris, Heaslip, O'Brien
Murray, Sexton
Darcy, McFadden
Earls, Kearney, Bowe

Cronin, Court, O'Callaghan, O'Mahony, Murray, O'Gara, Trimble

Having seen the squad thats what I see Kidney going for.

I'd love to see how that team would go down on MFans. The place would go into meltdown!

Especially if you mean Reddan to start on not Murray (who you've named on the bench).

I'd be happy with that team though. Haven't been as excited about an Ireland team announcement in a while now. Lot's of possible options. I love it.

eirebilly wrote:

caoimhincentre wrote:I'd still perfer darcy at 12. still think he is a better player that mcfadden. dont want to get into that arguement though.

Too bleeding late, you should not have posted if you didnt

D'Arcy is not the man anymore, he really isnt. He has lost his step, a bit of speed and his handling is poor. The only reason that Kidney would possibly pick him is for his experience

Agree. Totally.

red_stag wrote:Im amazed so many think Trimble is guaranteed to start at 11.

If Earls starts in the centre I think he is guaranteed

caoimhincentre wrote:you are dead right billy.

we'll leave it at that

Come on man.... As Irish fans we are expected to nearly kill eachother until the kick off and then we all scream green

Appparent team is

Healy Best Ross
DOC POC
Ferris Sob Heaslip
Murray Sexton
Darcy Earls
Trimble Bowe
Kearney

Cronin Court Ryan Pom Reddan Rog McFadden


Kearney will come on to the bench if one of the players fails a fitness test, not sure which one,
I know that Earls missed some training this week but that may be due to the fact that is partner
gave birth to their first child during the week.



Disappointed with DOC and Darcy starting but what are you going to do.
Beginning to get really excited about the Six Nations now, can't wait for
Saturday, wish Ireland were playing first.

MMC I meant to have Reddan on the bench. Murray and Sexton to start.

I don't see why Munster fans would have a problem - 7 Munster players in the 22. No major omissions.

I'd love to see something like

11. Earls
12. McFadden
13. (Can I clone McFadden), ok Bowe
14. Trimble (best 14 in the country this season)
15. Kearney

It'd never happen though. If only we had another option at 13.

geoff998rugby wrote:

red_stag wrote:Im amazed so many think Trimble is guaranteed to start at 11.

If Earls starts in the centre I think he is guaranteed

Yes if Earls is at centre I agree.

But I can see Kidney going with Darcy and McFadden as centres. Earls and Bowe as wingers. Trimble warming the bench.

Then in second half take off Darcy and have: McFadden and Earls as centres. Trimble and Bowe on wings.

Then start that against France with Luke Fitzgerald on the bench in place of Darcy - perfect!!!

red_stag wrote:Im amazed so many think Trimble is guaranteed to start at 11.

Well my reasoning is I think Earls is gonna get the 13 shirt so with Fitz injured only Zebo and Kearney jnr are in competition with him.I don't see Kidney picking either of them over Trimble.

red_stag wrote:MMC I meant to have Reddan on the bench. Murray and Sexton to start.

I don't see why Munster fans would have a problem - 7 Munster players in the 22. No major omissions.

According to some of the posters on there there should be no less than 10 Munster players on the pitch at all times. They're good far a laugh though.

EDIT: To clarify, by MFans I mean munsterfans.com

I know what is being said about D'Arcy but the reality is Leinster pick him in preference to McFadden, Munster pick a NIE player.

That leaves you with D'Arcy and Wallace turning regularly for a senior Irish province, at 12, and eligable.

Agree Geoff, I've said it before I honestly dont care who the centres are.

I think its a good squad and I think a good team will go out.

red_stag wrote:

geoff998rugby wrote:

red_stag wrote:Im amazed so many think Trimble is guaranteed to start at 11.

If Earls starts in the centre I think he is guaranteed

Yes if Earls is at centre I agree.

But I can see Kidney going with Darcy and McFadden as centres. Earls and Bowe as wingers. Trimble warming the bench.

Then in second half take off Darcy and have: McFadden and Earls as centres. Trimble and Bowe on wings.

Then start that against France with Luke Fitzgerald on the bench in place of Darcy - perfect!!!

Why not this from the off?

How would people feel about

12. Wallace
13. Earls/McFadden

?

red_stag wrote:Im amazed so many think Trimble is guaranteed to start at 11.

Why? Even though he is the form winger for Ireland? He should be the first winger on the sheet.

MMC wrote:How would people feel about

12. Wallace
13. Earls/McFadden

?

Not McFadden at 13, but I would love to see Wallace and Earls in the centres.

Rory I am talking about what Kidney will do.

He has shown a preference for Earls, Kearney and Bowe in the past.

Darcy and McFadden are playing together for Leinster.

Trimble has been a regular bench fixture.

Looks most likely option to me.

Eirebilly - why not I dont mind if it starts - once again Im talking about what I think it WILL be not what Id do.

MMC wrote:How would people feel about

12. Wallace
13. Earls/McFadden

?

Stop messin around MMC. Its not a bit funny. Wallace should be nowhere near the 30 let alone the 22.

Seconds out. Round 1!

If he doesn't select Trimble the guy is an idiot, simple as that really.

Jeebus stag, no need to get upset there and use your caps to yell. I was just having an opinion as well.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:If he doesn't select Trimble the guy is an idiot, simple as that really.

Not an Idiot but it would be a big mistake. Trimble is one of the first names on the team imo.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:If he doesn't select Trimble the guy is an idiot, simple as that really.

He won't be that stupid, the team I posted above is from a reliable source.

I'm just as interested to see how the bench will look.

Specifically the backrow replacement and the guy wearing 22.

Gibbo, the more I think about it the more I'm liking your suggestion of a McFadden/Earls midfield. Plenty of spark in that one!

It'll be interesting to see how we actually play as well. The lack of direction of the last 2 seasons has been woeful.

Oh, and for those not on Twitter, there's a placeholder here where the team will appear as soon as it's announced.

I don't think he is using the caps to show he is shouting/angry, but to emphasise the key word. I sometimes do that to EMPHASISE a word in a sentence

eirebilly wrote:Jeebus stag, no need to get upset there and use your caps to yell. I was just having an opinion as well.

Im not upset. I often use caps just to stress CERTAIN words no biggie

Tone is hard to convey online.

I know you've an opinion and I've one too and its the beauty of the site - just ball hopping ideas off each other.

valjester wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:If he doesn't select Trimble the guy is an idiot, simple as that really.

He won't be that stupid, the team I posted above is from a reliable source.

Good to hear! And eirebilly it would be stupid, to leave out your best winger who has more than proved why he should be starting. I don't see how that wouldn't be stupid.

Lads, no need to get so narky. Using the word idiot in any context as bound to get peoples' backs up.

Eirebilly, I think the caps were merely there to denote emphasis.

Let's not already derail what could be a good discussion.

Man, it hasn't been announced yet and we're off! Love it!

What I hate about this time of year is the amount of people who aren't actually 'Ireland' fans but rather Leinster/Ulster/Munster fans who'll watch a few 6 Nations matches and automatically whinge when their boys aren't included.

Munsterfans.com . . . .I can only imagine the garbage.

MMC wrote:Lads, no need to get so narky. Using the word idiot in any context as bound to get peoples' backs up.

Eirebilly, I think the caps were merely there to denote emphasis.

Let's not already derail what could be a good discussion.

Hear hear MMC. Keep the House in order. Best man for the job.

Gibson wrote:Man, it hasn't been announced yet and we're off! Love it!

MMC wrote:Lads, no need to get so narky. Using the word idiot in any context as bound to get peoples' backs up.

Eirebilly, I think the caps were merely there to denote emphasis.

Let's not already derail what could be a good discussion.

I don't really see what is wrong with saying Kidney would be an idiot to leave out Trimble? But apparently Trimble will be starting, so he isn't an idiot. No problem

Rory_Gallagher wrote:I don't think he is using the caps to show he is shouting/angry, but to emphasise the key word. I sometimes do that to EMPHASISE a word in a sentence

We're cut from same cloth me and you