Super Saturday, Game 2: Scotland v Ireland

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SCOTLAND v IRELAND
Saturday 21 March 2015
KO: 14:30
BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Referee: Jérôme Garcès (FFR)
AR1: Pascal Gauzere (FFR)
AR2: Federico Anselmi (UAR)
TMO: Graham Hughes (RFU)

***********************

A. Teams

SCOTLAND

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors)
14 Dougie Fife (Edinburgh Rugby)
13 Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)
11 Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors)
10 Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors)
09 Greig Laidlaw (Gloucester)

01 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors)
02 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby)
03 Euan Murray (Glasgow Warriors)
04 Jim Hamilton (Saracens)
05 Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
06 Adam Ashe (Glasgow Warriors)
07 Blair Cowan (London Irish)
08 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby)

16 Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby)
18 Geoff Cross (London Irish)
19 Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors)
20 Rob Harley (Glasgow Warriors)
21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Edinburgh Rugby)
22 Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby)
23 Tim Visser (Edinburgh Rugby)

IRELAND

15 Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
13 Jared Payne (Ulster)
12 Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
11 Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock/Leinster)
10 Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro)
09 Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)

01 Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
02 Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
03 Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
04 Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
05 Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) captain
06 Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
07 Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)
08 Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster)

16 Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17 Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
18 Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster)
19 Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
20 Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
22 Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster)
23 Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster)

B. Head to Head

119 Played 119

58 Wins 56

56 Losses 58

5 Draws 5

187 Tries 200

96 Conversions 102

128 Penalties 104

32 Drop Goals 15

1,234 Points 1,301

Quite 'pleased' with the team.

Think VC made the right call on Ashe/Harley. Harley just hasn't looked as effective as he normally is. With Ashe, Denton & Gray we've got plenty of carrying options and Hamilton should help in the lineouts.

Feel a tad sorry for Peter Horne though but Tonks looked comfortable vs England and actually played quite well at centre.

Looks to me to be the right team, although I'd still rather Toolis over Swinson on the bench.

Ashe over Harley is justified. Harley has been poor. No passengers.

Jimpy wrote:

Notch wrote:Last year Ireland beat Scotland by 22 points and they didn't play very much attacking rugby at all. It's possible to set a decent target for England without going all-out attack so long as we are clinical in their and can stop them from getting into double-figures.

Last 6N Scotland were really bad though. I know they haven't won anything so far this year, but you've got to admit, they're a much better team (bar the finishing) than last year. I just feel that their finishing will come and it could well be this weekend. If they do get it together in this department, then they'll win.

You have changed your tune from this time last week....

Jimpy wrote:

Notch wrote:Last year Ireland beat Scotland by 22 points and they didn't play very much attacking rugby at all. It's possible to set a decent target for England without going all-out attack so long as we are clinical in their and can stop them from getting into double-figures.

Last 6N Scotland were really bad though. I know they haven't won anything so far this year, but you've got to admit, they're a much better team (bar the finishing) than last year. I just feel that their finishing will come and it could well be this weekend. If they do get it together in this department, then they'll win.

Sorry, but i totally disagree


We may be 5% better in a couple of areas, but over all we are anything but better

results do not lie and we have not beaten anyone this year, and had one good half against Argentina in 2014 - we have not got better and running from every part of the pitch does not make us automatically a better team

Paddies:

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14. Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
13. Jared Payne (Ulster)
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
11. Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock/Leinster)
10. Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro)
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)

1. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) captain
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
7. Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster)

Replacements
16. Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
18. Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster)
19. Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
20. Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21. Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
22. Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster)
23. Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster)

Oh good. Healy's back.

Riskysports wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

Notch wrote:Last year Ireland beat Scotland by 22 points and they didn't play very much attacking rugby at all. It's possible to set a decent target for England without going all-out attack so long as we are clinical in their and can stop them from getting into double-figures.

Last 6N Scotland were really bad though. I know they haven't won anything so far this year, but you've got to admit, they're a much better team (bar the finishing) than last year. I just feel that their finishing will come and it could well be this weekend. If they do get it together in this department, then they'll win.

Sorry, but i totally disagree


We may be 5% better in a couple of areas, but over all we are anything but better

results do not lie and we have not beaten anyone this year, and had one good half against Argentina in 2014 - we have not got better and running from every part of the pitch does not make us automatically a better team

If Scotland's defence is as porous as it was against England, Ireland will be able to rack up points. Much has been said about Ireland's lack of imagination in attack, but they won't need any if Scotland defend like that again. Ireland's centres also have the passing abilities the likes of Burell were lacking after the initial breaks.

Scotland may win, but I think they'll need a bit of luck to do so.

kunu wrote:

Riskysports wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

Notch wrote:Last year Ireland beat Scotland by 22 points and they didn't play very much attacking rugby at all. It's possible to set a decent target for England without going all-out attack so long as we are clinical in their and can stop them from getting into double-figures.

Last 6N Scotland were really bad though. I know they haven't won anything so far this year, but you've got to admit, they're a much better team (bar the finishing) than last year. I just feel that their finishing will come and it could well be this weekend. If they do get it together in this department, then they'll win.

Sorry, but i totally disagree


We may be 5% better in a couple of areas, but over all we are anything but better

results do not lie and we have not beaten anyone this year, and had one good half against Argentina in 2014 - we have not got better and running from every part of the pitch does not make us automatically a better team

If Scotland's defence is as porous as it was against England, Ireland will be able to rack up points. Much has been said about Ireland's lack of imagination in attack, but they won't need any if Scotland defend like that again. Ireland's centres also have the passing abilities the likes of Burell were lacking after the initial breaks.

Scotland may win, but I think they'll need a bit of luck to do so.

Just wondering when this part of their game has occurred...

George Carlin wrote:Oh good. Healy's back.

Good for Scotland perhaps. He hasn't exactly been box-office during his little cameos to date Don't lose hope.

ME-109 wrote:

Just wondering when this part of their game has occurred...

It seems the record books of this year are saying we've passed more than England, ME.   This is part of Joe's continuing illusion.   He makes people think they're not seeing what they are seeing and vice versa.

We're also down as most carries.  Most passes, most carries???  I'd say by the end we'll be laughing as we crown another side entirely for most KICKs - our supposed trademark

God, I hope Luke doesn't play like a frisky and terrified rabbit caught in headlights.

He's had more returns than Frank Sinatra - please don't fluff this one, Luke. Keep calm, no river-dancing required, just solid ruck rescourcing over and over and over again.

SecretFly wrote:God, I hope Luke doesn't play like a frisky and terrified rabbit caught in headlights.

He's had more returns than Frank Sinatra - please don't fluff this one, Luke.  Keep calm, no river-dancing required, just solid ruck rescourcing over and over and over again.

Another try would be nice. It's been six years since his last one after all!

The worst thing Ireland could do in this game is go 'hell for leather' from the very first minute and start trying to force offloads and chip defenders in an attempt to rack up a 40 or 50 point win, because that probably suits Scotland more as it would be a relatively loose match which would afford space for Bennett, Hogg and Seymour to exploit.

It is far better for Ireland to remain calm, pin us back and pressure us into mistakes. Keep racking up the 3 points in the first quarter and build a lead to force us into trying to score to get back into the match. If Ireland get to that position, we'll try to force things, continue giving up penalties and then Ireland can kick deep into the 22 and maul over the line for tries. Thereafter, in the second half just continue scoring - the key for Ireland is just to continuously build up points, whether that be 3 points or 7 points.

France have only lost by 7 points in each of their two defeats. It's not inconceivable that Ireland will only need to win this by 15 points to win the title.

From a Scotland perspective, I hope this team has more to show us than we've seen in the tournament to date. I think, and hope that, we probably do have a "big" win in us (over a big team such as Ireland) but realistically it won't happen on Saturday - Ireland are too physical at the breakdown and they're too savvy to let it happen. Far better to save this big win for the World Cup Final...

I'd hope for more than one if I was greedy, Notch.  But the truth is the biggest risk with Fitzgerald when he hits International is that he just over-reaches everything in a spicey mix of over-runs, mistimed passes, catches etc.

I hope he's had long enough on the fringes now to know what's required for him to give himself the best chance.  Like SOB, don't force it - let it come to you.  I think I might actually have to rename him Luke Skywalker

Luke, Luke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Use the force!.

The thing about that, Mr. SLW Fever, is you're gonna need three or four big wins to get there anyway

I absolutely believe Scotland are going to click and put someone away soon, and if we had won in Wales the premature Grand Slam celebrations would have put our heads on the block.

But we didn't win, we lost and now we have an extremely chastened, angry team absolutely determined to finish on a high. Also our coaches are too smart to go for playing sevens rugby from the outset.

I stand ready to be corrected, but this team has a point to prove and an understanding of where Scotlands weaknesses lie. With total honesty, and not intending to sound at all dismissive of Scotland, I can't see us losing.

SecretFly wrote:I'd hope for more than one if I was greedy, Notch.  But the truth is the biggest risk with Fitzgerald when he hits International is that he just over-reaches everything in a spicey mix of over-runs, mistimed passes, catches etc.

I hope he's had long enough on the fringes now to know what's required for him to give himself the best chance.  Like SOB, don't force it - let it come to you.  I think I might actually have to rename him Luke Skywalker

Luke, Luke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Use the force!.

He does try too hard a lot of the time. If he plays like that, it will look like a very stupid decision to drop Zebo for him. It's a selection based on confidence, as in they must be confident he's confident

Really disappointed with that team so many form players overlooked or stuck on the bench simply to accommodate Schmidt's favourite players even if they are out of form.

Really peed off with Schmidt right now, sure its a team that can beat Scotland but its very poor from him.

Scottish White Line Fever wrote:The worst thing Ireland could do in this game is go 'hell for leather' from the very first minute and start trying to force offloads and chip defenders in an attempt to rack up a 40 or 50 point win, because that probably suits Scotland more as it would be a relatively loose match which would afford space for Bennett, Hogg and Seymour to exploit.

It is far better for Ireland to remain calm, pin us back and pressure us into mistakes. Keep racking up the 3 points in the first quarter and build a lead to force us into trying to score to get back into the match. If Ireland get to that position, we'll try to force things, continue giving up penalties and then Ireland can kick deep into the 22 and maul over the line for tries. Thereafter, in the second half just continue scoring - the key for Ireland is just to continuously build up points, whether that be 3 points or 7 points.

France have only lost by 7 points in each of their two defeats. It's not inconceivable that Ireland will only need to win this by 15 points to win the title.

From a Scotland perspective, I hope this team has more to show us than we've seen in the tournament to date. I think, and hope that, we probably do have a "big" win in us (over a big team such as Ireland) but realistically it won't happen on Saturday - Ireland are too physical at the breakdown and they're too savvy to let it happen. Far better to save this big win for the World Cup Final...  

It's hard to know how they're going to approach it, Fever.  They truly were caught in the headlights in that first half against Wales.  Didn't know what hit them, and in truth Wales weren't hitting them with much at all, just being sharp, purposeful and accurate in everything they did.  That really surprised me how 'unready' Ireland were for a challenge in wales against Wales.

So Ireland can certainly be got at.  But really - they haven't showed a real killer desire in this competition yet.  
Looking back on that New Zealand game, now that was an explosive start and a half and the New Zealanders were the ones looking a little bewildered.  

So which Ireland turns up is the big question.  One willing to win using attritional percentage stuff and pinning Scotand's more attacking brand down for a low scoring 'safety first' win?  Or do they attempt a full frontal first half assault and try to sit on whatever they get in the second?

Notch wrote:The thing about that, Mr. SLW Fever, is you're gonna need three or four big wins to get there anyway

I absolutely believe Scotland are going to click and put someone away soon, and if we had won in Wales the premature Grand Slam celebrations would have put our heads on the block.

But we didn't win, we lost and now we have an extremely chastened, angry team absolutely determined to finish on a high. Also our coaches are too smart to go for playing sevens rugby from the outset.

I stand ready to be corrected, but this team has a point to prove and an understanding of where Scotlands weaknesses lie. With total honesty, and not intending to sound at all dismissive of Scotland, I can't see us losing.

Typical dismissive Irish......

Luke Fitz!!!!!! Nooooooooooooooooooo. WTF?!?

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:Really disappointed with that team so many form players overlooked or stuck on the bench simply to accommodate Schmidt's favourite players even if they are out of form.

Really peed off with Schmidt right now, sure its a team that can beat Scotland but its very poor from him.

That's the spirit. It would be really disapointing if we beat Scotland alright.

SecretFly wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

Just wondering when this part of their game has occurred...

It seems the record books of this year are saying we've passed more than England, ME.   This is part of Joe's continuing illusion.   He makes people think they're not seeing what they are seeing and vice versa.

We're also down as most carries.  Most passes, most carries???  I'd say by the end we'll be laughing as we crown another side entirely for most KICKs - our supposed trademark

Spot on Fly. Ireland has its beady eye on the 6N kicking title.

Ireland only kicked 11 times from hand against Wales - hopefully that poor showing will be rectified in the next game. They're in danger of falling behind Wales and Scotland if they keep this up. It's a title within a title with currently England topping the hand kicks table:

England 106
Ireland 103
Wales 98
Scotland 95
France 84
Italy 82

Word is that Joe is looking for 50 kicks minimum to kill off any chances from England or Wales. For the most part, the higher kicking team have been victorious - with a couple of exceptions:

Wal v Eng 32-32
Fra v Sco 29-25
Ita v Irl 15-28
Eng v Ita 27-16
Irl v Fra 26-11
Sco v Wal 16-21
Sco v Ita 24-27
Fra v Wal 18-23
Irl v Eng 38-23
Wal v Irl 22-11
Eng v Sco 24-30
Ita - Fra 24-26

GunsGerms wrote:

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:Really disappointed with that team so many form players overlooked or stuck on the bench simply to accommodate Schmidt's favourite players even if they are out of form.

Really peed off with Schmidt right now, sure its a team that can beat Scotland but its very poor from him.

That's the spirit. It would be really disapointing if we beat Scotland alright.

I always want Ireland to win...

Just imagine yourself for one second that Declan Kidney was still in charge and he selected out of form Munster players over in form players from other provinces... You would want him hanged...

That's why you're my go-to man for the stats fun, Pot!

Just the 14 (if you count Sexton) Leinster player in that squad then.

Schmidt surely could have squeezed a few more in.

Cyril wrote:Just the 14 (if you count Sexton) Leinster player in that squad then.

Schmidt surely could have squeezed a few more in.

Well nobody ever believed us when we said 'Leinster' would make a good stab at beating most International sides, Cyril. We were never believed........

Joe is giving it a stab......

SecretFly wrote:

Cyril wrote:Just the 14 (if you count Sexton) Leinster player in that squad then.

Schmidt surely could have squeezed a few more in.

Well nobody ever believed us when we said 'Leinster' would make a good stab at beating most International sides, Cyril.   We were never believed........

I reckon Leinster could handle NZ. Not sure about beating Scotland though

This is going to be like Glasgow v Leinster in the Pro12. How did the game(s) go this season?

Notch wrote:The thing about that, Mr. SLW Fever, is you're gonna need three or four big wins to get there anyway

I absolutely believe Scotland are going to click and put someone away soon, and if we had won in Wales the premature Grand Slam celebrations would have put our heads on the block.

But we didn't win, we lost and now we have an extremely chastened, angry team absolutely determined to finish on a high. Also our coaches are too smart to go for playing sevens rugby from the outset.

I stand ready to be corrected, but this team has a point to prove and an understanding of where Scotlands weaknesses lie. With total honesty, and not intending to sound at all dismissive of Scotland, I can't see us losing.

Notch, I think the sad truth is that we'll require to use our "big" win in beating Samoa just to reach the QFs!

On your second quote, I can't see us winning to be quite honest. You're absolutely right that Ireland has a point to prove, so you're not sounding dismissive at all, and even if you were, it's entirely justified. But, I have some distant Irish heritage so Ireland are always my second team that I support, which will be especially necessary come World Cup time

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:Really disappointed with that team so many form players overlooked or stuck on the bench simply to accommodate Schmidt's favourite players even if they are out of form.

Really peed off with Schmidt right now, sure its a team that can beat Scotland but its very poor from him.

That's the spirit. It would be really disapointing if we beat Scotland alright.

I always want Ireland to win...

Just imagine yourself for one second that Declan Kidney was still in charge and he selected out of form Munster players over in form players from other provinces... You would want him hanged...

Hardly needs an imagination to imagine that. Deccie always picked his favourites.

Obsessing over picking "in form players" is a load of nonsense though. You pick the right players for the sort of team you want to build. If you picked the form guy in every position all the time you would never have a team you would just have a collection of players.

However, I have no clue why he has picked Fitz over Zebo though. This is a terrible terrible call IMO.

Fitz is like getting a zebra when you need a horse. Looks like a horse, maybe even prettier but it cannot be tamed as it isnt wired to be harnessed. He will go out and do stupid things all day as he always does.

Cyril wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

Cyril wrote:Just the 14 (if you count Sexton) Leinster player in that squad then.

Schmidt surely could have squeezed a few more in.

Well nobody ever believed us when we said 'Leinster' would make a good stab at beating most International sides, Cyril.   We were never believed........

I reckon Leinster could handle NZ. Not sure about beating Scotland though

This is going to be like Glasgow v Leinster in the Pro12. How did the game(s) go this season?

It will be nothing like Leinster v Glasgow thank god. It will be tough though as Ireland have lost the last two in Murrayfield.

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:Really disappointed with that team so many form players overlooked or stuck on the bench simply to accommodate Schmidt's favourite players even if they are out of form.

Really peed off with Schmidt right now, sure its a team that can beat Scotland but its very poor from him.

That's the spirit. It would be really disapointing if we beat Scotland alright.

I always want Ireland to win...

Just imagine yourself for one second that Declan Kidney was still in charge and he selected out of form Munster players over in form players from other provinces... You would want him hanged...

Whos out of form?

SecretFly wrote:

Scottish White Line Fever wrote:The worst thing Ireland could do in this game is go 'hell for leather' from the very first minute and start trying to force offloads and chip defenders in an attempt to rack up a 40 or 50 point win, because that probably suits Scotland more as it would be a relatively loose match which would afford space for Bennett, Hogg and Seymour to exploit.

It is far better for Ireland to remain calm, pin us back and pressure us into mistakes. Keep racking up the 3 points in the first quarter and build a lead to force us into trying to score to get back into the match. If Ireland get to that position, we'll try to force things, continue giving up penalties and then Ireland can kick deep into the 22 and maul over the line for tries. Thereafter, in the second half just continue scoring - the key for Ireland is just to continuously build up points, whether that be 3 points or 7 points.

France have only lost by 7 points in each of their two defeats. It's not inconceivable that Ireland will only need to win this by 15 points to win the title.

From a Scotland perspective, I hope this team has more to show us than we've seen in the tournament to date. I think, and hope that, we probably do have a "big" win in us (over a big team such as Ireland) but realistically it won't happen on Saturday - Ireland are too physical at the breakdown and they're too savvy to let it happen. Far better to save this big win for the World Cup Final...  

It's hard to know how they're going to approach it, Fever.  They truly were caught in the headlights in that first half against Wales.  Didn't know what hit them, and in truth Wales weren't hitting them with much at all, just being sharp, purposeful and accurate in everything they did.  That really surprised me how 'unready' Ireland were for a challenge in wales against Wales.

So Ireland can certainly be got at.  But really - they haven't showed a real killer desire in this competition yet.  
Looking back on that New Zealand game, now that was an explosive start and a half and the New Zealanders were the ones looking a little bewildered.  

So which Ireland turns up is the big question.  One willing to win using attritional percentage stuff and pinning Scotand's more attacking brand down for a low scoring 'safety first' win?  Or do they attempt a full frontal first half assault and try to sit on whatever they get in the second?

Surely there's sufficiently good relations between Scotland and Ireland to come to an agreement to keep things tight until 50 minutes, then Ireland can gently ease to a 15-20 point victory and we Scots can claim a moral victory based on some slightly dodgy decision? We don't need to go down the route of that NZ performance do we? Do we??

GunsGerms wrote:Fitz is like getting a zebra when you need a horse. Looks like a horse, maybe even prettier but it cannot be tamed as it isnt wired to be harnessed. He will go out and do stupid things all day as he always does.

I take it you've never seen Racing Stripes then Guns

Cyril wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

Cyril wrote:Just the 14 (if you count Sexton) Leinster player in that squad then.

Schmidt surely could have squeezed a few more in.

Well nobody ever believed us when we said 'Leinster' would make a good stab at beating most International sides, Cyril.   We were never believed........

I reckon Leinster could handle NZ. Not sure about beating Scotland though

This is going to be like Glasgow v Leinster in the Pro12. How did the game(s) go this season?

Lei-ce-ster Coach ruining that team, Cyril.  It's a long story...and a cyclically painful one.  That's why the Lienster lads want more places on Leinster A where Schmidt coaches ...!

GunsGerms wrote:

Hardly needs an imagination to imagine that. Deccie always picked his favourites.

Obsessing over picking "in form players" is a load of nonsense though. You pick the right players for the sort of team you want to build. If you picked the form guy in every position all the time you would never have a team you would just have a collection of players.

However, I have no clue why he has picked Fitz over Zebo though. This is a terrible terrible call IMO.

Fitz is like getting a zebra when you need a horse. Looks like a horse, maybe even prettier but it cannot be tamed as it isnt wired to be harnessed. He will go out and do stupid things all day as he always does.

Ok, but there are players way out of form. When do you stick with players out of form and when do you select players in form?

TOD and Murphy are in form, have played in this 6N and have actually performed well. What reason are they being benched to accommodate out of form (Injured) SOB and Heaslip? It beggers belief and I am not happy at all about this. As I said, I want Ireland to win but what the hell kind of message is Schmidt sending out to such players like TOD and Murphy?

Nachos Jones_1 wrote: I want Ireland to win but what the hell kind of message is Schmidt sending out to such players like TOD and Murphy?

The message has come off the fax as we speak. It reads:

"Do yis want to be on me mind come the WC and/or the warm up games? Yes? Then shut it and take the pain. Take the Pain!!!! - signed Joseph."

Zebo dropped??

"I want Ireland to win but what the hell kind of message is Schmidt sending out to such players like TOD and Murphy?"

If we wun thees mitch it's fush and chups on me lads!!!!!

Engine#4 wrote:Zebo dropped??

Proper order, he was tom kite against Wales.........aaaaaand cue ME and SIN

As a slight digression, I always imagine that this is Notch relaxing of an evening:

Pete330v2 wrote:

Engine#4 wrote:Zebo dropped??

Proper order, he was tom kite against Wales.........aaaaaand cue ME and SIN

He was not too bad against Wales, he just didn't get the ball that an International winger needs to perform. Still came in looking for work and his defense was not bad either. Plenty other players were far worse against Wales than Zebo. Ridiculous decision to drop him for Fitz who will bring nothing extra given Scmidt's game plan.

Engine#4 wrote:Zebo dropped??

You're a bit late with that news - team has already been announced.

Too much popcorn....

Good to see Zebo dropped. Kearney should be as well.

Some weird selections.
No Earls. Felix Jones on the bench, amazing.
Healy not fit, SOB not fit. Heaslip not fully fit.

George Carlin wrote:As a slight digression, I always imagine that this is Notch relaxing of an evening:

Na, Flatley is a Munsterfan. Proposed to his Mrs in Thomond Park.

profitius wrote:Good to see Zebo dropped. Kearney should be as well.

Some weird selections.
No Earls. Felix Jones on the bench, amazing.
Healy not fit, SOB not fit. Heaslip not fully fit.

Personally, I don't think its good to see anyone dropped, particularly if its undeserved.

Sin é wrote:

profitius wrote:Good to see Zebo dropped. Kearney should be as well.

Some weird selections.
No Earls. Felix Jones on the bench, amazing.
Healy not fit, SOB not fit. Heaslip not fully fit.

Personally, I don't think its good to see anyone dropped, particularly if its undeserved.

Just like Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven "Deserves got nothin' to do with it"

Pete330v2 wrote:

Engine#4 wrote:Zebo dropped??

Proper order, he was tom kite against Wales.........aaaaaand cue ME and SIN

In defence of Zebo, North had a very quiet day out on that wing.

Schmidt trying to keep the score low so his very close friend Cotter doesn't get the bullet from Scotland?

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:

Ok, but there are players way out of form. When do you stick with players out of form and when do you select players in form?

TOD and Murphy are in form, have played in this 6N and have actually performed well. What reason are they being benched to accommodate out of form (Injured) SOB and Heaslip? It beggers belief and I am not happy at all about this. As I said, I want Ireland to win but what the hell kind of message is Schmidt sending out to such players like TOD and Murphy?

Why anyone would want to drop Heaslip is a mystery to me. SOB looked bad as he often does when he faces Warburton becuase Warburton was outrageously good. Against France and England SOB ruled the breakdown and cleared out rucks by himself. You dont drop players on the basis of one game particularly when they are as good as SOB.

Personally I think Heaslip at 8, SOB at 6 and TOD at 7 would be our best back row at the moment. That would be exciting to see.

Nachos Jones_1 wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:

Engine#4 wrote:Zebo dropped??

Proper order, he was tom kite against Wales.........aaaaaand cue ME and SIN

He was not too bad against Wales, he just didn't get the ball that an International winger needs to perform. Still came in looking for work and his defense was not bad either. Plenty other players were far worse against Wales than Zebo. Ridiculous decision to drop him for Fitz who will bring nothing extra given Scmidt's game plan.

I was only kiddin to have a little pop at Sin é but he didn't take the bait.

I don't know what Joe expects Fitz to bring to the party that Zebo hasn't. He does hit more rucks mind you.