6N 2019: Italy v Ireland, Round 3, 23 February

First topic message reminder :

So who gets to play in this one? Who needs a rest?

Sexton has joined the injured list, but Schmidt says he should have recovered from his HIA in time. But is this the match where Schmidt wants to give Carbery a proper start, and possibly have Carty on the bench? POM looked in fine fettle but could he benefit from a couple of weeks off for his rib injury?

On the basis of the Scotland match, the depth held up fairly well with the likes of Kilcoyne coming through stronger and taking the place of Jack McGrath, and Roux and Dillane holding their ends up at scrum, lineout and in the loose. Conan got through a lot of tackles 18 and missed 1. And Chris Farrell got another full 80 minutes without mishap.

As ever, Schmidt won’t go too far in making too many changes, and he’ll want to come away from Rome with 5 points to keep them in the hunt if it goes down to the wire on the final weekend.

He might have Tadgh Beirne or Iain Henderson back for this one, and possibly Kieran Marmion with Munster v Kings, Ospreys v Ulster and Connacht v Cheetahs next weekend to give them some game time if necessary.

Henshaw just had a dead leg, so he should be good to go. Not sure abut Ringrose and his hamstring.

Will Addison is another who needs to be seen although a starting spot may be out of reach.

Who would you have in your 23 allowing for some of the above injured being passed fit to play?

I’ve gone for provincial partnerships where possible in my selection:

McGrath, Best, Porter
Henderson, Roux
SOB, Ruddock/Murphy, Conan
Murray, Carbery
Henshaw, Farrell
Larmour, Stockdale, Kearney

Reps: Scannell, Kilcoyne, Ryan, Ruddock/Murphy, Dillane, Marmion, Carty, Addison

I think Ireland rode their luck a bit there - a couple of decisions the other way by the ref and they may have been in trouble.

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Well that was carp. Hope nobody has booked a trip to japan yet.

I have but just for the group stages. Cant wait for it.

Quarter finals minimum surely?

I'll try doing what I did after the Scottish game and look for a positive.... played dreadfully and still managed to grab four tries. That's about it.
Neither Joe Schmidt or indeed future head coach,, Farrell, thinks the intensity of this Irish side currently is remotely good enough to compete with the quality of teams operating in this competition. It's not rocket science. Walking around with hand on hips isn't close to being ready for this level of competition. So I don't know what's going on but neither Joe nor Farrell are dumb and can't believe that good enough drive and energy.
Maybe it is all eyes on WC now but it's dangerous strategy if so because despite that, players will be begin to lose faith in their ability to attack games like they did last year.
Anyway, a win, five points, four tries and more game time for decidedly off the pace Sexton and Murray. Everything else painfully bad.

Heaf wrote:Quarter finals minimum surely?

For Italy you mean.

Heaf wrote:Quarter finals minimum surely?

Japan is expensive and a week is enough as Ive been there before. Group stages and back.

Italy could still have an upset in their locker this 6N.

Ireland (especially Sexton) are finding out what it's like to be in the crosshairs of every nation with licence to kill.

Sexton has been 'targeted' for the last number of years. He knows what it feels like and has accepted the ticket by complaint to people who bring up his concussion history too often.

This game was like the 'Italy' game of the last World Cup, I think it was. Ireland weren't looking great anyway but even in that game that should have been used to get into a punishing rhythm, they damn near were caught with unforgivable 'walk around' rugby.
I don't why a team ranked 2nd in the world... maybe that's already gone after this weekend? ... but I don't no how they seem to think they can turn up with so little intensity and expect the world to just purr for them. Players all at fault or has the coaching got this wrong from the off? If you're not running onto a ball you're not playing with the right intent. That's technical and you'd assume it is being coached during the week or it isn't. Right now it doesn't seem to be high on the coaching agenda.

I might be wrong here but with Ireland being ranked number 2 in the world does any one think that they ( Ireland ) thought this 6ns would be a walk over for them?

Ireland have not played any where near like they did last year. You can blame injuries for the way they played today. Or is it that teams have worked out how they play? and have devised ways of beating them. Italy gave them a really good run today and at one time looked like they could upset Ireland and win the game.

But Ireland manages to do enough too win today. 

But Italy did look dangerous at times today. 

Play like that against England who they have won against, they might just pull off the one
big scalp that as eluded them so far.

Majestic, England will destroy them.

So Ireland struggled even with Glen Jackson there?

SecretFly wrote:Majestic, England will destroy them.

I honestly thought Ireland would destroy them. But they didn't.

Can I just repeat what I've kinda said often, Italy would probably play a better game without Parisse. Case proven. The man has too dominant a personality and tries too hard to be involved in everything... intimidates other players into giving him the glory bits. Italian boys probably enjoyed the game without him.
Which brings me to Sexton. A pity he's so short of match time as it kinda forces Joe's hand to pick him. But he's a frustrated character when out of form and mustn't be a fun guy to be around in training either. Had Carbery been fit in a normal year, he'd have been given the Italy game. I think that would have seen a happier team on the field and more opportunities to actually make Italy defend.

Ireland would have destroyed them had they played it more like England - with ambition, high tempo and confidence. England will destroy Italy.

“Conor, you were playing against 16 men today.” So that’s twice in a row for Glen Jackson and his Ireland in the 6N now. Can we put him, O’Keefe and Peyper in the dustbin pile yet? All of them have influenced a game.

Yeah, mikey. Let's do that. We all know the only refs with kudos are the Pro14 guys.

You’re at the point where you keep repeating the same thing over and over now, across multiple threads. Time to take a break maybe? I’m only quoting Steve Jones but Jackson was something that some of us alluded to post-Ireland v Wales last year; just what is it with him and Ireland???

Yeah, mikey, I agree. Dodgy foreign refs. We need Pro14 refs exclusively. You're right.

Collapse2005 wrote:

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Well that was carp. Hope nobody has booked a trip to japan yet.

I have but just for the group stages. Cant wait for it.

Totally jealous Guns.
A. It’s the World Cup
B. It’s Japan.

Is it possible to stay on longer?

mikey_dragon wrote:You’re at the point where you keep repeating the same thing over and over now, across multiple threads. Time to take a break maybe? I’m only quoting Steve Jones but Jackson was something that some of us alluded to post-Ireland v Wales last year; just what is it with him and Ireland???

He played here for a season (Highfield in Cork). My old mans club.

Decided to go to Vietnam for two weeks on the way back. Seen quite a lot of Japan already, I love it but want to experience Vietnam too.

Collapse2005 wrote:Decided to go to Vietnam for two weeks on the way back. Seen quite a lot of Japan already, I love it but want to experience Vietnam too.

Good one. Never been but people who go there rave about it

Collapse2005 wrote:

Heaf wrote:Quarter finals minimum surely?

Japan is expensive and a week is enough as Ive been there before. Group stages and back.

Cool - have fun anyway

SecretFly wrote:Yeah, mikey, I agree.  Dodgy foreign refs.  We need Pro14 refs exclusively.  You're right.

You complain about Wayne Barnes when he’s actually one of the top 3 refs in world rugby.

He ain't Pro14. Don't make me laugh.

Anyway, how do the Irish posters feel Virgin1(TV3) are doing with Six Nations coverage. Ireland are grim and then you go back to the studio to see three black haired grim reaper guys in funeral director suits talking gritty no-nonsense speak. I don't include Matt Williams who is the only poor soul trying to be human and he's the only one with grey hair. Do the TV3 people get more advertising revenue for all the Grecian 3000 ghoulish styling?

On behalf of Scotland I’d like to apologise for infecting Ireland with the shoite rugby disease

You guys can take comfort in knowing that the best teams still win even when playing garbage and you guys won today. When we play like that, we lose.

Better to get the garbage games out the way now and keep the good ones for Japan.

1 killer. Lots of huff and puff but not an intl prop. James Cronin when fit (or if he could keep fit) a better option
2 Cronin. Nothing to say. Had his chance blew it
3 Tadhg. Not one of his beat but still streets ahead although John Ryan looked lively when he came on
4and5. Er. Who? Note discussion earlier about Beirne (or anyone who currently plays second row down to AIL 1B level)
6 alright only. Still enough to get motm but that doesn’t say much
7 a shadow
8 yeah. Honest
9 and 10 beyond poor.
11 good.
12 yup great strength in depth at centre
13 uncomfortable
14 was poor until moved to OC.
15 **£$#% je m’appele Rob et je suis un professional rugby player ( je pense)!

Henderson. Thank god.
Scannell. Lucky he had a hia
Jvdf good
Cooney good
Carty. Great for three friggin minutes

Line out. No Pom no line out. Which is a joke.
Scrum nothing special
Tactics. ( not sure there were any )

We will/should beat France at home. Wales looks a bridge too far. But you never know


15

Not really much you can say when you've been told...A- you're predictable, and B- Youre ability to play away convincingly isnt great. has to be said...Still...a wins a win...

Looks like the favourite for the title has changed a third time since it started...and injuries and player management now become priority, some already falling over, as are a few in Oz.

Taylorman wrote:Not really much you can say when you've been told...A- you're predictable, and B- Youre ability to play away convincingly isnt great. has to be said...Still...a wins a win...

Looks like the favourite for the title has changed a third time since it started...and injuries and player management now become priority, some already falling over, as are a few in Oz.

Looks like someone is still hurting over their loss to Ireland.

Stockdale again looked a shining light in the side, which is increasingly becoming a very difficult thing to accomplish in such a side of apparent sulking babies.
If ever Farrell needed to start showing us (or at least the team) his more abrasive side then it's probably right now. The squad as a whole need to be told in straight language to get over themselves and start playing like the highly paid professional internationals they are. Few other sides (possibly apart from France) have the propensity to seemingly lose all skills together when the minds get brooding and the sulks come on. Few sides allow such implosions. But we've always been good at it and despite Schmidt and now Farrell on board - two coaches with an external view of the world - it seems they too are powerless to do anything to solve the issues until the players themselves decide the sulks are over.
Not remotely good enough. Scotland can go up and down in form but the body language assures that they always try, and always put their heart into it. Same for Wales, England and Italy. Professionals.
Positive word about Murray too. Still way off where he was but you can see him settling down and stage by stage warming up the engine again. Mature player with a realistic attitude that he has to keep going despite his obvious off colour. Didn't actually notice the loss of muscle mass on one of his arms until it was mentioned before the game. It's actually quite dramatic and must impede him quite a lot in these big games.
Sexton - love his intensity as a player- but he needs to calm the hell down now and accept the form he has with such little game time. Like I said earlier, I'm sure the training ground isn't much fun with him growling and snarling at other players. Time to grow up some, realise the bigger picture and encourage the regrow to of confidence in the players around him.

"I'm not a child who cheers on 'Irish' players one week and sneers them the next"

You sure about that?

Thought you didn't read me, sniper?

Yep, I knew that was a joke. You're good at them when you try.

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:1 killer. Lots of huff and puff but not an intl prop. James Cronin when fit (or if he could keep fit) a better option
2 Cronin. Nothing to say. Had his chance blew it
3 Tadhg. Not one of his beat but still streets ahead although John Ryan looked lively when he came on
4and5. Er. Who? Note discussion earlier about Beirne (or anyone who currently plays second row down to AIL 1B level)
6 alright only. Still enough to get motm but that doesn’t say much
7 a shadow
8 yeah. Honest
9 and 10 beyond poor.
11 good.
12 yup great strength in depth at centre
13 uncomfortable
14 was poor until moved to OC.
15 **£$#% je m’appele Rob et je suis un professional rugby player  ( je pense)!

Henderson. Thank god.
Scannell. Lucky he had a hia
Jvdf good
Cooney good
Carty. Great for three friggin minutes

Line out. No Pom no line out. Which is a joke.
Scrum nothing special
Tactics.  ( not sure there were any )

We will/should beat France at home. Wales looks a bridge too far. But you never know

15

Thought Kilcoyne looked alright. Brings plenty of energy and tends to get over the gain line where guys like Furlong now seem to be struggling to do so.

I agree with you on Murray and Sexton though, both look jaded.

SecretFly wrote:Thought you didn't read me, sniper?

Yep, I knew that was a joke.  You're good at them when you try.

Ideally you are starting to realise what a hypocrite you are.

Will Carbery be back in contention come the French game? (I mean fitnesswise) cause I really think Ireland will need him to keep us in the race, however fading that race is.

Thought you didn't read me? You understand the definitions of hypocrite, don't you?

SecretFly wrote:Thought you didn't read me?  You understand the definitions of hypocrite, don't you?

Ha it looks like you dont. When you let your mask slip there is nothing but a hypocritical weasel underneath.

Ad hominen comments without provocation, trashing Irish players, all things you claim not to do.

Well what to make of that.

On the positives job done and 5 points. Italy did play well and we did well to come through this when we were trailing at half time and with a makeshift back line for a lot of the game.

Stockdale, despite fading out in the second half again showed he's one of the most dangerous backs in the NH. Earls did well as well although struggled defensively when moved to center. Farrell had a decent game considering and did well to last 80 min.

Other than that it is hard to pick too many positives, the line out was a shambles - I hope Best gets a bit more credit after this - up front generally it wasn't a great show, with O'Mahoney, Roux, Henderson and Kilcoyne the best of the bunch.  

Murray continued with his poor form, Sexton wasn't much better. It looks like Joe will persevere now but to be honest Murray should be back at Munster building his fitness with someone else getting a shot.  

The back row didn't work at all, we needed a ball carrier at 8 and O'Brien looks like he may well be on the wane. Leavy is badly missed as he brings a bit more dynamism.

Dillane didn't manage to take his chance either - Henderson Ryan and Beirne need to come in against France.

Furlong looks like he needs a rest.

If we'd scored the 2 tries we bombed it may have looked a lot better but we made so many unforced errors it is hard not to be frustrated and worried by that performance.

Got to say in the loose Furlong has been very ineffective in the last 3 games. I guess teams know what to expect with him now.

Agree on all that Rodders. SOB looks finished.

If Ryan and Toner start Id be tempted to try out Stander at 6 again, SOB at 8 and Leavy at 7 when fit.

Thought you didn't read me, Guns? I'll play this game of yours to eternity if you want to keep it up. Enjoy the show, you do love the smell of napalm in the mornings.

SecretFly wrote:Thought you didn't read me, Guns?  I'll play this game of yours to eternity if you want to keep it up.  Enjoy the show, you do love the smell of napalm in the mornings.

I have made my point, take it on board if you like. If you don't live up to the lofty standards you expect others to don't be surprised if you get called out for being a hypocrite.

You read me plenty..... mostly for something to hate on of course. You charge your batteries on bile and bellyaching. As I said above, enjoy your rugby your way.

Collapse2005 wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Thought you didn't read me, Guns?  I'll play this game of yours to eternity if you want to keep it up.  Enjoy the show, you do love the smell of napalm in the mornings.

I have made my point, take it on board if you like. If you don't live up to the lofty standards you expect others to don't be surprised if you get called out for being a hypocrite.

Guys can you please cool it on the insults, folks are getting banned for less on other threads.

Tackling by the face now legal.

RugbyFan100 wrote:  Tackling by the face now legal.

That looks bad alright. Though it is much harder to not do high tackles on the line.

No problem Rodders.

The Return of the Irish Foul Play Gifs!

Did they win any Oscars last night? I didn't watch the Politically Correct Awards this year.

Right I'm going to call out the Elephant in the room.

Has the announcement that Joe is leaving and Farrell taking over effected the team?

Clearly something is amiss from the Autumn, a hangover from the All blacks game could be expected but individually most player have been going well at provincial level so for me something else is wrong.

I've heard the bad blooded game between Munster and Leinster mentioned as well.

RugbyFan100 wrote:  Tackling by the face now legal.

Fortunate they scored as could have been a PT and YC.