Ireland

mcdb06 says...

Everyone is slating Earls and i'll admit he hasnt proven himself at 13 yet. But people sayin McFadden, who is a twelve, is a better option even though in the last few years with Leinster he's never stood out as BOD's successor need to open their eyes. Never done anything spectacular. O'Malley has only just been exposed to reasonably regular starts this season and people think he should be thrown into full international. Takes a lot more time and experience before he's at that level. Until then, Bowe or Earls are best alternatives

Posted 00:04 28th January 2012

petey11 says...

Downey ???

Downey ???

Are you serious?

Decent club players do not make great international players.

Posted 12:44 27th January 2012

crunchfit says...

It worries my slightly that he didn't mention any Wolfhound players. O'Malley is the most suitable long term option for 13.

Posted 11:57 27th January 2012

blametheref says...

I'm worried, because Kidney has mentioned a name that when I hear it in context with the Irish team make me wish I supported Scotland instead, because I'd know for sure he'd never even make the Scotland subs bench!!

Posted 09:17 27th January 2012

blametheref says...

@Maoirhill

Think your assessment of BOD and even D'arcy is skewed, even though D'arcy can be hit and miss at times, he's still an excellent 12 who can pierce defences. BOD is still the best 13 in England, Ireland, Wales Scotland, and still in the top 6 in world rugby IMO (where he's been No.1 for so long), even with his acceleration not what it was. If BOD didn't have the best game against Wales at the WC, it was because Kidney played him knowing he had a shoulder problem which was getting worse as the WC progressed. Ireland were beaten by Wales, not because of BOD. We were beaten partly because of Kidney's initial WC selections and against Wales where we needed to stop Roberts getting over the gain line while tactically attracting and splitting a much smaller D'arcy and the weak tackling ROG (ie 2 players). Roberts backed up by Warburton was the key to their tactics and for that particular game we needed an out half like Sexton who can tackle well, a big 12 like Downey who could have nullified the gigantic Roberts (just for that game) and a proper out and out speedster 7 of Int. standard which we didn't have to compete for the loose ball with Warburton after Downey would have done what he was on the pitch for, bury Roberts and stop any go-forward. For that game, Ireland couldn't have played more into Gatland's hands, so how was that BOD's fault? To suggest he is over the hill is folly as he scored 3 excellent tries in last years 6 Nations and a beauty in the WC, even with injury. Had BOD not played against Wales at the WC I feel we would've been beaten by more....

Posted 08:52 27th January 2012

damo says...

Trimble at 12/13? Downey needs to be called up

Posted 22:04 26th January 2012

damo says...

Some stupid comments below, the fact is the best kicker in Ireland is ROG, the best inside centre in Irish rugby is ....................... $exton, the best man for 13 is injured and the best man to cover in his absence is...................Earls.

$exton player 12 against Oz and in that time Ireland won 9-0 and almost scored 2 trys and one from our own line thanks to a magnificent pass from $exton where Darcy would have lumbered it up 2 yards and been tackled/turned over, Ireland are only as good as their selection and at present Kidney has been found wanting in the RWC and last years 6 nations, someone answer me this question: Who's missed tackle in the rance Game in last years 6 nations cost us the game $$$$$, who butchered a last second try away to Wales last year costing us a conversion kick for the win $$$$$$$, and finally who's missed tackle against Wales cost us the RWC 1/4 final $$$$$, both these persons are in the squad so next question is are these prolific try scorers in the 12 position meaning they are better in attack than defence ? Guess the Answer $$.

Darcy has 7 international trys in 63 Games, Johnathan Davies has 5 trys in 25 international games good player, here goes Riki Flutey has 4 trys in 14 international games, Aurélien Rougerie 22 trys in 70 international games, anyone notice 1 try in every 10 games is not a good return especially playing with BOD outside?????????

Kidney wake up and change your 12's cos the whole team is world class and are being held back, even the subs are world class now!!

Posted 21:57 26th January 2012

papachinzo says...

I know Munster have been playing Earls at 13, but I've heard that Kidney wants Bowe there, I've also heard he's been training at Outside Center in the Irish camp too. I'd say the Irish Back line will look something like this: 22.McFadden, 15.Kearney 14.Trimble 13.Bowe 12.D'Arcy 11.Earls

Posted 20:50 26th January 2012

mcdb06 says...

Anyone who has watched Earls knows he is a class player and one of the best finishers on the Ireland team. A lot of Leinster fans,as usual, have the blinkers on. Cant see past their own team. McFadden is a 12 and a decent club player but ;he's not O'Driscoll's successor, O'Malley isnt big enough for international level at the moment and doesnt have enough experience. That said I dont think Earls has done enough to start 13 let alone in the starting XV but given Kidney is picking the team it probably will be him. He needs a lot more time at 13 for Munster and better performances. Still a better player than most people here are saying

Posted 19:18 26th January 2012

curates_egg says...

@caramba13 the players mentioned have been playing well (some only in patches) but none has played regularly at 13 - that is what is so infuriating for fans. Trimble would be a terrible choice - he is not a good centre. He is also the form wing in Ireland and should be picked in the position where he is performing well.

The only players who should be considered are Cave (who is injured), McFadden and O'Malley.

The fact that Kidney is even considering Wallace (who has hardly ever played at 13), D'Arcy (who has not done so in years) or Trimble shows what a blinkered and out of touch man he is.

Earls should be nowhere near the matchday squad but, tragically, seems certain to start.

I can't wait for the end of another unpleasant 6 Nations, so the Irish players can get back to playing quality rugby and enjoying themselves with their respective provinces.

Kidney has made me hate international rugby. EOS started me off but Kidney has turned me right off.

Posted 15:37 26th January 2012