Team V NZ 1st test. 2012

[Oldschool]

Yawn

[sarah_lennon]

[Amz]

Yay!

WARNING: May contain traces of sarcasm.

[sarah_lennon]

On another note, I'm loving the petulant child look being sported by Healy on the engagement, that'll put the kiwis right off

[jezzer]

Ouch

[Comer Toes]

Thornley's team in today's IT

IRELAND (possible): R Kearney; A Trimble, B O’Driscoll (capt), G D’Arcy, K Earls; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross or D Fitzpatrick, D O’Callaghan, D Ryan, S O’Brien, P O’Mahony, J Heaslip. Replacements: S Cronin, D Fitzpatrick or R Loughney, D Tuohy, C Henry, E Reddan, R O’Gara, F McFadden

[Comer Toes]

Thornley's off the mark this time by the way...
There are a few surprises in store!!

[Broken Wing]

Maybe feeding GT the wrong team will finally cause a rift between him and Deccie and he can start acting like a journalist again instead of the PR guy.

[bonzo]

Thornley's off the mark this time by the way...
There are a few surprises in store!!

From your mouth to Kidney's ear and all that. It sounds like Feek would like at least one change from Thornley's team - from Thornley's article in today's IT:

Regarding Fitzpatrick, Feek added: “If you look at his physique, he’s got quite narrow shoulders, so that’s a little difficult to scrum against. He’s all ‘quads’, and he’s smart. He knows what’s going on there and the beauty of it is that if he does start he’s got Rory (Best) next to him, which is his old mate from Ulster, and Dan Tuohy behind him if he starts, or Donncha O’Callaghan or Mike McCarthy, who are quite good scrummagers. So at least he’s got that comfort around him as well if he does start.”

("Quite good scrummagers" is some pretty effective damning with faint praise!)

[Comer Toes]

Thornley's off the mark this time by the way...
There are a few surprises in store!!

From your mouth to Kidney's ear and all that. It sounds like Feek would like at least one change from Thornley's team - from Thornley's article in today's IT:

Regarding Fitzpatrick, Feek added: “If you look at his physique, he’s got quite narrow shoulders, so that’s a little difficult to scrum against. He’s all ‘quads’, and he’s smart. He knows what’s going on there and the beauty of it is that if he does start he’s got Rory (Best) next to him, which is his old mate from Ulster, and Dan Tuohy behind him if he starts, or Donncha O’Callaghan or Mike McCarthy, who are quite good scrummagers. So at least he’s got that comfort around him as well if he does start.”

("Quite good scrummagers" is some pretty effective damning with faint praise!)

You've got one! 2 more to go...

[Comer Toes]

Kearney, Ferg, Earls, BOD, Zebo, Sexton, Murray
Healy, Best, Fitzpatrick (tbc), Ryan, Tuohy, SOB, POM, Heaslip

[Scott]

Thornley's off the mark this time by the way...
There are a few surprises in store!!

From your mouth to Kidney's ear and all that. It sounds like Feek would like at least one change from Thornley's team - from Thornley's article in today's IT:

Regarding Fitzpatrick, Feek added: “If you look at his physique, he’s got quite narrow shoulders, so that’s a little difficult to scrum against. He’s all ‘quads’, and he’s smart. He knows what’s going on there and the beauty of it is that if he does start he’s got Rory (Best) next to him, which is his old mate from Ulster, and Dan Tuohy behind him if he starts, or Donncha O’Callaghan or Mike McCarthy, who are quite good scrummagers. So at least he’s got that comfort around him as well if he does start.”

("Quite good scrummagers" is some pretty effective damning with faint praise!)

You've got one! 2 more to go...

The best sh in the country??

I told myself i didn't give a shite what Kidney did this month.... but i just cant help myself coming back for more

[Logorrhea]

If he starts Murray and Zebo I'm giving up on the national team until hes gone.

[Golf Man]

Kearney, Ferg, Earls, BOD, Zebo, Sexton, Murray
Healy, Best, Fitzpatrick (tbc), Ryan, Tuohy, SOB, POM, Heaslip

Can't see that being the team tbh. The pack I wouldn't mind, even if there is an arguement for SOB to be kept at 7 - I'm sure there will be plenty on here will complain if POM starts but there really isn't much between Henry/POM/McL at this stage and hopefully all will see decent game time during teh three games

Reddan should probably start ahead of Murray. BOD and Earls in the centres would be a bold and good move to my mind. Cannot see Zebo starting and can't not see Trimble starting

[OTT]

I dont necessarily agree with the guys he brought eg Zebo but he did bring them so we should play them and see what their made off.

The England Tour of Hell in 1998 will be remembered for the hidings they got but it also was where Johnny Wilkinson shone in an impossible scenario as a kid and they were able to cut alot of guys away after who ultimately were not good enough.

If we can unearth a gem and clear out some guys who are never gonna be up to it probably the replacement props (but maybe one will shine...or hopefully!!) it will be worthwhile.

Hiding to nothing the majority of informed people think we will lose the series 3-0 im glad he has made some changes even if I dont neccessarily agree with the exact personnell selected.



NB Of course it depends on whether the team Comer Toes has comes to fruition.

[Munsterboy]

Kearney, Ferg, Earls, BOD, Zebo, Sexton, Murray
Healy, Best, Fitzpatrick (tbc), Ryan, Tuohy, SOB, POM, Heaslip

I'd be delighted if he picked that team, just because it would be a breath of fresh air. Would prefer to see Reddan at 9 given the experimental natuire of the back line but feck it, at least we'd see some lads sink or swim. Not a hope we'd win but we'd learn a thing or two.

[bonzo]

Kearney, Ferg, Earls, BOD, Zebo, Sexton, Murray
Healy, Best, Fitzpatrick (tbc), Ryan, Tuohy, SOB, POM, Heaslip

I'd be delighted if he picked that team, just because it would be a breath of fresh air. Would prefer to see Reddan at 9 given the experimental natuire of the back line but feck it, at least we'd see some lads sink or swim. Not a hope we'd win but we'd learn a thing or two.

Agree, it's important not just because it keeps the squad on their toes (and finally makes the call on DO'C) but because it makes it harder for NZ to prepare for us - one of the big problems with a set in stone team is that it makes the analysis too easy for opponents.

[domhnallj]

Kearney, Ferg, Earls, BOD, Zebo, Sexton, Murray
Healy, Best, Fitzpatrick (tbc), Ryan, Tuohy, SOB, POM, Heaslip

I'd be delighted if he picked that team, just because it would be a breath of fresh air. Would prefer to see Reddan at 9 given the experimental natuire of the back line but feck it, at least we'd see some lads sink or swim. Not a hope we'd win but we'd learn a thing or two.

Agree, it's important not just because it keeps the squad on their toes (and finally makes the call on DO'C) but because it makes it harder for NZ to prepare for us - one of the big problems with a set in stone team is that it makes the analysis too easy for opponents.

....well that and the stagnant game plan.

Still, much and all as I want rid of DK I can't help myself, I will be up and supporting the team on Saturday. I'd never forgive myself if we pull off 'the big one' and I was comatose in the scratcher.

[fourthirtythree]

It would be a bold selection and therefore I'd be in favour of it too. Just to give us something to shout for.

Here's hoping some of the stagnation and lack of excitement surrounding the Irish team gets blown away. No matter who he picks and how we play I'll still be shouting loud.

[Comer Toes]

Kearney, Ferg, Earls, BOD, Zebo, Sexton, Murray
Healy, Best, Fitzpatrick (tbc), Ryan, Tuohy, SOB, POM, Heaslip

Can't see that being the team tbh. The pack I wouldn't mind, even if there is an arguement for SOB to be kept at 7 - I'm sure there will be plenty on here will complain if POM starts but there really isn't much between Henry/POM/McL at this stage and hopefully all will see decent game time during teh three games

Reddan should probably start ahead of Murray. BOD and Earls in the centres would be a bold and good move to my mind. Cannot see Zebo starting and can't not see Trimble starting

It's fact, trust me