hugonaut wrote:Cullen and Lancaster have rotated the squad well through the end of December and the start of January
The most sensible thing said here. They rotated really well and only came close to getting caught out by a fired up Connacht who obviously targeted the game.
I would be happy with whatever horses for courses team they come up with. If that means Sexto in a bale of cotton wool and not even let shower on his own for fear of slipping then so be it.
There are only 2 teams that can even mathematically catch us. Toulon would need to put about 8 tries past Scarlets and I just can't see it. I'll be surprised if they even win. Clermont may well put 4 tries past the Ospreys but no way both will make up the difference in points no matter what (within reason) team we put out.
Also. For the record. The players involved in 6N will have one weekend off. The players who are Leinster only will have 2. No one getting a month off.
blockhead wrote:
I know, it reminds me of the time a few years back when some posters on here were hoping that certain players woud not be picked for the PRO12 FINAL, in case they picked up an injury and couldn't go on the British Lions tour to Australia.
Going to need some quotes to back that one up - because I don't remember anyone suggesting that and I'd probably be the most pro-Lions poster here
the spoofer wrote:I was probably hoping that our players picked up a niggle to rule them out of the Lions as I'm probably the most anti Lions poster on this forum.
artaneboy wrote:Not when I’m breathing; you’re not!
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Mr S Blank formerly of this parish begs to differ
Well that’s true! He really didn’t like them!
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"Oh, I used to be disgusted, and now I try to be amused!"
hugonaut wrote:Cullen and Lancaster have rotated the squad well through the end of December and the start of January
The most sensible thing said here. They rotated really well and only came close to getting caught out by a fired up Connacht who obviously targeted the game.
So well that Sky Sports now think we have infinite depth.
Imagine the confusion it would cause if Marsh scored 4 tries in a match.
I don't think the argument for resting Ireland players should be so that they're fresh for the 6N, it should be that they're still fresh for the knockout games later in the season. I agree with Hugo that we've rotated well though, and with Wixfjord about giving guys experience (but not on such a large scale).
Ireland wouldn't come into it for me. I do have the Lions tour (and Fardy and Lowe with their long seasons) at the back of my mind but our Lions look great right now and we should be able to manage them pretty well until the end of the season. Ryan is good enough to start and could do with the game/experience, and I'm confident that Porter is the same but would rather not be worrying about that uncertainty if Furlong was injured for the QF and he had to make his first European start then. Furlong coming on for the last half an hour could be a serious weapon too. I also wouldn't be totally shocked if we gave Porter a start to push his case for Ireland.
Speaking of our Lions looking good (and at the risk of jinxing him), I can't remember when Sexton last looked as quick as he did yesterday. It was great to see him really backing his pace, had kind of forgotten he could do that.
I know it's well documented but it's ridiculous that we've such a good backrow that we can cope well without Ruddock, SO'B and Heaslip. Mad altogether.
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The sport that unites Catholic, Protestant and dissenter has had its day of days. Pity anybody who can't enjoy it. Some day.
Cianostays wrote:I know it's well documented but it's ridiculous that we've such a good backrow that we can cope well without Ruddock, SO'B and Heaslip. Mad altogether.
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Indeed! Funnily enough, it's Ruddock i really want to see back and available. No slighting of Seanie or Jamie, but between injuries with Seanie and the IRFU rotation for both, we sort of are used to not having them. Ruiddock has become the high class across the back row- (and into the second row player) we rely on- despite our depth, we still need those type of indiciduals.
"Oh, I used to be disgusted, and now I try to be amused!"
