Ireland v Scotland, RBS 6 Nations 2014

[Laighindown]

Surprised the Leinster, I mean Ireland team hasn't been speculated upon yet. Here's my take after the Saxons yesterday.

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Peter O'Mahoney
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Simon Zebo
15. Rob Kearney

Only 8 Leinster players! How times have changed!

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Declan Fitzpatrick - edit - Moore if Fitz is injured
19. Ian Henderson
20. Kevin McLaughlin - edit - Jordi Murphy covers all three backrow positions. Probably more likely than Lockie actually, and Ruddock also more likely than Lockie. Dunno why I went for Kev here. His non involvement for Wolfhounds made me think he might be frontline, but on reflection, he has simply fallen well behind. Ruddock is primed for a bench role after a very strong performance yesterday, and again, Jordi Murphy can cover across the row. Serious impact from either player. TOD too specialist, but next in line 7.
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Dave Kearney - edit - Ferg might have a chance, but not Henshaw (doesn't cover enough positions for sub role)

Only 13 Leinster players! We are in serious decline. I blame MOC.

[fourthirtythree]

Apart from McLaughlin that could well be it. And Fitzpatrick's fitness might be an issue.

[pip14]

Tuohy should be starting. He's twice the player Toner is

[fourthirtythree]

You're right. There's something wrong with his face though apparently.

[Alternative Ulster]

Tuohy should be starting. He's twice the player Toner is

If by twice you mean half then I agree.

[Oldschool]

Surprised the Leinster, I mean Ireland team hasn't been speculated upon yet. Here's my take after the Saxons yesterday.

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Peter O'Mahoney
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Simon Zebo
15. Rob Kearney

Only 8 Leinster players! How times have changed!

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Declan Fitzpatrick
19. Ian Henderson
20. Kevin McLaughlin
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Dave Kearney

Only 13 Leinster players! We are in serious decline. I blame MOC.

Very close to my own choice. Think Henshaw will get the 23 shirt and get 30 mins for BOD.
The close calls are Zebo/Kearney, Moore/Archer (Fitzpatrick is just too unreliable) Jenno/Ruddock (Think Kev will miss out).
And finally D'Arcy/Marshall is going to be a close call.

[simonokeeffe]

Only starting jersey in any way up for grabs/based on selections/interviews is right wing
IMO cannot see Zebo short on match practice play there for the first time at a senior level (from what Ive seen), I think it will be DK with McFadden on bench, very harsh on Luke if both those guys start

Subs
Cronin: nailed on til Strauss gets more games
McGrath: nailed on
Moore: IMO will get it on form, durability and Fitzy's fitness
McCarthy: still a big favourite of Joe, covers tighthead lock with POC covering other side, Hendo losehead only and Ireland wont do 2 backs on bench
Backrow: 3 way fight between TOD, Ruddock and Murphy
Reddan: nailed on
Jackson/Madigan: I think Jackson will get it but I could well be wrong.
McFadden: Joe favourite and covers 11-14, if he had more games would start. Henshaw would require a lot of shuffling to cover several positions

[Dave Cahill]

Jackson/Madigan: I think Jackson will get it but I could well be wrong.
McFadden: Joe favourite and covers 11-14, if he had more games would start. Henshaw would require a lot of shuffling to cover several positions

I think these two selection choices are interlinked. If Joe goes for McFadden then he'll go with Jackson (who is in the better form of the two, but only covers one position) as Madigans versatility won't be needed. If he were to go with a more specialist winger though, for example Zebo if he doesn't start, then he'll go with Madigan for the cover he provides in midfield

[simonokeeffe]

Jackson/Madigan: I think Jackson will get it but I could well be wrong.
McFadden: Joe favourite and covers 11-14, if he had more games would start. Henshaw would require a lot of shuffling to cover several positions

I think these two selection choices are interlinked. If Joe goes for McFadden then he'll go with Jackson (who is in the better form of the two, but only covers one position) as Madigans versatility won't be needed. If he were to go with a more specialist winger though, for example Zebo if he doesn't start, then he'll go with Madigan for the cover he provides in midfield

I think your right
Mads and Zebo leaves a problem at 13 and 14 though in terms of cover, so i reckon Ferg (or even Luke) will get it either way on his versatility

[cwebber82]

I would doubt Zebo will start ahead of Kearney. The wingers will prob be two from Luke, Kearney and McFadden.

Prob go with Luke and Kearney. McFadden was in situ but hasn't played much recently.

The suits in the IRFU weren't happy with Zebo and his car aerial antics in San Diego last summer. Hope they aren't too hard on him. We all did stupid stuff when we were his age.

[Golf Man]

Surprised the Leinster, I mean Ireland team hasn't been speculated upon yet. Here's my take after the Saxons yesterday.

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Peter O'Mahoney
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Simon Zebo
15. Rob Kearney

Only 8 Leinster players! How times have changed!

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Declan Fitzpatrick - edit - Moore if Fitz is injured
19. Ian Henderson
20. Kevin McLaughlin - edit - Jordi Murphy covers all three backrow positions. Probably more likely than Lockie actually, and Ruddock also more likely than Lockie. Dunno why I went for Kev here. His non involvement for Wolfhounds made me think he might be frontline, but on reflection, he has simply fallen well behind. Ruddock is primed for a bench role after a very strong performance yesterday, and again, Jordi Murphy can cover across the row. Serious impact from either player. TOD too specialist, but next in line 7.
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Dave Kearney - edit - Ferg might have a chance, but not Henshaw (doesn't cover enough positions for sub role)

Only 13 Leinster players! We are in serious decline. I blame MOC.

You could be spot on with that starting team - 12 and 14 could change - Marshall at 12 and kearney/TRimble of Zebo isn't deemed match fit enough.

I'd like to see Henderson on the bench but reckon Schmdit will go for McCarthy. McLaughlin in't in the squad and Ruddock is now ahead of him. Not sure why you think TOD is too specialist - we need cover at 7 => not sure that POM really offers it. Ruddock certainly doesn't and Murphy doesn't offer it anymore than POM. TOD has played plenty at 6 as well. If he picks Henderson it will definitely be TOD and thats great impact to have.

I understand why Madigan might be picked, but he doesn't deserve it - Jackson has been far far better than him this year. Sexton covers 12, Fitzgerald covers 13, Zebo/Kearney cover 15. McFadden offers good cover but has less game time than Zebo - if he's not deemed fit enough then not sure McFadden should be - no major issue though as I would have him in the 23 jersey and he is definitely ahead of the other options. Henshaw could well come in though - we ned to look at options other than BOD at 13 - and Scotland at home is one of he times when he can do this. Can't see there being any out there selections and the team will be pretty much what it has been for teh last 2 or 3 years - important thing is that we p[lay like we did v NZ rather than v Oz

[Golf Man]

Down to a 32 man squad today apparently - I reckon

LH: Healy/McGrath/Kilcoyne
Hooker: Best/Cronin/Strauss
TH: Ross/Moore/Archer (Think Fitzpatrick is injured)
Locks: POC/Toner/McCarthy/Henderson
Back Row: POM/Henry/Heaslip/TOD/Ruddock
SH: Murray/Reddan
OH: Sexton/Jackson/Madigan
Centres: Darcy/Marhsall/BOD/Henshaw
Wings: Fitz/Zebo/McFadden/D Kearney
FB: R Kearney

Probably most harsh on Tuohy - I'd certainly have him in there - may see one or two retained for training roles

[Fireworks]

Surprised the Leinster, I mean Ireland team hasn't been speculated upon yet. Here's my take after the Saxons yesterday.

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Peter O'Mahoney
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Simon Zebo
15. Rob Kearney

Only 8 Leinster players! How times have changed!

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Declan Fitzpatrick - edit - Moore if Fitz is injured
19. Ian Henderson
20. Kevin McLaughlin - edit - Jordi Murphy covers all three backrow positions. Probably more likely than Lockie actually, and Ruddock also more likely than Lockie. Dunno why I went for Kev here. His non involvement for Wolfhounds made me think he might be frontline, but on reflection, he has simply fallen well behind. Ruddock is primed for a bench role after a very strong performance yesterday, and again, Jordi Murphy can cover across the row. Serious impact from either player. TOD too specialist, but next in line 7.
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Dave Kearney - edit - Ferg might have a chance, but not Henshaw (doesn't cover enough positions for sub role)

Only 13 Leinster players! We are in serious decline. I blame MOC.

You could be spot on with that starting team - 12 and 14 could change - Marshall at 12 and kearney/TRimble of Zebo isn't deemed match fit enough.

I'd like to see Henderson on the bench but reckon Schmdit will go for McCarthy. McLaughlin in't in the squad and Ruddock is now ahead of him. Not sure why you think TOD is too specialist - we need cover at 7 => not sure that POM really offers it. Ruddock certainly doesn't and Murphy doesn't offer it anymore than POM. TOD has played plenty at 6 as well. If he picks Henderson it will definitely be TOD and thats great impact to have.

I understand why Madigan might be picked, but he doesn't deserve it - Jackson has been far far better than him this year. Sexton covers 12, Fitzgerald covers 13, Zebo/Kearney cover 15. McFadden offers good cover but has less game time than Zebo - if he's not deemed fit enough then not sure McFadden should be - no major issue though as I would have him in the 23 jersey and he is definitely ahead of the other options. Henshaw could well come in though - we ned to look at options other than BOD at 13 - and Scotland at home is one of he times when he can do this. Can't see there being any out there selections and the team will be pretty much what it has been for teh last 2 or 3 years - important thing is that we p[lay like we did v NZ rather than v Oz

I think 12 is solid for big games but for Scotland there may be an opening to experiment. 14 is where there is likely to be a change Zebo is just back from injury and I do not think he has done enough to justify inclusion in the match squad. Ferg is in a similar position. If selecting between the two I think Joe might go for Ferg. He offers a little less potential but is solid. I am probably wrong about this but I have heard talk that Zebo's off field attitude to life is playing against him slightly. Not enough to keep him out of contention but enough to make him lose 50/50 calls. Maybe it is about maturity.

The backrow is a tough one made even more difficult by SOB being out. There are a number of options and combinations all of which have merit. With SOB fit it is much easier as you just have one other back row spot to fill. With him out there is a large groups of contenders in and around the same level.

Henshaw would be another that might make the bench but I think he has a better chance of see the Italy bench. With Fitz on the wing we have the option of switching him to 13 and bringing on a wing. I think he could be great at 13 if he gets a solid run at it. I would see BOD being on until 60 or when the game is secure and then changes made.

Other area of change could be 3. Ross is not getting any better. Fitz is solid but Moore is the coming man who may see game time against Scotland or Italy. He has reached the spot where we are happy to see him running out to replace Ross.

[CiaranIrl]

My team would be... Edit: Fixed!

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Peter O'Mahoney
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Luke Marshall
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Andrew Trimble
15. Rob Kearney

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Martin Moore
19. Ian Henderson
20. Tommy O'Donnell
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Dave Kearney

* I reckon Marshall could get the nod at center for the home games, with D'Arcy playing the away matches.
* I don't think McFadden or Zebo or Gilroy are sharp enough yet. Of the three, McFadden is the most likely to get the nod, as he regularly plays 14 rather than 11. There is enough of a difference at this level to make that important. Sexton send his up and unders towards that wing more often than not, and Zebo isn't good at passing off his other hand. Trimble has been playing really well though, so I'd give him the chance.
* Henderson and O'Donnell make sense as the bench options, as they can change the game more if we need them to. They also cover 4-7 between them, which gives a lot of options. I love the idea of bringing them both on at 6 & 7 after 60 minutes against a tiring opposition back row. Maul the hell out of them.
* Fitzgerald covers center, and Kearney covers back three. Makes most sense for the 23 position I reckon.

[johng]

14. David Trimble

I reckon he might be a little old at this stage.

I'm not even sure Andrew will make it. Although he was lining out with the first team at the training session on Friday.

[enby]

14. David Trimble

I reckon he might be a little old at this stage.

I'm not even sure Andrew will make it. Although he was lining out with the first team at the training session on Friday.

David went from right wing into the centre during his career in contrast with Andrew

[pip14]

Trimble should be starting If it's about form. Him and Fitzgerald have been the best two wingers in Ireland this season.

[Oldschool]

I have this image of certain Munster men sitting morosely over their pints wondering why there are too few Munster players and too many Leinster players in Irish squads these days. The initials GM printed large on the bag of one slightly bedraggled, bear stained jersey. At times I feel like saying something to maybe lighten the mood a bit and then the bitterness (created by the arrogance of Munster/Irish coaches, fans and representatives at Ireland level and their monochrome view of all things Ireland) returns. Their willingness to boo Sexton at an international was a low point and the continued and undeserved (and irrational) attempts to undermine Heaslip's position in the team proves they have learned nothing and are still as arrogant as ever. Fortunately there are a lot of decent Munster fans out there who don't suffer from colour blindness but unfortunately we don't hear often enough from them.
Here's one for AB0 who, statistically, speaking spends most of his posts boring the pants off everyone. The five most active munster posts are the five most active trolls and wum merchants on this board and you are not even entertaining with it. Try looking in the mirror - not a pretty sight.

TOD didn't do enough against the Saxons to deserve a shot at the title. He played as well as many other players but no better, he didn't stand out.
His day may yet come and perhaps if he had not been injured earlier in the season his time would be now.
McFadden won't be risked because he's simply not ready.
Zebo might well be risked against Scotland but he needs to give up the antics off-field. Ireland is a small country and eventually the news gets around.
He needs to realise trust between players must exist both on and off the field. You don't sh!t on your own doorstep.
McCarthy is unlikely to play against Scotland in order to allow his facial injury a little more time to heal.
Joe will definitely experiment with the 13 position. D'Arcy/Marshall is a very tight call. D'Arcy's defence ability will be needed against Wales and may swing it his way. It's tough on Touhy but even his own fans will tell you his discipline has been a problem. It's fair to say it has improved this season but in the white heat of battle could Dan hit the red zone again?

[Hippo]

FWIW I thought Zebo looked well sharp at the weekend. I'd have him ahead of DK, and I rate DK.

[All Blacks nil]

I have this image of certain Munster men sitting morosely over their pints wondering why there are too few Munster players and too many Leinster players in Irish squads these days. The initials GM printed large on the bag of one slightly bedraggled, bear stained jersey. At times I feel like saying something to maybe lighten the mood a bit and then the bitterness (created by the arrogance of Munster/Irish coaches, fans and representatives at Ireland level and their monochrome view of all things Ireland) returns. Their willingness to boo Sexton at an international was a low point and the continued and undeserved (and irrational) attempts to undermine Heaslip's position in the team proves they have learned nothing and are still as arrogant as ever. Fortunately there are a lot of decent Munster fans out there who don't suffer from colour blindness but unfortunately we don't hear often enough from them.
Here's one for AB0 who, statistically, speaking spends most of his posts boring the pants off everyone. The five most active munster posts are the five most active trolls and wum merchants on this board and you are not even entertaining with it. Try looking in the mirror - not a pretty sight.

TOD didn't do enough against the Saxons to deserve a shot at the title. He played as well as many other players but no better, he didn't stand out.
His day may yet come and perhaps if he had not been injured earlier in the season his time would be now.
McFadden won't be risked because he's simply not ready.
Zebo might well be risked against Scotland but he needs to give up the antics off-field. Ireland is a small country and eventually the news gets around.
He needs to realise trust between players must exist both on and off the field. You don't sh!t on your own doorstep.
McCarthy is unlikely to play against Scotland in order to allow his facial injury a little more time to heal.
Joe will definitely experiment with the 13 position. D'Arcy/Marshall is a very tight call. D'Arcy's defence ability will be needed against Wales and may swing it his way. It's tough on Touhy but even his own fans will tell you his discipline has been a problem. It's fair to say it has improved this season but in the white heat of battle could Dan hit the red zone again?