Ireland v Georgia

[All Blacks nil]

Gas how Foley should now be on the bench. Great match and all, but it was Georgia ffs. We controlled the lineouts (no surprise), we were mullered at scrum time (disappointing, but no surprise), and we were in control in the loose (no surprise). The team did very well today, but anything less than what was produced today would have been a big disappointment.

I expect that barring injuries the matchday squad for the wallabies will be the same as that for the boks.

Mick McCarthy was also playing against Georgia. Going by Joe's post match comments Foley might have done enough to displace him.
Interesting that despite MMcC's experience both generally and within Joe's systems that it was the debutant Foley who called the lineout.

[wixfjord]

Gas how Foley should now be on the bench. Great match and all, but it was Georgia ffs. We controlled the lineouts (no surprise), we were mullered at scrum time (disappointing, but no surprise), and we were in control in the loose (no surprise). The team did very well today, but anything less than what was produced today would have been a big disappointment.

I expect that barring injuries the matchday squad for the wallabies will be the same as that for the boks.

Mick McCarthy was also playing against Georgia. Going by Joe's post match comments Foley might have done enough to displace him.
Interesting that despite MMcC's experience both generally and within Joe's systems that it was the debutant Foley who called the lineout.

Not really a sleight on McCarthy though, who wouldn't be a lineout caller at all, Foley is just a better lineout operator.

Thought McCarthy played well too and was probably the right call against SAF, but Foley deserves a go against Oz.

[munster#1]

I took great pleasure in watching today, he put in a massive shift, and as ive said previously he may well be a starter come rwc.

Not too many players put their hands up today, killer was very good as were foley, ay you, cronin and Jones, but the biggest surprise for me was how good Diack was. I am not a fan of his at all, but he may well have done enough to displace tod from the match day squad.

I think zebo played himself out of the team, he was incredibly greedy all day, he did a lot of good, but generally followed it up with a poor decision.

Madigan was a complete mixed bag, he seems to take way too much out of the ball, how many times did he put his centers away?

[artaneboy]

Gas how Foley should now be on the bench. Great match and all, but it was Georgia ffs. We controlled the lineouts (no surprise), we were mullered at scrum time (disappointing, but no surprise), and we were in control in the loose (no surprise). The team did very well today, but anything less than what was produced today would have been a big disappointment.

I expect that barring injuries the matchday squad for the wallabies will be the same as that for the boks.

Mick McCarthy was also playing against Georgia. Going by Joe's post match comments Foley might have done enough to displace him.
Interesting that despite MMcC's experience both generally and within Joe's systems that it was the debutant Foley who called the lineout.

Not really a sleight on McCarthy though, who wouldn't be a lineout caller at all, Foley is just a better lineout operator.

Thought McCarthy played well too and was probably the right call against SAF, but Foley deserves a go against Oz.

Aside from a spill or two, McCarthy was the best 'hard yard' carrier in the pack during the first half. I thought he as excellent. I don't disagree that Foley was also very good. I suppose it depends on what Joe wants on the bench for next week; line out options or bosh beef? I'd still go for McC on that judgement- but wouldn't be in a tizzy if Foley got the nod.

[All Blacks nil]

Gas how Foley should now be on the bench. Great match and all, but it was Georgia ffs. We controlled the lineouts (no surprise), we were mullered at scrum time (disappointing, but no surprise), and we were in control in the loose (no surprise). The team did very well today, but anything less than what was produced today would have been a big disappointment.

I expect that barring injuries the matchday squad for the wallabies will be the same as that for the boks.

Mick McCarthy was also playing against Georgia. Going by Joe's post match comments Foley might, have done enough to displace him.
Interesting that despite MMcC's experience both generally and within Joe's systems that it was the debutant Foley who called the lineout.

Aside from a spill or two, McCarthy was the best 'hard yard' carrier in the pack during the first half. I thought he as excellent. I don't disagree that Foley was also very good. I suppose it depends on what Joe wants on the bench for next week; line out options or bosh beef? I'd still go for McC on that judgement- but wouldn't be in a tizzy if Foley got the nod.

McCarthy carried 5 times and as you say spilled a couple. That to me runs short of excellent. McCarthy played well enough, physical tackling and clearing out and solid lineout play but to say he was the best hard yard carrier is a little inaccurate. Foley's 10 carries for similar hard yardage per carry and 100% ball retention has him edging the second row hard yardage carrying battle for me.

[Oldschool]

The interesting thing about games like this is trying to figure out what the coach has made of things.
In the past it didn't matter because yo knew provincialism would override logic.
With Joe it's different.
Joe nailed his flag to the mast a bit last week when he picked Felix Jones in his 23. Against SA that's a serious statement of intent.
Now we know Joe definitely has Felix nailed on as Rob's cover. His reference to Felix in the post match as good as said as much.
Foley is not there yet, Joe hesitated, just enough, at the post match to tell us that, just before he rushed on to mention Jones.
Watch the replay if you don't believe me. He was asked a direct question about Foley because he got MOM - Joe looked slightly surprised.
Sorry to disappoint all you Munsterphiles out there.
The players in particular that Joe needed to perform today were.
Strauss - He did.
Kilcoyne - He did
Ross - Wouldn't be jumping up and down.
Reddan - He did
Madigan - He did
D'Arcy - Wouldn't be jumping up and down
Gilroy - He did
Zebo - Wouldn't be jumping up and down
Jones - He did
Olding - He did - Ok I know I'm biased but this guy always makes the right decidion.

Only Zebo is young enough for Joe to be concerned so he has to be feeling quite satisfied overall.
He'll also be happy enough with Foley, TOD, Ryan, Marmion and Keatley - No dogs dinners there but only injury will see them forcing their way into the squad.
And if you doubt it then I give you Henderson Touhy Ryan SOB just for starters. Marmion being the one with the best chance.

[desperado]

I took great pleasure in watching today, he put in a massive shift, and as ive said previously he may well be a starter come rwc.

Not too many players put their hands up today, killer was very good as were foley, ay you, cronin and Jones, but the biggest surprise for me was how good Diack was. I am not a fan of his at all, but he may well have done enough to displace tod from the match day squad.

I think zebo played himself out of the team, he was incredibly greedy all day, he did a lot of good, but generally followed it up with a poor decision.

Madigan was a complete mixed bag, he seems to take way too much out of the ball, how many times did he put his centers away?

would agree with you on Foley. Not sure about Diack. As I saw it TOD was solid; but if anyone was to displace him I think it might be Ryan. Zebo was very frustrating. To me seems like he had a mindset that he's guaranteed to start v Oz and was kinda lazy today in thought and action. I thought Madigan was excellent don't know where the mixed bag comment comes from. To me it's illustrative where Joe thinks he should play unlike MOC. He's a 10, not a 12. When Keatley came on he went to 12 not Madigan. Also as if we didn't know already Cave cannot pass. Can never see him at 13.

[fourthirtythree]

Could see Foley on the bench next week, although the knuckledraggers will want him on the pitch ahead of Toner. Strauss could make the first 15 too. Shaggy thinks Jones could make the wing next week. Cave wont be in the 23 I bet. Very difficult to read too much into that game though.

I think you're right. I had that feeling about Jones as the match went on, particularly as Zebo had a pretty poor game.

Thought the back row (and second) didn't do enough at the breakdown. Missed the work rate of oconnell and Toner. And McCarthy, though Kilcoyne showed well in the loose. Cave was pretty poor, Gilroy worked hard and effectively, Reddan had a good game, Madigan mixed up good and bad.

Schmidts point about being too conservative were good to hear. Think Madigan in particular was too intent on proving that he isn't just off the cuff. That said he played the full game at 10 and is definitely the backup. Whatever about for Leinster he can expect a fair bit of time at outhalf for Ireland this year.

Line out went well, though it did that with all different second rows and hooker late in the game. A good few players enhanced their reputations today though, including Copeland - lovely strip, couple of good carries, Cronin - fantastic carries and good darts, Diack- carried really well, was let down by support a couple of times, and Jones.

[dropkick]

Heres my ratings. Might look harsh but 5 is average

Kilcoyne 8
Strauss 7
Ross 4
McCarthy 7
Foley 8
Ryan 6
TOD 6
Diack 6
Reddan 5
Madigan 8
Zebo 5
D'Arcy 5
Cave 5
Gilroy 6
Jones 7

Decent enough performance overall but the backs didn't do anything great. The subs made a big impact alright.

[artaneboy]

McCarthy carried 5 times and as you say spilled a couple. That to me runs short of excellent. McCarthy played well enough, physical tackling and clearing out and solid lineout play but to say he was the best hard yard carrier is a little inaccurate. Foley's 10 carries for similar hard yardage per carry and 100% ball retention has him edging the second row hard yardage carrying battle for me.

To my memory of the match, McCarthy carried well even when double-teamed and from a standing start into a set line; Foley's carries were more of the open field, fringing type. Might be a factor of the line out work of the latter and hardly a black mark- but neither is dropping a ball or two when you've more than compensated by taking the tough stuff to a determined opposition.

[Peg Leg]

Thought Ross did well when he was on. Never seen him hit as many rucks.

[ronk]

Good win with some good performances. Some good play from Foley, he's improving well. Also decent performances across the backrow. Kilcoyne showed up well in the loose. Madigan was excellent, I thought. A real key play for us and capable of moment of match winning brillance without a significant error count.

I thought D'Arcy was poor but he has games like that every so often. Jones was obviously the pick of the back 3. Zebo did well at a few things and certainly is hitting rucks a lot harder than he used to. Not sure if his overall commitment and attitude are adequate still.

Rodney was a nice surprise, he was better than I expected for longer than I expected.

[hugonaut]

Good win with some good performances. Some good play from Foley, he's improving well. Also decent performances across the backrow. Kilcoyne showed up well in the loose. Madigan was excellent, I thought. A real key play for us and capable of moment of match winning brillance without a significant error count.

I thought D'Arcy was poor but he has games like that every so often. Jones was obviously the pick of the back 3. Zebo did well at a few things and certainly is hitting rucks a lot harder than he used to. Not sure if his overall commitment and attitude are adequate still.

Rodney was a nice surprise, he was better than I expected for longer than I expected.

Yeah, Rodney has got some quick hands and feet! I remember seeing him play for Connacht in Donnybrook against an Ireland XV in the build-up to RWC11 and he really impressed when he got his hands on the pill. He's got a lot of quickness in his movements for such a big man.

I'm forcibly reminded of Stan Wright when I see him play. Same position, same build, same sort of attitude, similar background. Worth remembering that Stan was already 28 when he played his first game for Leinster and Rodney just turned 26 last month. If he gets good coaching and really applies himself to becoming a hard-scrummaging tighthead, there's no reason he can't have a very reasonable career. Definitely got the physical tools at 188cm and 123kg.

[Not_Today]

Thought Madigan had a very mixed bag, a few balls/play died with him, dummy a pass to a support runner but then took it on himself and the support runner had passed the ruck.

Neither Zebo or Gilroy stood out but on the basis that Zebo was subbed early then he's probably starting next week. Gilroy killed a try early in the first half when he opted to kick rather than keep the ball in hand.

Darcy is ruffed, no speed, lacked hunger, just looked out of it.

I think Foley did enough to pass McCarthy for next week and might push Toner for can starting berth in the 6Ns

Shaggy thinks Murray is under pressure from Reddan, he was watching a different game/s than me

[RoboProp]

Preferably no more than an elbow.

F**k me if we weren't a little bit prescient here. Dom was bloody lucky

[matt]

Kilcoyne, Strauss, Rodney, Foley, Olding, Gilroy & Jones were the ones who advanced their cases for Australia match the most.

If Payne is fit I would make just 1 change in the backs Gilroy for Zebo who I would have on the bench as we have plenty of cover at full-back & both centre positions).

In the forwards I would consider starting Strauss with Best or Cronin on bench to give 3 options at hooker for the world cup especially as Strauss on form (like in Joe's tenure at Leinster) has potentially the best all round game (Best very good but has some terrible line out days). Only other consideration for team is whether Henry to fit to face down Hooper.

[rooster]

Henry won't be playing and I will be extremely surprised if Payne does either

[paddyor]

Was at the game, haven't watched it back yet. Impressions were that Foley deserved his MOTM. Jones was the best of the back 3. Diack best of the back row. Scrum is in trouble. Madigan is clearly 2nd choice OH. Marmions service seemed slower than Reddans, he did well for Jones 2nd try.

Did anyone else notice that Foley whipped off the MOTM medal almost as quickly as it was put on him. Sexton did the same thing last week. I noticed it then as it almost seemed rude and I kept an eye out for it yesterday.

[All Blacks nil]

Was at the game, haven't watched it back yet. Impressions were that Foley deserved his MOTM. Jones was the best of the back 3. Diack best of the back row. Scrum is in trouble. Madigan is clearly 2nd choice OH. Marmions service seemed slower than Reddans, he did well for Jones 2nd try.

Did anyone else notice that Foley whipped off the MOTM medal almost as quickly as it was put on him. Sexton did the same thing last week. I noticed it then as it almost seemed rude and I kept an eye out for it yesterday.

I noticed that both weeks.
Is it a group (commercial) decision to snub andnot to accept favours from the sponsors, or just a coincidence? As far as I can remember it didn't happen in the Six Nations although I am open to correction. In the event of Ireland winning next week the MOTM award will make interesting viewing.

Jonathon Walters did the same when receiving his "3" MOTM award on Friday night, immediately placing his cut glass prize on the ground. In fairness, he might have hopped it off the ground if not televised.

[leinster10]

Was at the game, haven't watched it back yet. Impressions were that Foley deserved his MOTM. Jones was the best of the back 3. Diack best of the back row. Scrum is in trouble. Madigan is clearly 2nd choice OH. Marmions service seemed slower than Reddans, he did well for Jones 2nd try.

Did anyone else notice that Foley whipped off the MOTM medal almost as quickly as it was put on him. Sexton did the same thing last week. I noticed it then as it almost seemed rude and I kept an eye out for it yesterday.

I noticed that both weeks.
Is it a group (commercial) decision to snub andnot to accept favours from the sponsors, or just a coincidence? As far as I can remember it didn't happen in the Six Nations although I am open to correction. In the event of Ireland winning next week the MOTM award will make interesting viewing.

Jonathon Walters did the same when receiving his "3" MOTM award on Friday night, immediately placing his cut glass prize on the ground. In fairness, he might have hopped it off the ground if not televised.

If you ask me I think it has something to do with the 'group culture' all the players mention in their interviews. I have a feeling Schmidt has installed in them that there is no man of the match and that its a group effort and so the players have decided not to wear it when interviewed.