Absolutely agree - I think Toner is most under threat tbh despite how bad Bowe has beenAll Blacks nil wrote:http://www.the42.ie/donnacha-ryan-slamm ... 8-Sep2015/
For Bowe in the back line read Toner in the pack. Under real pressure after top notch warm up performances by Ryan and Henderson, his prowess at the line out being his one redeeming quality. Doesn't carry well and (like Bowe) found wanting in defence his form thus far places him bottom of the pecking order for a start.
A pity for Toner as his improvement over the last 2 years has been noteworthy. Maybe he can play himself in to a bit of form but with two viable and inform alternatives does Joe take that gamble?
Bowe had a shocker the weekend and the decision to leave Trimble ( who had showed decent form) out is beginning to look poorer and poorer.
The last 2 Saturdays have shown up Ireland's reliance on a fit and in form halfback partnership. Sexton' spoor performance v Wales along with Reddan's unintended near full game v England illustrated how important Sexton and Murray 'S form are too Ireland
Both need to be fit, healthy and in form for Ireland to prosper.
Toner has had two starts and hasn't impressed in either game
Henderson has hadtwo starts and has impressed in both
Ryan has 1 start and 2 sub appearances and has impressed in all
I do think Toner will be lucky to keep his starting place - and if he doesn't start then I don't think he is on the bench
While Bowe has been poor ( I ddnthink he was as ad asmade out v Scotland, not good mind) his first half display was as bad as I've ever seen from him
The alternatives haven't really had much of a chance though - Earls started 1 game (v Wales at home), Fitz started 1 (v Scotland) and Zebo has only half a game (as Trimbles replacement v Wales) as a wing. Dave Kearney has completely justified his pace in the squad but the fact that he had an extra back 3 player to play around with (with the sh and backup fb decisions) and didn't pick Trimble is looking like it looked at the time - a really bad call. I n reality he should have picked either Fitz or Earls as the back up 13 (with Cave in the mix there as well) and brought Trimble allowing him game time to get up to speed (not that he looked particularly out of speed)
In short Bowe has huge credit going back years and his opposition haven't demanded selection. Toner has credit but not to the same extent and his opposition have really stood up