Backup Hooker for 6 Nations

[Grumpy Old Man]

Maybe it was a red Herring?

[simonokeeffe]

Herring is a very underrated player alright, and suffers from Jordi Murphy syndrome of being behind Ireland starters for his province

[cormac]

Herring was injured in the game against us on NYE, wasn't he?

[limecat]

Herring was injured in the game against us on NYE, wasn't he?

Yeah. Fairly sure it was a knee injury.

[All Blacks nil]

Strauss possibly back in front of Tracey after last night's performance. I'm not his biggest fan but Strauss was solid last night and his knowledge of Joe's systems and methods is to his advantage.
Tracey's throwing was crucially off target, with his first throw crooked and another overthrow from a five metre (ish) lineout during Castres' yellow card.
Opportunity also knocks for Scannell.

[neiliog93]

Herring is a very tidy, reliable player but Ulster's scrummaging can drop off notably when he comes on for Best, even if the props are the same. He's skilful in the loose but not very powerful at all. Honestly, I don't think he's quite an international standard player, useful and all as he is for Ulster. I would say Strauss, Tracy, Scannell and maybe even Heffernan are ahead of him (as McCartney will be when he becomes IQ).

[erskinechilders]

You really can't trust Tracy's throwing at this point in time. AS good as he is in the loose hooking 101 is securing the line out and twice his throws cost us important field position. That and he gave away a stupid penalty at a maul by dragging lads out. Both Scannell and Strauss ahead of him imo.

His throwing is consistently under thrown and hitting the line outs guys in the chest rather than at the highest point. Big work on.

[Ruckedtobits]

Although Joe is far more familiar with Strauss and Treacy, the two hookers who are providing real competition at present are Scannell and Heffernan. Herring obviously has support in Ulster but doesn't appear to lift for the big games. Scannell has shown consistently well in scrum and line out and is a big strong carrier. Heffernan is more dynamic in the loose and strong in the scrum and maul. His throwing is competent and improving and he doesn't concede silly penalties.

Interesting calls to be made.

[sunshiner1]

Heffernan is the no. 2 Hooker at Connacht. He needs to cement this place in the first XV before we can start talking about him as a Irish International. Really surprised that Straus didn't make the 40 man squad. Glad to see Schmidt being ruthless.

[Laighin Break]

Surprised he went with Strauss over Tracy after Friday's showing.

[Peg Leg]

Surprised he went with Strauss over Tracy after Friday's showing.

He didn't

[Ruckedtobits]

Heffernan is the no. 2 Hooker at Connacht. He needs to cement this place in the first XV before we can start talking about him as a Irish International. Really surprised that Straus didn't make the 40 man squad. Glad to see Schmidt being ruthless.

But No 2 to a current NIQ and coming through fast on the rails. He needs more top level training with throwing and working in an Irish Squad environment would be great experience, as would working with Feek and Best on his scrumming. He is an excellent ball carrier with real pace and physique and IMO has a hugh ceiling as a hooker.

[sunshiner1]

But No 2 to a current NIQ and coming through fast on the rails. He needs more top level training with throwing and working in an Irish Squad environment would be great experience, as would working with Feek and Best on his scrumming. He is an excellent ball carrier with real pace and physique and IMO has a huge ceiling as a hooker.

I'm not disagreeing with you but until he starts starting the big games as first choice Hooker for Connacht I can't see him getting chosen for the Irish squad.

[dropkick]

Sean Cronin has only recently been first choice. He was always seen as an impact sub throughout his career. Heffernan is similar.

[dropkick]

It's gone a bit under the radar but the new hookers played well at the weekend. Bigger challenges to come but they slotted in nicely. It has been an area of concern for Ireland and just as well Best has been so robust throughout his career.

Given Bests age it would be wise to give the new lads as much experience as possible before the next world cup.

[paddyor]

It's gone a bit under the radar but the new hookers played well at the weekend. Bigger challenges to come but they slotted in nicely. It has been an area of concern for Ireland and just as well Best has been so robust throughout his career.

Given Bests age it would be wise to give the new lads as much experience as possible before the next world cup.

As long as best is captain you'd expect he'll be on the pitch for 60+ minutes in any tight contest. Hopefully he goes on the lions tour and there'll be opportunity for Scannell and Tracy on the summer tour.

[suisse]

It's gone a bit under the radar but the new hookers played well at the weekend. Bigger challenges to come but they slotted in nicely. It has been an area of concern for Ireland and just as well Best has been so robust throughout his career.

Given Bests age it would be wise to give the new lads as much experience as possible before the next world cup.

As long as best is captain you'd expect he'll be on the pitch for 60+ minutes in any tight contest. Hopefully he goes on the lions tour and there'll be opportunity for Scannell and Tracy on the summer tour.

If he doesn't get the Lions tour, he should have the summer off. No reason to bring him to Japan especially if you're looking at keeping him on to the RWC. Too often we have these problem positions where we're one injury away from a disaster. Scannell and Tracy both did well last week but they need to keep building game time. Three summer tests is perfect for that. Give them a start each and decide who gets the third based on that.

[All Blacks nil]

It's gone a bit under the radar but the new hookers played well at the weekend. Bigger challenges to come but they slotted in nicely. It has been an area of concern for Ireland and just as well Best has been so robust throughout his career.

Given Bests age it would be wise to give the new lads as much experience as possible before the next world cup.

As long as best is captain you'd expect he'll be on the pitch for 60+ minutes in any tight contest. Hopefully he goes on the lions tour and there'll be opportunity for Scannell and Tracy on the summer tour.

If he doesn't get the Lions tour, he should have the summer off. No reason to bring him to Japan especially if you're looking at keeping him on to the RWC. Too often we have these problem positions where we're one injury away from a disaster. Scannell and Tracy both did well last week but they need to keep building game time. Three summer tests is perfect for that. Give them a start each and decide who gets the third based on that.

Ginger kid, explosive runner, whats his name again? Used to play for Leinster, over fifty caps for Ireland. Do you remember him?

[matt]

(NZ0,Suisse,paddyor,dropkick quotes-would only allow me quote 3!)It's gone a bit under the radar but the new hookers played well at the weekend. Bigger challenges to come but they slotted in nicely. It has been an area of concern for Ireland and just as well Best has been so robust throughout his career.

Given Bests age it would be wise to give the new lads as much experience as possible before the next world cup.[/quote]
As long as best is captain you'd expect he'll be on the pitch for 60+ minutes in any tight contest. Hopefully he goes on the lions tour and there'll be opportunity for Scannell and Tracy on the summer tour.[/quote]

If he doesn't get the Lions tour, he should have the summer off. No reason to bring him to Japan especially if you're looking at keeping him on to the RWC. Too often we have these problem positions where we're one injury away from a disaster. Scannell and Tracy both did well last week but they need to keep building game time. Three summer tests is perfect for that. Give them a start each and decide who gets the third based on that.[/quote]

Ginger kid, explosive runner, whats his name again? Used to play for Leinster, over fifty caps for Ireland. Do you remember him?[/quote]

Agree that Japan should sort out back up hooker to Best. If RB not selected for Lions would give him time off & select Scannell, Cronin & Tracy (presumably you need 3 hookers on a tour like that). All good players.

[simonokeeffe]

like how some people hedged their bets before voting for Scannell after he became no2 no2 and after he started a game