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Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:28 pm
by Risteard
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:31 pm
by hermie
Diego wrote:
CM11 wrote:
rialtoblue wrote:Bod reckons it will be jordi with vdf on the bench
Certainly wouldn't bet against it being Jordi.
No, not at all. He's playing very good rugby.
I'd be tempted to start Conan over POM or Stander. Probably won't happen but if he came in for the former Jordi's chances of starting might improve to recoup some of the losses in the lineout and at the breakdown. If it is POM and Stander, Leavy is a bit more like for like with SOB - good over the ball and that bit more physicality than VDF. Although VDF is the kind of player you might make an exception for. He's turned in some Dusautoir-esque performances of late. Hate to use it as a stick to beat him with but he's a fantastic impact sub. The energy he gives you off the bench to run teams ragged in the final third can be extremely valuable. Then again Leavy's performance off the bench against Exeter could make you feel the same about him. Another benefit to Leavy subbing on is that he brings back that turnover threat that you lose when Best goes off. At the end of the day it really depends on what type of game you want to play. I'd love to see loose forward selections this year based on a gameplan tailored to the opposition.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:32 pm
by Nolanator
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:37 pm
by ruckinhell
Nolanator wrote:
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:41 pm
by hermie
Nolanator wrote: Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
I dunno, I just keep thinking of VDF against the ABs in LR the last time and how he almost brought that game back from the brink. Sometimes it's safer to make that physical statement early on and bring on the athletes off the bench against tiring defences.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:46 pm
by jezzer
hermie wrote:
jezzer wrote:The whole pack put in a huge shift but Furlong, Cronin, VDF and Ryan really stood out for me
Will VDF start against France do you think?
I think so.

Will be between Nordi and Leavy for the bench. I would go Leavy 10 times out of 10, but I think it'll be Murphy at 19.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:46 pm
by CM11
ruckinhell wrote:
Nolanator wrote:
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.
Our backrow has been in flux for a while now. Stander is the only ever present (ignoring the June tests) from the last 2 years. So I'm not sure we can talk about 'existing backrow'.

That said, I can't see POM and Stander not being at 6 and 8 but if anyone is going to make way it'll be Stander, not POM.

Presuming it is Stander/POM, then we're short a bit of passing/offloading ability, it's hard to know who's ahead of the 3 options but at a push I'd probably say Murphy.

Leavy or Conan to bench. We'd be short on physicality if VDF was benching and Stander had to go off.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:48 pm
by danthefan
Conan should obviously start but he won't. VdF to start at 7 and Murphy to bench. Don't think Leavy will play at all bar injury.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:16 pm
by redderneck
Meh.

Leavy's the best of the lot of them.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:19 pm
by Jumper
ruckinhell wrote:
Nolanator wrote:
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.
The Stander is fatigued truth is nonsense. He mightn't be as standout a player as in recent seasons, but that's largely due to the other players around him playing better. Stander guarantees high quality work and a huge workrate over the full 80 without a dip in quality; that isn't the sign of a fatigued player.

Conan is in the form of his life, but he isn't as good a player as Stander. Its test Lion versus a player who looked good on a nothing summer tour.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:22 pm
by Jumper
CM11 wrote:
ruckinhell wrote:
Nolanator wrote:
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.
Our backrow has been in flux for a while now. Stander is the only ever present (ignoring the June tests) from the last 2 years. So I'm not sure we can talk about 'existing backrow'.

That said, I can't see POM and Stander not being at 6 and 8 but if anyone is going to make way it'll be Stander, not POM.

Presuming it is Stander/POM, then we're short a bit of passing/offloading ability, it's hard to know who's ahead of the 3 options but at a push I'd probably say Murphy.

Leavy or Conan to bench. We'd be short on physicality if VDF was benching and Stander had to go off.
POM is the best passing backrow we've available.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:23 pm
by camroc1
Jumper wrote:
ruckinhell wrote:
Nolanator wrote:
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.
The Stander is fatigued truth is nonsense. He mightn't be as standout a player as in recent seasons, but that's largely due to the other players around him playing better. Stander guarantees high quality work and a huge workrate over the full 80 without a dip in quality; that isn't the sign of a fatigued player.

Conan is in the form of his life, but he isn't as good a player as Stander. Its test Lion versus a player who looked good on a nothing summer tour.
Conan actually being Irish stands to him though.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:27 pm
by Adetroy
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.[/quote]

The Stander is fatigued truth is nonsense. He mightn't be as standout a player as in recent seasons, but that's largely due to the other players around him playing better. Stander guarantees high quality work and a huge workrate over the full 80 without a dip in quality; that isn't the sign of a fatigued player.

Conan is in the form of his life, but he isn't as good a player as Stander. Its test Lion versus a player who looked good on a nothing summer tour.[/quote]

Conan actually being Irish stands to him though.[/quote]

I am sure Joe includes a "true Irishman" in his selection criteria.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:32 pm
by Trostan
Jumper wrote:
ruckinhell wrote:
Nolanator wrote:
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.
The Stander is fatigued truth is nonsense. He mightn't be as standout a player as in recent seasons, but that's largely due to the other players around him playing better. Stander guarantees high quality work and a huge workrate over the full 80 without a dip in quality; that isn't the sign of a fatigued player.

Conan is in the form of his life, but he isn't as good a player as Stander. Its test Lion versus a player who looked good on a nothing summer tour.
Conan looked quite good when he got MoM away against the top French team at the weekend!
If Stander isn't available there wont be a step down in the Irish back row.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:32 pm
by hermie
Trostan wrote: Conan looked quite good when he got MoM away against the top French team at the weekend!
If Stander isn't available there wont be a step down in the Irish back row.
Cronin was MOTM :?

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:33 pm
by ruckinhell
Jumper wrote:
ruckinhell wrote:
Nolanator wrote:
Risteard wrote:
Nolanator wrote:Wouldn't be surprised to see Leavy for a bit of extra biff.
Big fan of Leavy's. Would really like to see him get a shot. That being said i doubt you could quibble with VdF either.
Not at all. VDF's engine is ridiculous. Be handy having him there just constantly taking down French carriers or securing our ball. Leavy just brings an extra edge to his play. Bit nastier and more aggressive on the carry (although Derek does carry technically excellently).

TBH, any of Nordi, VDF or Leavy should do a good job.


Hermie, I'd guess Leavy would have the biggest impact as a sub.
Personally I think Leavy is the best fit to offset POM and Stander but a big fan of all three options. A politician's view would be that selecting Nordie shows that taking the punt of moving provinces has a definitive reward which reinforces the work of the IRFU in balancing out talent amongst the provinces.

Conan is a fine player but I can't see Joe breaking up the existing backrow any more than necessary with SOB out for the first few games. I do think Stander looks a bit fatigued, I'd rest him against Italy and give Conan the 8 shirt but first hit out in Paris you go with tried and tested.
The Stander is fatigued truth is nonsense. He mightn't be as standout a player as in recent seasons, but that's largely due to the other players around him playing better. Stander guarantees high quality work and a huge workrate over the full 80 without a dip in quality; that isn't the sign of a fatigued player.

Conan is in the form of his life, but he isn't as good a player as Stander. Its test Lion versus a player who looked good on a nothing summer tour.
Have you told Joe this? I think it's vital information that he needs to know. Always good to get the inside line from the cheerleading section.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:37 pm
by Jumper
Trostan wrote:Conan looked quite good when he got MoM away against the top French team at the weekend!
If Stander isn't available there wont be a step down in the Irish back row.
Stander to Conan is a definite step down. Conan is a brilliant replacement, but Stander's a better player.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:37 pm
by hermie
Jumper wrote:
Trostan wrote:Conan looked quite good when he got MoM away against the top French team at the weekend!
If Stander isn't available there wont be a step down in the Irish back row.
Stander to Conan is a definite step down.
Not on current form it isn't

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:39 pm
by Banana Man
Whatever the make up - would be surprised if Jordi isn't on the bench. Simply for cover and as a proper lineout option too

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:41 pm
by danthefan
hermie wrote:
Jumper wrote:
Trostan wrote:Conan looked quite good when he got MoM away against the top French team at the weekend!
If Stander isn't available there wont be a step down in the Irish back row.
Stander to Conan is a definite step down.
Not on current form it isn't
Did you know that Stander plays for Munster?

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:43 pm
by Jumper
danthefan wrote:
hermie wrote:
Jumper wrote:
Trostan wrote:Conan looked quite good when he got MoM away against the top French team at the weekend!
If Stander isn't available there wont be a step down in the Irish back row.
Stander to Conan is a definite step down.
Not on current form it isn't
Did you know that Stander plays for Munster?
And Conan plays for Leinster.

Until now, every objective coach (Ireland and Lions) has considered Stander a better player. The only people pushing for Conan are Leinster fans.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:58 pm
by Jim Lahey
Stander when fully fit is a very good player.
He has one weapon in his arsenal, and that is to run over the top of someone. When firing on all cylinders that can be effective.
But he's been way off his best form from what I've seen of him recently, and his bosh game has suffered as a result.
The lad needs a rest, but I'd say Joe will still play him.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:02 pm
by redderneck
I'd be delighted to see CJ get a rest. Can't maintain hus sort of game for the sustained period being demanded of him, forever.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:07 pm
by ruckinhell
redderneck wrote:I'd be delighted to see CJ get a rest. Can't maintain hus sort of game for the sustained period being demanded of him, forever.
Apparently you can, he's not running slower it's just everyone around him running faster :uhoh:

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:07 pm
by paddyor
SMH at everyone biting down hard on Jumpers bait.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:08 pm
by paddyor
ruckinhell wrote:
redderneck wrote:I'd be delighted to see CJ get a rest. Can't maintain hus sort of game for the sustained period being demanded of him, forever.
Apparently you can, he's not running slower it's just everyone around him running faster :uhoh:
:lol:

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:09 pm
by Sissyfuss
Podcasts: I tried one out this morning. It has a very good reputation and was recommended to me. It is called Egg Chasers.

Now, I dont claim to know everything about the game, that is why I come on here to learn from erudite rugger chaps who can sometimes be very interesting. However, I was genuinely very surprised to hear the presenters of this podcast unanimously agree that the real reason the Pro 14 teams seem to have a more carefree attitude towards running rugby and throwing the ball around is because there is no relagation?

Ah come on? Seriously?

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:12 pm
by ruckinhell
Sissyfuss wrote:Podcasts: I tried one out this morning. It has a very good reputation and was recommended to me. It is called Egg Chasers.

Now, I dont claim to know everything about the game, that is why I come on here to learn from erudite rugger chaps who can sometimes be very interesting. However, I was genuinely very surprised to hear the presenters of this podcast unanimously agree that the real reason the Pro 14 teams seem to have a more carefree attitude towards running rugby and throwing the ball around is because there is no relagation?

Ah come on? Seriously?
Eggchasers are a load of Tim nice but dims- good fun but you need a filter on some of the comments re Pro14 in particular. I wouldn't say they are biased per se just have a very "minor Uni rugger star, now a stockbrocker" mentality on rugby.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:13 pm
by SASP
Sissyfuss wrote:Podcasts: I tried one out this morning. It has a very good reputation and was recommended to me. It is called Egg Chasers.

Now, I dont claim to know everything about the game, that is why I come on here to learn from erudite rugger chaps who can sometimes be very interesting. However, I was genuinely very surprised to hear the presenters of this podcast unanimously agree that the real reason the Pro 14 teams seem to have a more carefree attitude towards running rugby and throwing the ball around is because there is no relagation?

Ah come on? Seriously?
It's been the argument of a lot of people in England for a while. They never seem to point out that it's just making the best of the available resources considering the resources of the English and French clubs they are up against.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:16 pm
by camroc1
Egg chasers is English based, isn't it ?

Always remember that to the English it's FACT that we play open rugby because there is no relegation, rest our players for all but the big matches, and don't give a toss about where we end up in the league, because there's no relegation.

The fact that we might have better players, deeper squads, or better coaching doesn't seem to cross their minds.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:17 pm
by paddyor
Banana Man wrote:Whatever the make up - would be surprised if Jordi isn't on the bench. Simply for cover and as a proper lineout option too
This is a good point especially wrt versatility. But Conan is a bigger line-out option than Murphy now, nearly twice as many. Wouldn't be all accounted for by minutes played though maybe it has something to do with the hooker (byrns).

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:19 pm
by Lenny
Jim Lahey wrote:Stander when fully fit is a very good player.
He has one weapon in his arsenal, and that is to run over the top of someone. When firing on all cylinders that can be effective.
But he's been way off his best form from what I've seen of him recently, and his bosh game has suffered as a result.
The lad needs a rest, but I'd say Joe will still play him.
Stander was excellent last Saturday with the most carries and most tackles, and showed no signs of fatigue, or of the injury he carried into the Lions tour. Conan is also an excellent player in great form, and unlike the prepubescent Jumper I don't think there would be a big drop off if he came in, and in some areas, such as open field play and distribution, there would be an improvement. But I think that the sheer volume of work, a lot of it of the unglamorous but vital variety such as eking out a couple of yards of go forward off static ball, that Stander gets through gives him an edge, and improves the performances of those around him. I wouldn't be in the least worried if Conan started, but my favoured backrow in terms of balance in the absence of SOB would be POM, Leavy and Stander,

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:21 pm
by paddyor
SASP wrote:
Sissyfuss wrote:Podcasts: I tried one out this morning. It has a very good reputation and was recommended to me. It is called Egg Chasers.

Now, I dont claim to know everything about the game, that is why I come on here to learn from erudite rugger chaps who can sometimes be very interesting. However, I was genuinely very surprised to hear the presenters of this podcast unanimously agree that the real reason the Pro 14 teams seem to have a more carefree attitude towards running rugby and throwing the ball around is because there is no relagation?

Ah come on? Seriously?
It's been the argument of a lot of people in England for a while. They never seem to point out that it's just making the best of the available resources considering the resources of the English and French clubs they are up against.
The relegation "battle" is always between 2 teams. It's a race to 20pts most seasons.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:23 pm
by danthefan
I quite like Egg Chasers. They're certainly a bit English biased but they're happy to give credit where it's due. I don't agree with everything they say but there's nothing to get overly worked up about.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:25 pm
by CM11
Lenny wrote:
Jim Lahey wrote:Stander when fully fit is a very good player.
He has one weapon in his arsenal, and that is to run over the top of someone. When firing on all cylinders that can be effective.
But he's been way off his best form from what I've seen of him recently, and his bosh game has suffered as a result.
The lad needs a rest, but I'd say Joe will still play him.
Stander was excellent last Saturday with the most carries and most tackles, and showed no signs of fatigue, or of the injury he carried into the Lions tour. Conan is also an excellent player in great form, and unlike the prepubescent Jumper I don't think there would be a big drop off if he came in, and in some areas, such as open field play and distribution, there would be an improvement. But I think that the sheer volume of work, a lot of it of the unglamorous but vital variety such as eking out a couple of yards of go forward off static ball, that Stander gets through gives him an edge, and improves the performances of those around him. I wouldn't be in the least worried if Conan started, but my favoured backrow in terms of balance in the absence of SOB would be POM, Leavy and Stander,
France away, not a chance Conan gets picked, on reflection. Nothing to do with anything other than Stander being far able to prepare for the intensity, Conan would have to be in significantly better form to overcome that. Might see Conan start the following weekend though.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:25 pm
by SASP
camroc1 wrote:Egg chasers is English based, isn't it ?

Always remember that to the English it's FACT that we play open rugby because there is no relegation, rest our players for all but the big matches, and don't give a toss about where we end up in the league, because there's no relegation.

The fact that we might have better players, deeper squads, or better coaching doesn't seem to cross their minds.
I listened to the same pod he did, they slowly get to the point that most of the pro14 follow the NZ model and have imported a number of Kiwi coaches not just for the playing influence but structure too. They do miss the point that when the stars of a team are rested it's usually academy players coming in for them trying to match the stars standards.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:28 pm
by Jumper
Lenny wrote:
Jim Lahey wrote:Stander when fully fit is a very good player.
He has one weapon in his arsenal, and that is to run over the top of someone. When firing on all cylinders that can be effective.
But he's been way off his best form from what I've seen of him recently, and his bosh game has suffered as a result.
The lad needs a rest, but I'd say Joe will still play him.
Stander was excellent last Saturday with the most carries and most tackles, and showed no signs of fatigue, or of the injury he carried into the Lions tour. Conan is also an excellent player in great form, and unlike the prepubescent Jumper I don't think there would be a big drop off if he came in, and in some areas, such as open field play and distribution, there would be an improvement. But I think that the sheer volume of work, a lot of it of the unglamorous but vital variety such as eking out a couple of yards of go forward off static ball, that Stander gets through gives him an edge, and improves the performances of those around him. I wouldn't be in the least worried if Conan started, but my favoured backrow in terms of balance in the absence of SOB would be POM, Leavy and Stander,
Is it necessary to be such an immature wit kant?

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:30 pm
by Lenny
Jumper wrote:
Lenny wrote:
Jim Lahey wrote:Stander when fully fit is a very good player.
He has one weapon in his arsenal, and that is to run over the top of someone. When firing on all cylinders that can be effective.
But he's been way off his best form from what I've seen of him recently, and his bosh game has suffered as a result.
The lad needs a rest, but I'd say Joe will still play him.
Stander was excellent last Saturday with the most carries and most tackles, and showed no signs of fatigue, or of the injury he carried into the Lions tour. Conan is also an excellent player in great form, and unlike the prepubescent Jumper I don't think there would be a big drop off if he came in, and in some areas, such as open field play and distribution, there would be an improvement. But I think that the sheer volume of work, a lot of it of the unglamorous but vital variety such as eking out a couple of yards of go forward off static ball, that Stander gets through gives him an edge, and improves the performances of those around him. I wouldn't be in the least worried if Conan started, but my favoured backrow in terms of balance in the absence of SOB would be POM, Leavy and Stander,
Is it necessary to be such an immature plum?
When discussing your shrill contributions, yes.

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:32 pm
by Jumper
Lenny wrote:
Jumper wrote:
Lenny wrote:
Jim Lahey wrote:Stander when fully fit is a very good player.
He has one weapon in his arsenal, and that is to run over the top of someone. When firing on all cylinders that can be effective.
But he's been way off his best form from what I've seen of him recently, and his bosh game has suffered as a result.
The lad needs a rest, but I'd say Joe will still play him.
Stander was excellent last Saturday with the most carries and most tackles, and showed no signs of fatigue, or of the injury he carried into the Lions tour. Conan is also an excellent player in great form, and unlike the prepubescent Jumper I don't think there would be a big drop off if he came in, and in some areas, such as open field play and distribution, there would be an improvement. But I think that the sheer volume of work, a lot of it of the unglamorous but vital variety such as eking out a couple of yards of go forward off static ball, that Stander gets through gives him an edge, and improves the performances of those around him. I wouldn't be in the least worried if Conan started, but my favoured backrow in terms of balance in the absence of SOB would be POM, Leavy and Stander,
Is it necessary to be such an immature plum?
When discussing your shrill contributions, yes.
And saying Stander is better than Conan is shrill? You jokeshop. :lol:

Re: The Official Irish Rugby Thread

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:36 pm
by Mullet 2
Jumper wrote:
Lenny wrote:
Jim Lahey wrote:Stander when fully fit is a very good player.
He has one weapon in his arsenal, and that is to run over the top of someone. When firing on all cylinders that can be effective.
But he's been way off his best form from what I've seen of him recently, and his bosh game has suffered as a result.
The lad needs a rest, but I'd say Joe will still play him.
Stander was excellent last Saturday with the most carries and most tackles, and showed no signs of fatigue, or of the injury he carried into the Lions tour. Conan is also an excellent player in great form, and unlike the prepubescent Jumper I don't think there would be a big drop off if he came in, and in some areas, such as open field play and distribution, there would be an improvement. But I think that the sheer volume of work, a lot of it of the unglamorous but vital variety such as eking out a couple of yards of go forward off static ball, that Stander gets through gives him an edge, and improves the performances of those around him. I wouldn't be in the least worried if Conan started, but my favoured backrow in terms of balance in the absence of SOB would be POM, Leavy and Stander,
Is it necessary to be such an immature plum?
What a deep deep lack of self-awareness