Planet Rugby Forum

YOYO wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:36 pm

Willie Falloon wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:53 pm

YOYO wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:40 pm What’s the opinion of Ed Byrne as reserve loosehead? He did ok but would have thought we have several better options.

I'd rather have EOS, McGrath and Kilcoyne ahead of Byrne at least. Andy Farrell is being silly.

Yeah I like the look of EOS. James Cronin would surely be better then Byrne too. Or is he being overlooked due to recently coming back from his ban?

I also like EOS. If he can nail down the shirt at Ulster over McGrath he'll be hard to ignore. Cronin is a beast but he's also a moron. I think he probably lacks the top two inches to play at a higher level. Would love to be proven wrong. Byrne was in better form before lockdown. He's pretty solid nonetheless. If Kilcoyne comes back from injury in the form he was in he could be starter. Although how good was Cian Healy on his 100th cap? Delighted to see him pull that performance out of the bag.

Long term it's a bit of a worry. Better young options on the TH side could see Porter move back over but that's a risk.

YOYO wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:36 pm

Willie Falloon wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:53 pm

YOYO wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:40 pm What’s the opinion of Ed Byrne as reserve loosehead? He did ok but would have thought we have several better options.

I'd rather have EOS, McGrath and Kilcoyne ahead of Byrne at least. Andy Farrell is being silly.

Yeah I like the look of EOS. James Cronin would surely be better then Byrne too. Or is he being overlooked due to recently coming back from his ban?

Probably has a lot to do with there being only two fit LHs in the Munster squad at the moment.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:52 pm

Dairymilk wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:48 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:39 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:37 pm Healy versus Harry Byrne has the makings of a wonderful bored shitfight for years to come
Hopefully Humph v ROG and ROG v Sexton (09-11) levels.

Pfft.

All aboard the Lowry train.

I'd love to see him settle at 10, but he will need a few more seasons of learning how not to be totally monstered every game though.
He just about gets away with it at provincial level (with the occasional knock) but he would be targeted even more ruthlessly in a full test match.

Could you imagine our pack getting its usual manshaming against England then having Billy, Manu and Itoje running straight at Lowry all game?

It would be like the first couple of rounds of Drago v Rocky, without the epic comeback in the end.

So you mean like Creed vs Drago?

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 4:27 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:52 pm

Dairymilk wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:48 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:39 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:37 pm Healy versus Harry Byrne has the makings of a wonderful bored shitfight for years to come
Hopefully Humph v ROG and ROG v Sexton (09-11) levels.

Pfft.

All aboard the Lowry train.

I'd love to see him settle at 10, but he will need a few more seasons of learning how not to be totally monstered every game though.
He just about gets away with it at provincial level (with the occasional knock) but he would be targeted even more ruthlessly in a full test match.

Could you imagine our pack getting its usual manshaming against England then having Billy, Manu and Itoje running straight at Lowry all game?

It would be like the first couple of rounds of Drago v Rocky, without the epic comeback in the end.

So you mean like Creed vs Drago?

Beat me to it Earl! Still not over that scene...

Munster Awards

Jack O Sullivan Academy Player of the Year
Shane Daly Young Player of the Year
CJ Stander Mens Player of Year

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 4:27 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:52 pm

Dairymilk wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:48 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:39 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:37 pm Healy versus Harry Byrne has the makings of a wonderful bored shitfight for years to come
Hopefully Humph v ROG and ROG v Sexton (09-11) levels.

Pfft.

All aboard the Lowry train.

I'd love to see him settle at 10, but he will need a few more seasons of learning how not to be totally monstered every game though.
He just about gets away with it at provincial level (with the occasional knock) but he would be targeted even more ruthlessly in a full test match.

Could you imagine our pack getting its usual manshaming against England then having Billy, Manu and Itoje running straight at Lowry all game?

It would be like the first couple of rounds of Drago v Rocky, without the epic comeback in the end.

So you mean like Creed vs Drago?

Nah tbf to Lowry he has the heart of a Lion. He’d just keep getting back up and get pummelled time and time again, like a real Ulsterman.
Creed must have been a left footer. Didn’t have the stones to hang in there.

SFBB wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 1:48 pm

CM11 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 1:09 pm

SFBB wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 1:02 pm I like Healy purely for the fact that he is excellent at least one facet of the game, and thats kicking. Really hard to have a ten like Ross Byrne who is 6/10 in everything and be successful. I'd much rather a guy who is 4/10 in some areas, and 10/10 in others, and try to balance out the weaknesses with other selections.

Ultimately you'd prefer better than that, but if your choice is as I've stated, I'd go for the flawed expert rather than Jack of All Trades.

It's hard to think of a successful example of what you mean. Flaws get exploited. Can't kick? Back three can come up tighter. Can't run? Centres get man and ball. Can't pass? Blitz him. Can't tackle? Target him.

ROG is the most obvious example. Hard to slice his career up in a way that doesn't paint him as a success, despite his obvious limitations.

Other examples of players with big skill gaps in their careers would be Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Butch James, Aaron Cruden. There are lots and lots of similar guys. Usually tackling is the issue, but often it is kicking. Healy seems solid in both those areas at the very least.

Radge had a decent pass and a range of grubbers, chips, etc. He wasn't a one-trick pony until very late in his career.

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 6:46 pm

SFBB wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 1:48 pm

CM11 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 1:09 pm

SFBB wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 1:02 pm I like Healy purely for the fact that he is excellent at least one facet of the game, and thats kicking. Really hard to have a ten like Ross Byrne who is 6/10 in everything and be successful. I'd much rather a guy who is 4/10 in some areas, and 10/10 in others, and try to balance out the weaknesses with other selections.

Ultimately you'd prefer better than that, but if your choice is as I've stated, I'd go for the flawed expert rather than Jack of All Trades.

It's hard to think of a successful example of what you mean. Flaws get exploited. Can't kick? Back three can come up tighter. Can't run? Centres get man and ball. Can't pass? Blitz him. Can't tackle? Target him.

ROG is the most obvious example. Hard to slice his career up in a way that doesn't paint him as a success, despite his obvious limitations.

Other examples of players with big skill gaps in their careers would be Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Butch James, Aaron Cruden. There are lots and lots of similar guys. Usually tackling is the issue, but often it is kicking. Healy seems solid in both those areas at the very least.

Radge had a decent pass and a range of grubbers, chips, etc. He wasn't a one-trick pony until very late in his career.

He was never a one-trick pony, but he had glaring weaknesses. Some of those weaknesses (inconsistent goalkicking in his early years, his running game) got addressed; in 06/07 he ran some great support lines, and ended up scoring 4 tries in the 07 6N. Others (tackling) didn't ("sure Wally's there, he can handle it").

I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Choo choo!
His face probably doesn’t fit though.

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Midget though, and that's going to be an issue with Ulster, never mind Ireland much as I do think he's a class player.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:57 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Choo choo!
His face probably doesn’t fit though.

would be targeted and exploited at 15 at intl level.

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:58 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Midget though, and that's going to be an issue with Ulster, never mind Ireland much as I do think he's a class player.

Don't imagine he is a whole lot smaller than Duncan McKenzie and couldn't be arsed finding out but i'd love to see him given a shot. Could be Irelands next BoD

irishrugbyua wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:05 pm would be targeted and exploited at 15 at intl level.

Lets find out

I think his potential upside is worth checking out over the next few matches.

nothing about the performance screamed international from EOS.

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:06 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:58 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Midget though, and that's going to be an issue with Ulster, never mind Ireland much as I do think he's a class player.

Don't imagine he is a whole lot smaller than Duncan McKenzie and couldn't be arsed finding out but i'd love to see him given a shot. Could be Irelands next BoD

Damien.

And officially he is 3 inches shorter going by the stats.

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:06 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:58 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Midget though, and that's going to be an issue with Ulster, never mind Ireland much as I do think he's a class player.

Don't imagine he is a whole lot smaller than Duncan McKenzie and couldn't be arsed finding out but i'd love to see him given a shot. Could be Irelands next BoD

Wiki says McKenzie is 5’10, 172lbs
Lowry 5’7, 174.

Wiki stats should, obviously, be taken with a pinch of salt. McKenzie has any number of highlights reels showing his tackling, putting massive Fijian wingers into touch etc, I don’t think we’ve seen anything similar from Lowry yet.

That said, after a decade of Rob Kearney as our last line, it should be clear that tackling isn’t a vital requirement for the position, but other defensive qualities are.

Kearney was not a convincing tackler, but had physicality in spades. He's a big strong guy.

How does burns get into this ulster team?

nardol wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:26 pm How does burns get into this ulster team?

By being better than The Dawg?

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:27 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:26 pm How does burns get into this ulster team?

By being better than The Dawg?

He is worse than Bill Johnson, not even starting with the dog

nardol wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:29 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:27 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:26 pm How does burns get into this ulster team?

By being better than The Dawg?

He is worse than Bill Johnson, not even starting with the dog

No he isn't, and suggesting as such based on form to date should mean all your opinions should be laughed at.

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:30 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:29 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:27 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:26 pm How does burns get into this ulster team?

By being better than The Dawg?

He is worse than Bill Johnson, not even starting with the dog

No he isn't, and suggesting as such based on form to date should mean all your opinions should be laughed at.

Fair enough. Ulster are shit enough to have Burns as starting 10.

irishrugbyua wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:05 pm would be targeted and exploited at 15 at intl level.

Stockdale just gave Ireland's worst performance at 15 since Italy were added to the 6 nations (and I've vague memories of Humphreys being brought on there against England), what have we got to lose?

JoeyFantastic wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:45 pm

irishrugbyua wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:05 pm would be targeted and exploited at 15 at intl level.

Stockdale just gave Ireland's worst performance at 15 since Italy were added to the 6 nations (and I've vague memories of Humphreys being brought on there against England), what have we got to lose?

Fair shout.

Worst performance at 15 since 2000

He fumbled two kicks through, one led to a try, had one poor pass and dropped the ball after making a line break at the same time made more yards than anyone else, beat more defenders than anyone else and scored a try.

He did not have a good game but it's being overblown massively.

Zebre 17 Ospreys 0.

Is Welsh rugby fúcked ?

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:54 pm Worst performance at 15 since 2000

He fumbled two kicks through, one led to a try, had one poor pass and dropped the ball after making a line break at the same time made more yards than anyone else, beat more defenders than anyone else and scored a try.

He did not have a good game but it's being overblown massively.

I'm curious as to who made the most handling errors on Saturday per carry.

Stockdale was quite visible given the position played.

camroc1 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:57 pm Zebre 17 Ospreys 0.

Is Welsh rugby fúcked ?

Seems like it.

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:58 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:54 pm Worst performance at 15 since 2000

He fumbled two kicks through, one led to a try, had one poor pass and dropped the ball after making a line break at the same time made more yards than anyone else, beat more defenders than anyone else and scored a try.

He did not have a good game but it's being overblown massively.

I'm curious as to who made the most handling errors on Saturday per carry.

Stockdale was quite visible given the position played.

Ross Byrne I think? 2 knock ons in his short time on the field.

Awful on the eyes that Ulster game.
Good 4 points though.

irishrugbyua wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:16 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:06 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:58 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Midget though, and that's going to be an issue with Ulster, never mind Ireland much as I do think he's a class player.

Don't imagine he is a whole lot smaller than Damien McKenzie and couldn't be arsed finding out but i'd love to see him given a shot. Could be Irelands next BoD

Damien.

And officially he is 3 inches shorter going by the stats.

D'oh - fixed

Is he 5' 7"? Looks a bit bigger.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:03 pm Awful on the eyes that Ulster game.
Good 4 points though.

We are top of the League!

DOB wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:21 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:06 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:58 pm

shabadoo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:54 pm I wonder is Michael Lowry the answer to a lot of Irelands problems? Stick him in at 15. Has the passing of a ten and the wheels of a wing.

Great little player

Midget though, and that's going to be an issue with Ulster, never mind Ireland much as I do think he's a class player.

Don't imagine he is a whole lot smaller than Duncan McKenzie and couldn't be arsed finding out but i'd love to see him given a shot. Could be Irelands next BoD

Wiki says McKenzie is 5’10, 172lbs
Lowry 5’7, 174.

Wiki stats should, obviously, be taken with a pinch of salt. McKenzie has any number of highlights reels showing his tackling, putting massive Fijian wingers into touch etc, I don’t think we’ve seen anything similar from Lowry yet.

That said, after a decade of Rob Kearney as our last line, it should be clear that tackling isn’t a vital requirement for the position, but other defensive qualities are.

Is his tackling worse than Stockdale at the moment?

Does Rugby Pass not have the Pro14 anymore

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:54 pm Worst performance at 15 since 2000

He fumbled two kicks through, one led to a try, had one poor pass and dropped the ball after making a line break at the same time made more yards than anyone else, beat more defenders than anyone else and scored a try.

He did not have a good game but it's being overblown massively.

Name a worse fullback performance so. Directly responsible for 3 of France's tries.

danthefan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:10 pm Does Rugby Pass not have the Pro14 anymore

No Pro14, No 6N, looks like no HEC...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100307

LeinsterLion wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:13 pm

danthefan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:10 pm Does Rugby Pass not have the Pro14 anymore

No Pro14, No 6N, looks like no HEC...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100307

Thanks. The useless swine. This discommodes me greatly.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:03 pm Awful on the eyes that Ulster game.
Good 4 points though.

I thought it was a great game. Cardiff aren't shite this year, always put in a decent battle. Ulster pack had to work hard for it and had to show great discipline. Thought they were great and won the forward battle all game. Backs didn't have to do a whole lot but did what was asked of them. Real Dan McFarland performance.

I do think Ulster have a problem at 10 though. Ball just dies with Burns a bit too much for me.

I think one Harry/Ross should heavily incentivised go up North. Most important thing for Irish Rugby right now should be to find out who is next on the cab after Johnny and it certainly ain't Burns.

Fire a central contract at whichever of them leaves - make it interesting