Planet Rugby Forum

diarm wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:06 pm

Armchair_Superstar wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:53 pmI can’t understand how kicking for touch has become a lost art. Fifteen years ago most Test tens would give you forty yards fro a penalty. Coaches these days seem to be happy with 20.

There's a lack of accountability for basic skills and has been for a while. Sexton has been missing kicks to touch for years and has never once even been called out for it, let alone dropped. Same goes for JJ at Munster and for hookers not bothering their arses learning to throw the ball properly.

O'Mahony badly let Munster down at Scarlets a few months ago. Played like dogshit for an hour and then got sent off for throwing a dirty shoulder into the face of a prone player on the ground after we'd scored a try. Never got held accountable for it and was straight back into the team at the earliest opportunity.

This is the result. Lads learn lessons from consequences and once you're an established Irish international there are no consequences.

Yep good post, very true

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:47 pm

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:21 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:04 pm wales are absolutely rubbish

even with 14 how did we lose that?

Because our outhalf has the mobility of the Belgrano.

I'm frustrated as fcuk with some of the selection. JGP has no business being on the pitch at that level. None. Should not be in the squad.

Sexton needs to be gone. Burns is not the answer. Neither is Byrne Snr. If the younger guns are not to be trusted yet, then FFS at least play one of the older known quantities who can still put one leg in front of the other without a zimmerframe and a motorcycle helmet. Madigan, JJ, Carty. Limitations and all, I am not buying the Sexton's still a better bet than they are even on one leg and half a frontal lobe.

He's bloody not and it's a fair while since he has been.

Sexton playing 12 outside Burns at 10. Jesus Christ in a Jesualem hoorhouse that is just unconscionable. I'd sooner put Kilcoyne at 12 and Murray at 10.

POM, you tryhard Cork cnut. They roped and you doped. A twelve year old would have had the sense to pass that one up. We have backrowers; that should be his last game in green this season, and perhaps ever. You cannot NOT drop someone from a squad when they are that reckless and it shouldn't be down to a suspension to see his season end.

Wales are gash. We are now scrambling to finish third. Given that; bite the bullet on Sexton.

Regarding POM, it's amazing how little difference his absence made to our backrow.

“Elite support forward”

Look players hanging on past their prime is always a grubby business. Sexton can’t be blamed that there’s nobody to take his place but it’s f**king awful seeing once great players stink up the place. Can you imagine a rookie having the game Sexton did today? He would be in protective custody. Every cap should be seen as an honour. It’s crazy how hard it is to get off the Irish rugby team.

Anyone think they incorrectly went for the posts a couple of times where as last season they would have (incorrectly) gone for the corner? You need to gamble a bit more with a red card.

Mullet 2 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:13 pm

Flametop wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:06 pm The 42 gave Keenan a 6 IIRC.



Sexton gets a 7.

Glad you're onboard team Keenan

I thought he had a good game today. Very aggressive tackling. Countered well but I’d like to see him link a bit more with his wingers. He has earned the jersey and if Larmour wants it back he needs to cut out the high ball mistakes, which I think he can. I’d still have him ahead if Earl at 14 anyway though.

What's clear to me is that the end over end style they all play means they cant execute even when looking for touch.

Numerous times I see Itish tens actually find the grass but the ball just sits up for the FB or the winger.

Need Alan McGowan doing a course on a f**king low spiral that's skids out.

90s AIL style

Duff Paddy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:47 pm

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:21 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:04 pm wales are absolutely rubbish

even with 14 how did we lose that?

Because our outhalf has the mobility of the Belgrano.

I'm frustrated as fcuk with some of the selection. JGP has no business being on the pitch at that level. None. Should not be in the squad.

Sexton needs to be gone. Burns is not the answer. Neither is Byrne Snr. If the younger guns are not to be trusted yet, then FFS at least play one of the older known quantities who can still put one leg in front of the other without a zimmerframe and a motorcycle helmet. Madigan, JJ, Carty. Limitations and all, I am not buying the Sexton's still a better bet than they are even on one leg and half a frontal lobe.

He's bloody not and it's a fair while since he has been.

Sexton playing 12 outside Burns at 10. Jesus Christ in a Jesualem hoorhouse that is just unconscionable. I'd sooner put Kilcoyne at 12 and Murray at 10.

POM, you tryhard Cork cnut. They roped and you doped. A twelve year old would have had the sense to pass that one up. We have backrowers; that should be his last game in green this season, and perhaps ever. You cannot NOT drop someone from a squad when they are that reckless and it shouldn't be down to a suspension to see his season end.

Wales are gash. We are now scrambling to finish third. Given that; bite the bullet on Sexton.

Regarding POM, it's amazing how little difference his absence made to our backrow.

“Elite support forward”

Look players hanging on past their prime is always a grubby business. Sexton can’t be blamed that there’s nobody to take his place but it’s f**king awful seeing once great players stink up the place. Can you imagine a rookie having the game Sexton did today? He would be in protective custody. Every cap should be seen as an honour. It’s crazy how hard it is to get off the Irish rugby team.

Except that Burns came on and was worse. And he was better than Byrne in the autumn. Again it's the backup that's the problem not Johnny who's only understandably showing his age a bit.

Flametop wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:06 pm The 42 gave Keenan a 6 IIRC.



Sexton gets a 7.

I think they let the interns do that shit

danthefan wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:09 pm It's his f**king second red card this season for head contact in a ruck.

Madness how this is being overlooked and yada yada'd away

hermie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:20 pm

Duff Paddy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:47 pm

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:21 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:04 pm wales are absolutely rubbish

even with 14 how did we lose that?

Because our outhalf has the mobility of the Belgrano.

I'm frustrated as fcuk with some of the selection. JGP has no business being on the pitch at that level. None. Should not be in the squad.

Sexton needs to be gone. Burns is not the answer. Neither is Byrne Snr. If the younger guns are not to be trusted yet, then FFS at least play one of the older known quantities who can still put one leg in front of the other without a zimmerframe and a motorcycle helmet. Madigan, JJ, Carty. Limitations and all, I am not buying the Sexton's still a better bet than they are even on one leg and half a frontal lobe.

He's bloody not and it's a fair while since he has been.

Sexton playing 12 outside Burns at 10. Jesus Christ in a Jesualem hoorhouse that is just unconscionable. I'd sooner put Kilcoyne at 12 and Murray at 10.

POM, you tryhard Cork cnut. They roped and you doped. A twelve year old would have had the sense to pass that one up. We have backrowers; that should be his last game in green this season, and perhaps ever. You cannot NOT drop someone from a squad when they are that reckless and it shouldn't be down to a suspension to see his season end.

Wales are gash. We are now scrambling to finish third. Given that; bite the bullet on Sexton.

Regarding POM, it's amazing how little difference his absence made to our backrow.

“Elite support forward”

Look players hanging on past their prime is always a grubby business. Sexton can’t be blamed that there’s nobody to take his place but it’s f**king awful seeing once great players stink up the place. Can you imagine a rookie having the game Sexton did today? He would be in protective custody. Every cap should be seen as an honour. It’s crazy how hard it is to get off the Irish rugby team.

Except that Burns came on and was worse. And he was better than Byrne in the autumn. Again it's the backup that's the problem not Johnny who's only understandably showing his age a bit.

He could play the mummy in a B&W Sunday TV Matinee film from Rank Studios FFS. Boris Karloff, dug up, would be more mobile.

He is a screaming liability. Stop using the excuse that there is nobody else. Because if you keep playing him for country and province, there never will be.

I would prefer to live with the limitations of Carty, Madigan or JJ; while we wait for Byrne Jnr and Healy or (for me - Jack Crowley) to come through. Maybe even, as he frenches his miraculous medal, in time the 2nd/3rd/9th coming of Joey, blessings be upon him; than see Sexton rolled out again.

Nige will be raging at Burns.
After handing over the reigns of “Best ref in the world™ “
to Wayne, Wayne shafts us for the first hour (red card well deserved aside) and then decided the grandstand finish is on before Burns says he’s too tired/scared to keep the ball in play any longer.

Lip read on Johnny going off his a pretty clear

"Fúck Peter O'Mahony the thick fudge"

hermie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm Anyone think they incorrectly went for the posts a couple of times where as last season they would have (incorrectly) gone for the corner? You need to gamble a bit more with a red card.

I was absolutely raging at the decision to kick the 3 when we were under the posts with 8 minutes to go.

It's so hard to earn that sort of territory with 14 men and we needed a try and a kick regardless. The percentage play was to go for the try when you were down there already and then try for the 3 points from further out.

Obviously if lads can't find touch from 2 feet away from the line, god only knows where they'd kick it from under the posts but we could've taken a scrum.

This is the thing about playing fellas past their sell by date - it's one thing if their experience brings wisdom but ours are experienced idiots.

Double

diarm wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:32 pm

hermie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm Anyone think they incorrectly went for the posts a couple of times where as last season they would have (incorrectly) gone for the corner? You need to gamble a bit more with a red card.

I was absolutely raging at the decision to kick the 3 when we were under the posts with 8 minutes to go.

It's so hard to earn that sort of territory with 14 men and we needed a try and a kick regardless. The percentage play was to go for the try when you were down there already and then try for the 3 points from further out.

Obviously if lads can't find touch from 2 feet away from the line, god only knows where they'd kick it from under the posts but we could've taken a scrum.

This is the thing about playing fellas past their sell by date - it's one thing if their experience brings wisdom but ours are experienced idiots.

It was so dumb I found myself checking to see had POM slipped back onto the pitch on the sly to make the call.

Mr. Very Popular wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:17 pm

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:15 pm Also Healy was probably our worst forward (excluding POM obviously), he looked so cumbersome, Kilcoyne was an improvement.

Healys clearout was crucial to Beirne scoring.

All the Irish 7 man pack who kept parity with the Welsh 8 from the POM sending off to whenever they were subbed, did tremendous work, particularly the props. I wonder have you ever felt the weight and force of a pack on your shoulders, hips and knees when at parity ?

The pack, all of them, when ever they were subbed, or whenever they came on were marvelous today.

RWC2015 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:37 pm

Luckycharmer wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:24 pm

Flametop wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 6:12 pm Gibson Park so much better than Murray.

JGP always done well coming off bench but rarely as good when he starts.

a tiny bit headless....all instinct. still we came to life when he came on with 9 mins left. why was he not brought on at 55-60 i will never understand. murray was ok to good in the first half, if a little ponderous, but made a few key errors in the second half when we need him to be 100%.

What I would deem Murrays faults, his general slowness, and his propensity to box kick every other ball actually served us well from O 'Mahonys sending off until about 15 minutes from time or so. We wanted slow ball and one/two offs to eat time; and by God did we want to play the game in their 22, and of course his great defence, which he still has. Once Wales went ahead, we should have substituted him for JGP.

Flametop wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:00 pm

Armchair_Superstar wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:53 pm I don’t think POM went for the head on purpose, Barnes said as much before they called it back for the slow mo.

We had a lot of players who showed up today but we won’t be going anywhere without a sharper ten.

I can’t understand how kicking for touch has become a lost art. Fifteen years ago most Test tens would give you forty yards fro a penalty. Coaches these days seem to be happy with 20.

So many players can’t spiral/torpedo kick anymore.

I'm 59 years old, played backrow,(sometimes prop) mostly, when I played, and I can still go out to Herbert Park and spiral kick a rugby ball. So, I'm quite sure they know how to do it, but tactics dictate otherwise.

hermie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm Anyone think they incorrectly went for the posts a couple of times where as last season they would have (incorrectly) gone for the corner? You need to gamble a bit more with a red card.

I thought we made all the right big decisions up until Ringrose tried that offload.

It was a very hard decision whether to take the points or go for the try when we took the three in the final 10. I was certainly thinking go for the try but we did get back in range a few times only to screw up so it wasn't a guaranteed try at all.

danthefan wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:07 pm

Armchair_Superstar wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:53 pm I don’t think POM went for the head on purpose, Barnes said as much before they called it back for the slow mo.

We had a lot of players who showed up today but we won’t be going anywhere without a sharper ten.

I can’t understand how kicking for touch has become a lost art. Fifteen years ago most Test tens would give you forty yards fro a penalty. Coaches these days seem to be happy with 20.

I'm sure he wasn't going specifically for the head but he was clearly trying to put a shot in on Francis and that's the risk you run. He deserves zero benefit of the doubt.

And a very cheap shot at that.

hermie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:20 pm

Duff Paddy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:47 pm

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:21 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:04 pm wales are absolutely rubbish

even with 14 how did we lose that?

Because our outhalf has the mobility of the Belgrano.

I'm frustrated as fcuk with some of the selection. JGP has no business being on the pitch at that level. None. Should not be in the squad.

Sexton needs to be gone. Burns is not the answer. Neither is Byrne Snr. If the younger guns are not to be trusted yet, then FFS at least play one of the older known quantities who can still put one leg in front of the other without a zimmerframe and a motorcycle helmet. Madigan, JJ, Carty. Limitations and all, I am not buying the Sexton's still a better bet than they are even on one leg and half a frontal lobe.

He's bloody not and it's a fair while since he has been.

Sexton playing 12 outside Burns at 10. Jesus Christ in a Jesualem hoorhouse that is just unconscionable. I'd sooner put Kilcoyne at 12 and Murray at 10.

POM, you tryhard Cork cnut. They roped and you doped. A twelve year old would have had the sense to pass that one up. We have backrowers; that should be his last game in green this season, and perhaps ever. You cannot NOT drop someone from a squad when they are that reckless and it shouldn't be down to a suspension to see his season end.

Wales are gash. We are now scrambling to finish third. Given that; bite the bullet on Sexton.

Regarding POM, it's amazing how little difference his absence made to our backrow.

“Elite support forward”

Look players hanging on past their prime is always a grubby business. Sexton can’t be blamed that there’s nobody to take his place but it’s f**king awful seeing once great players stink up the place. Can you imagine a rookie having the game Sexton did today? He would be in protective custody. Every cap should be seen as an honour. It’s crazy how hard it is to get off the Irish rugby team.

Except that Burns came on and was worse. And he was better than Byrne in the autumn. Again it's the backup that's the problem not Johnny who's only understandably showing his age a bit.

He wasn't worse though, his first run making 15m was more than Sexton did all game. Sexton was absolutely dire.

diarm wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:32 pm

hermie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm Anyone think they incorrectly went for the posts a couple of times where as last season they would have (incorrectly) gone for the corner? You need to gamble a bit more with a red card.

I was absolutely raging at the decision to kick the 3 when we were under the posts with 8 minutes to go.

It's so hard to earn that sort of territory with 14 men and we needed a try and a kick regardless. The percentage play was to go for the try when you were down there already and then try for the 3 points from further out.

Obviously if lads can't find touch from 2 feet away from the line, god only knows where they'd kick it from under the posts but we could've taken a scrum.

This is the thing about playing fellas past their sell by date - it's one thing if their experience brings wisdom but ours are experienced idiots.

We needed two scores then anyway, the kick was pretty central, and there was no guarantee we'd hit the touchline never mind score a try. Getting the three points was the correct decision. And vindicated by the chances we had there afterwards, It also ensured we got the losing bonus point.

Absolutely the correct decision.

Sexton was shite today and isn't going to improve.
Enough apologetics for him.

He was standing at Byrne Snr. depth.

Too many yes men in Irish Rugby media at the moment.
At least Hook didn't gaf.

earl the beaver wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:19 pm

hermie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:20 pm

Duff Paddy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:47 pm

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:21 pm

Because our outhalf has the mobility of the Belgrano.

I'm frustrated as fcuk with some of the selection. JGP has no business being on the pitch at that level. None. Should not be in the squad.

Sexton needs to be gone. Burns is not the answer. Neither is Byrne Snr. If the younger guns are not to be trusted yet, then FFS at least play one of the older known quantities who can still put one leg in front of the other without a zimmerframe and a motorcycle helmet. Madigan, JJ, Carty. Limitations and all, I am not buying the Sexton's still a better bet than they are even on one leg and half a frontal lobe.

He's bloody not and it's a fair while since he has been.

Sexton playing 12 outside Burns at 10. Jesus Christ in a Jesualem hoorhouse that is just unconscionable. I'd sooner put Kilcoyne at 12 and Murray at 10.

POM, you tryhard Cork cnut. They roped and you doped. A twelve year old would have had the sense to pass that one up. We have backrowers; that should be his last game in green this season, and perhaps ever. You cannot NOT drop someone from a squad when they are that reckless and it shouldn't be down to a suspension to see his season end.

Wales are gash. We are now scrambling to finish third. Given that; bite the bullet on Sexton.

Regarding POM, it's amazing how little difference his absence made to our backrow.

“Elite support forward”

Look players hanging on past their prime is always a grubby business. Sexton can’t be blamed that there’s nobody to take his place but it’s f**king awful seeing once great players stink up the place. Can you imagine a rookie having the game Sexton did today? He would be in protective custody. Every cap should be seen as an honour. It’s crazy how hard it is to get off the Irish rugby team.

Except that Burns came on and was worse. And he was better than Byrne in the autumn. Again it's the backup that's the problem not Johnny who's only understandably showing his age a bit.

He wasn't worse though, his first run making 15m was more than Sexton did all game. Sexton was absolutely dire.

Jesus Earl, when the pressure came on, Burns shat the bed. Several times.

And that should be that.

Sexton was shite Cammy. His ability to contribute at international level is long gone.

He shat the bed with a missed touch, and was still an improvement on Sexton.

Yet again he was going for high bombs from attacking ball just outside the 22.

Yet again he was stationary and just shuffling ball on, the defence didn't even need to put pressure on, just straight to the runners either side.

And so on and so forth. Sexton was diabolical, like amazingly shit.

camroc1 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:12 pm

Flametop wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:00 pm

Armchair_Superstar wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:53 pm I don’t think POM went for the head on purpose, Barnes said as much before they called it back for the slow mo.

We had a lot of players who showed up today but we won’t be going anywhere without a sharper ten.

I can’t understand how kicking for touch has become a lost art. Fifteen years ago most Test tens would give you forty yards fro a penalty. Coaches these days seem to be happy with 20.

So many players can’t spiral/torpedo kick anymore.

I'm 59 years old, played backrow,(sometimes prop) mostly, when I played, and I can still go out to Herbert Park and spiral kick a rugby ball. So, I'm quite sure they know how to do it, but tactics dictate otherwise.

You know how to do it as you practised as a kid.
So did I. I can still do it. But if all you did as a kid was drop punt it like most players do now, you probably wouldn’t be able to do it on cue under pressure.

Floppykid wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:21 pm Sexton was shite today and isn't going to improve.
Enough apologetics for him.

He was standing at Byrne Snr. depth.

He has no acceleration left, it's sad. Burns is a waste of time, when all are fit he is the least talented player in the Ulster side, if Farrell wanted someone to close out a match and nail his kicks go for Madigan.

Some positives for me also.
Tight 5 were all exceptional I thought.
Henshaw
Ringrose (offload apart)
Kelleher came on and nailed his throws
Keenan

Willie Falloon wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:31 pm

Floppykid wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:21 pm Sexton was shite today and isn't going to improve.
Enough apologetics for him.

He was standing at Byrne Snr. depth.

He has no acceleration left, it's sad. Burns is a waste of time, when all are fit he is the least talented player in the Ulster side, if Farrell wanted someone to close out a match and nail his kicks go for Madigan.

Some positives for me also.
Tight 5 were all exceptional I thought.
Henshaw
Ringrose (offload apart)
Kelleher came on and nailed his throws
Keenan

Well said.

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:56 pm

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:47 pm

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:21 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:04 pm wales are absolutely rubbish

even with 14 how did we lose that?

Because our outhalf has the mobility of the Belgrano.

I'm frustrated as fcuk with some of the selection. JGP has no business being on the pitch at that level. None. Should not be in the squad.

Sexton needs to be gone. Burns is not the answer. Neither is Byrne Snr. If the younger guns are not to be trusted yet, then FFS at least play one of the older known quantities who can still put one leg in front of the other without a zimmerframe and a motorcycle helmet. Madigan, JJ, Carty. Limitations and all, I am not buying the Sexton's still a better bet than they are even on one leg and half a frontal lobe.

He's bloody not and it's a fair while since he has been.

Sexton playing 12 outside Burns at 10. Jesus Christ in a Jesualem hoorhouse that is just unconscionable. I'd sooner put Kilcoyne at 12 and Murray at 10.

POM, you tryhard Cork cnut. They roped and you doped. A twelve year old would have had the sense to pass that one up. We have backrowers; that should be his last game in green this season, and perhaps ever. You cannot NOT drop someone from a squad when they are that reckless and it shouldn't be down to a suspension to see his season end.

Wales are gash. We are now scrambling to finish third. Given that; bite the bullet on Sexton.

Regarding POM, it's amazing how little difference his absence made to our backrow.

Much as I'd like to pile-on on this; cos the Cark cnut deserves it, that's just not the case. Our second half difficulties, against a limited Wales were testimony to that. The starting backrow was already unbalanced, but to say his absence wasn't felt would be like me suggesting the legal profession wouldn't be missed from insurance cases.

That just boils down to the players tiring out in the second half.

It's proof that we need fresh blood in the backrow. Hardly a revelation.

Duff Paddy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:17 pm

anonymous_joe wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:47 pm

redderneck wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:21 pm

nardol wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:04 pm wales are absolutely rubbish

even with 14 how did we lose that?

Because our outhalf has the mobility of the Belgrano.

I'm frustrated as fcuk with some of the selection. JGP has no business being on the pitch at that level. None. Should not be in the squad.

Sexton needs to be gone. Burns is not the answer. Neither is Byrne Snr. If the younger guns are not to be trusted yet, then FFS at least play one of the older known quantities who can still put one leg in front of the other without a zimmerframe and a motorcycle helmet. Madigan, JJ, Carty. Limitations and all, I am not buying the Sexton's still a better bet than they are even on one leg and half a frontal lobe.

He's bloody not and it's a fair while since he has been.

Sexton playing 12 outside Burns at 10. Jesus Christ in a Jesualem hoorhouse that is just unconscionable. I'd sooner put Kilcoyne at 12 and Murray at 10.

POM, you tryhard Cork cnut. They roped and you doped. A twelve year old would have had the sense to pass that one up. We have backrowers; that should be his last game in green this season, and perhaps ever. You cannot NOT drop someone from a squad when they are that reckless and it shouldn't be down to a suspension to see his season end.

Wales are gash. We are now scrambling to finish third. Given that; bite the bullet on Sexton.

Regarding POM, it's amazing how little difference his absence made to our backrow.

“Elite support forward”

Look players hanging on past their prime is always a grubby business. Sexton can’t be blamed that there’s nobody to take his place but it’s f**king awful seeing once great players stink up the place. Can you imagine a rookie having the game Sexton did today? He would be in protective custody. Every cap should be seen as an honour. It’s crazy how hard it is to get off the Irish rugby team.

Sexton has f all rivals. There's no Ruddock snapping at the heels.

Jaysis, tough crowd in here.

Though that was a pretty amazing performance from 14 men, screwed up by a stupid performance from POM.

As for Sexton, I thought he was a legend in defence, generally moved the ball well but made a couple of kicking errors. Not brilliant, but not at all bad either.

Some incredible performances, like really top quality, from Healy, Beirne, Hendo, Stander, Henshaw, Keenan.

Most of the others were decent to very good, I thought Murray mixed the great with the ponderous too much but at least he got the message to not hoof it when we went down to 24 and his passing was OK for the most part. Ringrose has had better outings, I thought he butchered at least 2 overlaps and generally took too much out of the ball, plus that offload.... Lowe great going forward and huge boot but same old defensive lapses keep rearing up. No coincidence the 2 tries were in his corner.

I don't like Burns as a player and I don't think he's even the best 10 in Ulster. I'd have Carty well ahead of him. But I felt for him after the kick. I hate when pro 10s play it massively safe with line kicks so his decision to back himsrlf is fair enough, but it was a massive execution failure.

I was happy with the tactics, I thought there was some great backline movement at times and the offloading game is coming along. The pack absolutely dominated the gainline all day, which was amazing considering they were down one for 65 mins.

Was ok with the decision to go for the points too.

Wales were muck and didn't deserve a win at home against 14 players, with Ireland missing Ryan for 60 mins, Henshaw gone for what 15 mins, Sexton off earlier than planned...

EverReady wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:34 pm Madigan not getting picked was just stupid. I wonder if Sexton or other older players had a part in that because eyes would have told a coach he was currently the best option with experience

I think Madigan would be first choice 10 for Ireland if he wasn’t playing for Ulster.

EverReady wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:34 pm Madigan not getting picked was just stupid. I wonder if Sexton or other older players had a part in that because eyes would have told a coach he was currently the best option with experience

But Burns starts ahead of Madigan at Ulster

Moved the ball well in the same way Ross does.

Porterbelly1 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:39 pm

EverReady wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:34 pm Madigan not getting picked was just stupid. I wonder if Sexton or other older players had a part in that because eyes would have told a coach he was currently the best option with experience

But Burns starts ahead of Madigan at Ulster

Meh, Burns isn't great, Madigan has pulled Ulster out of several corners since he came, most famously against Edinburgh and more recently against Connacht. He is very good during the latter stages of the match. Isn't perfect by any means.

Burns got hauled off early a couple of weeks back in a top of the table clash vs Leinster. That spoke volumes of his performance that night and how the coaches realise he is a bit shit.

This is all mute, the answer lies down in Dublin in the Byrne household. Now he is proved his fitness last week, this would be a perfect chance for H Byrne to be called up and garner some vital experence.

Did POMs red card happen when we had knock on advantage?

Floppykid wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:40 pm Moved the ball well in the same way Ross does.

That was very noticeable today. Stand deep, stationary and shovel. The Ross Byrne playbook

Yeah, let's get Madigan back

Floppykid wrote: ↑Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:40 pm Moved the ball well in the same way Ross does.

Everyone thinks both centres had stormers, yet were served by an OH only shoveling ball on ?

Doesn't pan out. Sexton is probably playing at 80% of his peak, but there's no one, bar HB or JC if he was fit, actually better than him at the moment. I wish there was.

And, Jezzer, being able to execute under pressure is the very definition of a professional sportsperson.