Ireland v Australia

[MrTabua]

Got to admit I am backing Ireland here. One, because they are a home nations side so therefore I back them anyway, but I do genuinely think they will win this one.

They've got great form after the win versus the Boks that's for sure.

If they do win the expectation and interest in rugby in Ireland might reach all-time high levels.

 

[Tomikin]

Got to admit I am backing Ireland here. One, because they are a home nations side so therefore I back them anyway, but I do genuinely think they will win this one.

Sure to be sure.. Wallabies by 14

 

[BDA]

I agree but to a large extent that is happening. This is the way I see it:
- Horwill is the only available lock in the entire the country who offers a huge amount of experience, plus is a former captain..for those 2 reasons alone he is in the squad even if he is not playing at his best
- Simmons and Carter are both 25, physically similar, and are being groomed as the guys to take us beyond RWC 2015 and through to RWC 2019. Both need experience , hence the chopping and changing. Add Kane Douglas to this category if Cheika can lure him back, which I am sure he is trying to do.
- Skelton is a bit of a 'work in progress', he has the most flaws of the 4 specialist locks in the squad but if they can get him right he has the potential to oust any of the above 3 names and be a world class lock.
- Fardy and Jones can also cover lock but are both more value as back rowers
- Pyle & Neville are probably the next in the queue

I would tend to agree with you that currently the Reds pairing is the best of a not so great lot.

This is a good, accurate synopsis of the current situation. The best way forward might be to see if we can convert Fardy to lock during the Super Season...Simmons use to be a weak scrummaging lock, so there is hope that you could fix Fardy's deficiencies in that area (I here from people on this board that he's poor scrumming at lock but I've never actually witnessed it - im relying on hearsay).

 

[tragic]

Got to admit I am backing Ireland here. One, because they are a home nations side so therefore I back them anyway, but I do genuinely think they will win this one.

 

[Tangawizi]

Wallabies are sure things tonight. Speight is about to become Wallaby Player 888 which is triple fortune in Chinese numerology or something.

So the triple fortune is surely:

1. Getting lucky enough to have a bloke who's name rhymes with 8 as Wallaby 888...
2. Try on debut, &
3. A win for the Men in Gold...

 

[HighPlainsDrifter]

I am hoping to see some backrow synergy develop between McCalman , Jones & Hooper ... all have a terrific work ethic and I feel the trio can offer more than many can see at first glance . Why ? A: McCalman & Jones played together at the Force (and were both mentored by Nathan Sharpe), whilst Hooper & Jones played their schoolboy rugby together and again in the under 20 World Cup . Go well Wallabies, after the test I would like to be able to echo the famous words of Jack Gibson "Played hard , done good!".

 

[qwerty51]

Jones and Hooper reuniting is a great sight, two of the very best schoolboys ever. Now just reunite in Blue soon..

 

[BDA]

Just got home from a BBQ. Pretty drunk already. Chances of me being up for this game are looking slim

 

[BDA]

Big opportunity for Jones. By my calculations, save for the inevitable injuries, there is maybe 1 spot in the RWC squad up for grabs in the backrow. A big performance could cement his place in the squad

 

[Mr Doug]

Mr Doug with all due respect to the usual quality of your comments, and your obvious wallaby connections that is pretty half arsed non-apology for a post that was utter rubbish.
The time we chose to watch the game has nothing at all to do with how committed a supporter we are or how much we contribute to grass roots rugby in this country. Personally the highlight of my week is watching the game in the morning with my rugby playing boys who are young, and are not at their best at 0230. Does that make me a lightweight supporter?
I think you'd find everyone on this forum would watch the game live if there were not good reasons for them not to - otherwise they wouldn't be here.

tragic, the highlighted comments above are crap. Re the rest, "I've been there and done that" with my son, and now watch 6 year-old grandson play touch footy every Saturday morning. Hoping he'll graduate to Rugby and not league.

 

[BDA]

They've got great form after the win versus the Boks that's for sure.

If they do win the expectation and interest in rugby in Ireland might reach all-time high levels.

I'm a big fan of the Irish. When I lived in London I lived with an Irish bloke. Top guy. Spent a bit of time in Belfast for work. My experiences socialising with Irish people have all been positive and I see a lot of similarities with Aussie. I always wish them well....

except tonight

 

[Ash]

Last year reserve front row of Benn Robinson, TPN, Paddy Ryan with second row of Timani, Simmons smashed the Irirsh reserve front row. Starting front row got a points decision on the Irish starting front row as well, including a wheel that led to Cooper's when Australia then got the feed.

Big shame about Paddy Ryan's regression, lack of a set piece coach at the Tahs probably cost him most of all. Timani in the second row probably also made a huge difference over Skelton.

If all remains the same, the Irish reserve from row will probably be no great shakes and Skelton coming on may not cost us anything this game.

 

[BDA]

Mr Doug, let it go dude. You made a sweeping generalisation that had some merit. Someone pointed out that your comments do not apply to everyone. Just tip your cap and move on.

 

[BellyTwoBlues]

I'm a big fan of the Irish. When I lived in London I lived with an Irish bloke. Top guy. Spent a bit of time in Belfast for work. My experiences socialising with Irish people have all been positive and I see a lot of similarities with Aussie. I always wish them well..

except tonight

I lived with 4 Irish guys when I lived in Edinburgh in the 90s for a few years. Was the funniest time of my life. One of them went on to play for Ireland U21s. He used to have a saying......."alcohol was invited so the Irish wouldn't take over the world". Am fortunate enough to still be in contact with him today.

Onto the game, I think the key to tonight's game is Les Kiss. We saw how well the Irish defended against the Yarpies. It'll be the same tonight. And not committing to mauls off the lineout is classic Kissy.

We'll need to be on our toes.

 

[swingpass]

Jones and Hooper reuniting is a great sight, two of the very best schoolboys ever. Now just reunite in Blue soon..

i was unaware that hooper's moving to melbourne

 

[Mr Doug]

Got to admit I am backing Ireland here. One, because they are a home nations side so therefore I back them anyway, but I do genuinely think they will win this one.

Jeeze Shelts89, just when my son backs the Wallabies in this one, (after backing the ABs in BC3), you come out with this comment!!

 

[Biffo]

i am Australian and Irish.
passports from both.
one parent from each.

oh, the agony of a lifetime deciding which to support.
GO WALLABIES
to win by 12

 

[qwerty51]

Last year reserve front row of Benn Robinson, TPN, Paddy Ryan with second row of Timani, Simmons smashed the Irirsh reserve front row. Starting front row got a points decision on the Irish starting front row as well, including a wheel that led to Cooper's when Australia then got the feed.

Big shame about Paddy Ryan's regression, lack of a set piece coach at the Tahs probably cost him most of all. Timani in the second row probably also made a huge difference over Skelton.

If all remains the same, the Irish reserve from row will probably be no great shakes and Skelton coming on may not cost us anything this game.

Unlike Skelton, Timani's been a very good tighthead scrummager, maybe Cheika should've invited him to training last week to give him some tips. It would surely help to hear from someone who is also a massive human than listening to some bloke who is half his size tell him how to scrummage.

 

[Biffo]

Unlike Skelton, Timani's been a very good tighthead scrummager, maybe Cheika should've invited him to training last week to give him some tips.

Big Timani would look very nice in gold right now.
i wonder can he be rescued and if so, when?

 

[BDA]

I dont think Timani offers nearly as much in general play as Skelton. Great in the scrum but pretty poor in the line out. I'd say (im hoping) by mid 2015 Skelton will have passed Timani by.