Ireland Squad for RWC

[neiljung]

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As far as I know it's a 30 man squad for the RWC Just looking to work out all the possibles for Ireland. Definites (injury permitting) are in bold.


Here's the 2003 squad to kick things off
<CENTER>World Cup Squad 2003
Backs - Girvan Dempsey, Anthony Horgan, Shane Horgan, John Kelly, Denis Hickie, Brian O'Driscoll, Kevin Maggs, Paddy Wallace, David Humphreys, Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, Guy Easterby, Neil Doak. </CENTER>


Forwards - Anthony Foley, Victor Costello, Simon Easterby, Eric Miller, Keith Gleeson, Alan Quinlan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Gary Longwell, Paul O'Connell, Donnacha O'Callaghan, Reggie Corrigan, Marcus Horan, John Hayes, Simon Best, Keith Wood (captain), Shane Byrne, Frankie Sheahan,



RWC 2007 Possibles
Props(4):
Bull, Marcus, Simon Best, Young, Bracken, McCormack, Ray Hogan, Tom McCourt,
Hookers (3):
Fla, Rory Best, Frankie, John Fogarty, Blaney
2nd Rows(4):
P O'C, Donnacha, Big MAL, McCullough, MOD, Trevor Hogan, Bob Casey
Back Rows(6):
Wally, Leamy, Neil Best, Easterbunny, Quinlan, Ferris, Heaslip, Gleeson, Johnny O'Connor, Axel
SH(3):
Stringer, Boss, Reddan, Willis, Easterby
OH(2/3):
ROG, Paddy Wallace, Staunton, Hump?, McHugh, Everitt, Little Hump??
Centres (8 inc FB/Wings)
BOD, Darcy, Trimble, Paddy Wallace, Barry Murphy, Kieran Lewis, David Quinlan, Maggs, Keith Earls???
Wings/FB (8 inc centres)
Girv, Shaggy, Trimble, Geordan Murphy, John Kelly, Hickie, Luke Fitz, Kearney, Duffy, Dowling, McPhillips

[Upfront_1979]

Paddy wallace was in the 2003 squadsmileys/shock.gif

[neiljung]

Paddy wallace was in the 2003 squadsmileys/shock.gif

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Was prob a late replacement for Murphy after he broke his leg in the warm-up against Scotland. Did Doak ever get any caps?

[Clon]

It's interesting that the front row were about as good as we have now in '03, the tight five in general were about as good in '03 as now, although some of the players are more experienced now. Clearly we have less cover for OH, but across the rest of the pitch we have far more cover, and a lot of the key players are far more experienced now.


We will have a far better idea of a WC squad after Sunday. It's a pity Quinlan hasn't been getting much of a lookin, he was fairly good in the Arg. game in '03.

[Daky]

Quite a few "fixtures" in EOS squad have gone since 2003 also a number of guys that never made it or are still hovering aroung the fringes. Maybe he will bring back Reggie.

[ceemec]

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//->As far as I know it's a 30 man squad for the RWC Just looking to work out all the possibles for Ireland. Definites (injury permitting) are in bold.


Here's the 2003 squad to kick things off
<CENTER>World Cup Squad 2003
Backs - Girvan Dempsey, Anthony Horgan, Shane Horgan, John Kelly, Denis Hickie, Brian O'Driscoll, Kevin Maggs, Paddy Wallace, David Humphreys, Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, Guy Easterby, Neil Doak. </CENTER>


Forwards - Anthony Foley, Victor Costello, Simon Easterby, Eric Miller, Keith Gleeson, Alan Quinlan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Gary Longwell, Paul O'Connell, Donnacha O'Callaghan, Reggie Corrigan, Marcus Horan, John Hayes, Simon Best, Keith Wood (captain), Shane Byrne, Frankie Sheahan,



RWC 2007 Possibles
Props(4):
Bull, Marcus, Simon Best, Young, Bracken, McCormack, Ray Hogan, Tom McCourt,
Hookers (3):
Fla, Rory Best, Frankie, John Fogarty, Blaney
2nd Rows(4):
P O'C, Donnacha, Big MAL, McCullough, MOD, Trevor Hogan, Bob Casey
Back Rows(6):
Wally, Leamy, Neil Best, Easterbunny, Quinlan, Ferris, Heaslip, Gleeson, Johnny O'Connor, Axel
SH(3):
Stringer, Boss, Reddan, Willis, Easterby
OH(2/3):
ROG, Paddy Wallace, Staunton, Hump?, McHugh, Everitt, Little Hump??
Centres (8 inc FB/Wings)
BOD, Darcy, Trimble, Paddy Wallace, Barry Murphy, Kieran Lewis, David Quinlan, Maggs, Keith Earls???
Wings/FB (8 inc centres)
Girv, Shaggy, Trimble, Geordan Murphy, John Kelly, Hickie, Luke Fitz, Kearney, Duffy, Dowling, McPhillips





Given that the RWC will be next autumn then it is safe to assume that the players will be picked on the basis of their performances this season. Also I believe that the AI's are a good indication of what EOS is thinking. I'd say that Eddie's 30 would be (barring injury):


Forwards: Flannery, Rory Best, Sheehan (unless one of the other lads puts in a strong run of performances), Hayes, Horan, Simon Best, Young, O'Connell, O'Callaghan, O'Kelly, Hogan, Neil Best, Wallace, Leamy, Easterby, Ferris, Heaslip.


Backs: O'Gara, Wallace, Stringer, Boss, Reddan, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, Horgan, Dempsey, Hickie, Murphy, Fitzgerald, Trimble.


Not saying that would be the squad I would pick but based on EOS past choices and the fact that he has said that a player needs to be playing regularly to be in contention (which is why Sheehan may see his place go to another player). This also accounts for Mick O'Driscoll not getting a place.

[epaddy]

It's interesting that the front row were about as good
as we have now in '03, the tight five in general were about as good in
'03 as now, although some of the players are more experienced
now. Clearly we have less cover for OH, but across the rest of the
pitch we have far more cover, and a lot of the key players are far more
experienced now.


We will have a far better idea of a WC squad after Sunday. It's a
pity Quinlan hasn't been getting much of a lookin, he was fairly good
in the Arg. game in '03.



Ran in a try and was taken off after around 20 mins. This myth has been
going around for quite some time though so I cant blame you

[The Kaiser]

It's interesting that the front row were about as good as we have now in '03, the tight five in general were about as good in '03 as now, although some of the players are more experienced now. Clearly we have less cover for OH, but across the rest of the pitch we have far more cover, and a lot of the key players are far more experienced now.


We will have a far better idea of a WC squad after Sunday. It's a pity Quinlan hasn't been getting much of a lookin, he was fairly good in the Arg. game in '03.




Ran in a try and was taken off after around 20 mins. This myth has been going around for quite some time though so I cant blame you



No myth - he was super until we went off injured scoring the try he ran in from 40metres. He was a huge loss.

[Clon]

It's interesting that the front row were about as good as we have now in '03, the tight five in general were about as good in '03 as now, although some of the players are more experienced now. Clearly we have less cover for OH, but across the rest of the pitch we have far more cover, and a lot of the key players are far more experienced now.


We will have a far better idea of a WC squad after Sunday. It's a pity Quinlan hasn't been getting much of a lookin, he was fairly good in the Arg. game in '03.




Ran in a try and was taken off after around 20 mins. This myth has been going around for quite some time though so I cant blame you



No myth - he was super until we went off injured scoring the try he ran in from 40metres. He was a huge loss.





He was a huge loss. He was there to counter the physiclity of the Arg. team, he did that very well, 7 of our 16 points came as a result of his work. A guy like him would be handy from the bench, as an impact sub. Hopefully Ferris can develop into that kind of role.

[Jenta]

7 of our 16 points came as a result of his work.





smileys/shock.gif

[Clon]

7 of our 16 points came as a result of his work.





smileys/shock.gif





the conversion that was taken was a 'result' of his work.

[Jenta]

7 of our 16 points came as a result of his work.





smileys/shock.gif





the conversion that was taken was a 'result' of his work.





I get ya, I just thought you were either taking some of the credit from Rog, or Quinnie took a conversion, with a dislocated shoulder.smileys/wink.gif

[Clon]

7 of our 16 points came as a result of his work.





smileys/shock.gif





the conversion that was taken was a 'result' of his work.





I get ya, I just thought you were either taking some of the credit from Rog, or Quinnie took a conversion, with a dislocated shoulder.smileys/wink.gif





I should have made it clearersmileys/smile.gif. I could be wrong, but Humphreys may have been OH for that game, and took the conversion.

[mike11]

.......



Ran in a try and was taken off after around 20 mins. This myth has been going around for quite some time though so I cant blame you



Trying to re-write history again ep...?????


The Pumas were much the better team over the game. We had 2 players who made an impact - Wood &amp; Quinny. The Clan man scored a fantastic solo try which proved just enough to take the game in the end. He wrecked his shoulder in the process of scoring, so played no further part in the game. His subsequent TV role with the Plank sent half the female population (&amp; that includes D4 ep....smileys/wink.gif&nbspsmileys/wink.gif of this little island into delirium.


We would not have made it out of the group except for Quinny. Can we blame Quinny for continuing the Cooder years? Does Eddie feel he owes Quinny (doubt it personally...).? In short Quinny saved Eddie's bacon.


Could he do the same against NZ (if we get out of our group this time....)? Personally I reckon he's one of the few that can do that type of thing again (if given the chance.....).

[Jenta]

You're right Clon, Humphreys did start. That's a good memory for the RWC games you have there.

[Clon]

I remember moaning to people about ROG not starting,that's what sparked my memory,he made an impact when he came on AFAIR.

[gelly]

My RWC2007 squad</font>
</font>Props(4):
Bull, Marcus, Simon Best, Young</font>
Hookers (3):
Fla, Rory Best, Frankie</font>
2nd Rows(4):
P O'C, Donnacha, Big MAL, MOD</font>
Back Rows(6):
Wally, Leamy, Neil Best, Easterbunny, Quinlan, Heaslip
</font>
SH(3):
Stringer, Boss, Reddan</font>
OH(2/3):
ROG, Paddy Wallace
</font>
Centres (8 inc FB/Wings)
BOD, Darcy, Trimble, Barry Murphy</font>
Wings/FB (8 inc centres)
Girv, Shaggy, Geordan Murphy, Hickie, Luke Fitz or Dowling
</font>

[Red Hand Hero]

Props(4): Hayes, Horan, Young, S.Best


Hookers(3):R.Best, Fla, Fogarty


Locks(4): POC, DOC, MOK, MMc


Backrow(6):Wallace, N.Best, Leamy, Easterby, Ferris, Heaslip


Scrumhalfs(3):Strings, Boss, Reddin,


Outhalfs(2):ROG, Wallace, (Staunton)


Centres(2):BOD, D'Arcy,


Wings (4):Shaggy, Trimble, Hickie, (Bowe)


Fullbacks (2):Dempsey,


The two starting wingers (Trimble, Horgan) are 3rd and 4th choice centres respectively. Hickie, Murphy then Bowe are 3rd 4th and 5th for wing slots with Murph second cover of fullback also. McCullough is currently the 4th choice lock and the fight for this spot is between him and Hogan, i don't think Mick O'D realistically has much of a chance. Thjink he'll take 3 scrumhalfs as well, and if he decides to take 3 10's Bowe will drop out as we have adequate cover on the wings to cover until someone is flown out as replacement.


Starting XV of


1-Horan, 2-Fla/R.Best, 3-Hayes, 4-DOC, 5-POC, 6-Best, 7-Wally, 8-Leamy, 9-Boss, 10-ROG, 11-Trimble, 12-D'Arcy, 13-BOD, 14-Shaggy, 15-Girv


Subs:Best/Fla, S.Best, MOK, Ferris, Stringer, Wallace, Murphy

[epaddy]

Dowling,smileys/lol.gifsmileys/lol.gif christ on a bike Leinster have 7 or 8 players who could do a better job on the wing

[JoeyFantastic]

Dowling,smileys/lol.gifsmileys/lol.gif christ on a bike Leinster have 7 or 8 players who could do a better job on the wing*


Perhaps, but without game time in the HEC they won't get a chance will they?

[Old Dog]

I'd put Gleeson in aheadof Quinnie. Or maybe Jennings - Quinnie is brainless.

[epaddy]

Props
Hayes, Horan, Best, Young</font>

Hookers (3):
Fla, Best, Fogerty</font>

2nd Rows
P O'C, DOC, MOK MMC</font>

Back Rows
Wally, Leamy, Best, Easterbunny, Gleeson, Heaslip
</font>

SH
Stringer, Boss, Reddan</font>

OH
ROG, Humps, Wallace
</font>

Centres
BOD, Darcy, Trimble,</font>

Wings/FB
Girv, Shaggy, Geordan Murphy, Hickie, Fitz</font>

[Red Hand Hero]

Forgot about fitzgerald. Gleeson will not be at the RWC he is not hard enough for international rugby nor is he as good as:wally, heaslip, Best, Leamy, Ferris or the easterbunny. I'd also say Quinlan, JOC, McMillan, and Jennings are better opensides than gleeson.

[Evil Omer]

In answer to someone's earlier question - Doak never gained a single cap, in spite of being a very useful player.

[Old Dog]

In answer to someone's earlier question - Doak never gained a single cap, in spite of being a very useful player.





Wrong wrong wrong! He did!









































(he represented Ireland at cricket - and even dismissed Brian Lara!)

[munster_mafia]

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ferris needs to improve vastly at international level if he's to make it, but dont think he play another game before the world cup for ireland. did nothin today.

[Justtoby]

Ferris was quiet today but I think he'll get a chance to stake his claim in May/June in Argentina.

[Mcork]

Not sure you can write off Ferris like that. 1st cap &amp; the team did
win very well. remember not being overly impressed with Neil Best
versus Romania last season. Look at him now.

[Red Hand Hero]

I think your being a bit bloody hard on ferris. Watch the game, he got 5+metres at least 3 times from restarts. I don't recall him missing a tackle and he put himself about a bit and did some decent cleaning out at rucks, first there on occasions and bltized whoever was near it. Didn't set the world on fire but didn't have as awful a game as you seem to be implying.

[red4life]

my RWC squad
Props:
Bull, Marcus, S. Best, Young.
Hookers:
Fla, Rory Best, Frankie.
2nd Rows:
POC, Donnacha, MOK, MOD.
Back Rows:
Wally, Leamy, N. Best, Quinlan, Ferris, Heaslip.
SH:
Stringer, Boss, Reddan.
OH:
ROG, Paddy Wallace, Humph
<!- Signature ->

Wings,FB's &amp; Centres
Dempsey, Horgan, Trimble, G. Murphy, Hickie, Fitzgerald, D'arcy, BOD








Starting XV &amp; Subs:<!- Signature ->
15) Murphy 14) Hickie 13) BOD 12) Darcy 11) Trimble 10) ROG 9) Stringer 1) Horan 2) Flannery 3) Hayes 4) DOC 5) POC 6) N.Best 7) Wallace smileys/cool.gif Leamy
16) S.Best 17) R.Best 1smileys/cool.gif MOK 19) Ferris20) Boss21) Humph 22)Horgan

[neiljung]

In answer to someone's earlier question - Doak never gained a single cap, in spite of being a very useful player. <!-
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Well that makes Doak and Wallace who went into and left the last RWC without any caps. On that basis out strength in depth looks a little improved. We've also got the matches in Argentina in the summer and the RWC warm ups in Murrayfield and in Ravenhill against Italy. Should mean everyone will have a few games under their belts before heading off.


Speaking of the game in Ravenhill does anyone know how the ticket distribution is going to be handled? I'm presuming there's going to be a lot of interest locally for this one + a fair few more heading north but not too many tickets to go around.
Do any of the Ulster folk who frequent here think it's going to be a big deal (lots of build up and interest) having Ireland back playing in Belfast??

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[munsterforever]

i would have shaggy in my 15-he's turned into a brilliant player

[mike11]

Not sure you can write off Ferris like that. 1st cap &amp; the team did win very well. remember not being overly impressed with Neil Best versus Romania last season. Look at him now.


Ferris was so far off the pace - it should have embarrassed whover sponsored that jersey. Islanders didn't compete at the breakdown, but neither did we (or at least our-brow didn't). Hayes, PoC and the 2 centres (BoD &amp; D'Arce*)were our best 'flankers' in that regard.


* &amp; we now know Shaggy isn't a centre. Great winger though.

[Sarsfield]

I think your being a bit bloody hard on ferris. Watch the game, he got 5+metres at least 3 times from restarts. I don't recall him missing a tackle and he put himself about a bit and did some decent cleaning out at rucks, first there on occasions and bltized whoever was near it. Didn't set the world on fire but didn't have as awful a game as you seem to be implying.

He wasn't terrible, no but you've got to remember that the strength in depth in the back row means that to make an impression he has to play damn well. Tough on him but there you have it

[mike11]

I think your being a bit bloody hard on ferris. Watch the game, he got 5+metres at least 3 times from restarts. I don't recall him missing a tackle and he put himself about a bit and did some decent cleaning out at rucks, first there on occasions and bltized whoever was near it. Didn't set the world on fire but didn't have as awful a game as you seem to be implying.

He wasn't terrible, no but you've got to remember that the strength in depth in the back row means that to make an impression he has to play damn well. Tough on him but there you have it



Don't agree, I thoughtFerris did nothing to further his credentials. OK, he put in some tackles, but he offered nothing in link play or attack, and his only 'cleaning-out' I noticed resulted in a penalty to them. He's seems a bit slow around the pitch for international rugby these days too - you expect a flanker to be one of the first to the breakdown. More often than not it was Hayes or PoC getting there. I'd have Quinny (even on Satuday's form) well ahead of him. Gleeson and JoC I'd reckon are still ahead too.