33-strong Ireland squad for a two day training and preparation camp

[johninperth]

Boys i'm a little bit out of touch as I have been living in perth for the last two years so perhaps someone can answer this question for me. Who is munsters number one out half O'Gara or Keatly?
If it is O'Gara, as it seems to be right now, can someone please tell me what the hell is going on? Surely it must be time to hang up the boots or at least take a step back. What has this man got over the Irish and Munster management that they show him such blind loyalty?
O'Gara is probably my favourite rugby player of the past ten years but I would certainly rather see someone get started who is good for the team rather than see one former great honoured. He played ok last season and probably merited his position on the bench for Ireland but surely this can't go on. Will Madigan have to wait until his late twenties to become a regular starter for Ireland? Will Keatly spend his prime in the shadow of what is now a worse player?
Unfortunately the something similar can be said for BOD. These great players are in danger of damaging their legacies or of having their legacies damaged, whichever the case may be.

[dropkick]

How about Robbie Henshaw replacing Kearney. I've seen him play twice at fullback and he looks to be very talented. He is only an academy player but if you're good enough..

Boys i'm a little bit out of touch as I have been living in perth for the last two years so perhaps someone can answer this question for me. Who is munsters number one out half O'Gara or Keatly?
If it is O'Gara, as it seems to be right now, can someone please tell me what the hell is going on? Surely it must be time to hang up the boots or at least take a step back. What has this man got over the Irish and Munster management that they show him such blind loyalty?
O'Gara is probably my favourite rugby player of the past ten years but I would certainly rather see someone get started who is good for the team rather than see one former great honoured. He played ok last season and probably merited his position on the bench for Ireland but surely this can't go on. Will Madigan have to wait until his late twenties to become a regular starter for Ireland? Will Keatly spend his prime in the shadow of what is now a worse player?
Unfortunately the something similar can be said for BOD. These great players are in danger of damaging their legacies or of having their legacies damaged, whichever the case may be.

Keatley has started the season very well and looks to be better suited to Penneys new style of play. Rog has only played 2 games so far so I'd give him time but Keatley should be in pole position to start against Racing Metro. It might depend on Rogs performance against Leinster.

Madigan is behind Sexton and look set to be for the foreseeable future. He might have to wait for Sexton to get injured or Schmidt might play one of them at inside center.

[Dowlinz]

Will Madigan have to wait until his late twenties to become a regular starter for Ireland? Will Keatly spend his prime in the shadow?

I too am absolutely incensed that two reserves for their clubs can't get regular starts for their country. Kidney, the IRFU, Scmidt and Trapattoni OUT.

[the plastic paddy]

I too am absolutely incensed that two reserves for their clubs can't get regular starts for their country. Kidney, the IRFU, Scmidt and Trapattoni OUT.

After that display in LR I think we can safely say that Keatley is no longer the reserve OH for Munster. I wouldn't put it past ROG to win the ten jersey back but right now Keatley is the starting OH for Munster. I think Jackson is a terrific 'wee' player as well in an Irish context.

[johninperth]

I too am absolutely incensed that two reserves for their clubs can't get regular starts for their country. Kidney, the IRFU, Scmidt and Trapattoni OUT.

I am not suggesting that Madigan and Keatly simply be put straight in to the international side. What I am saying is that ROG is potentially the fourth best out half in the country and that sexton, though undoubtably the current number one, has really only had a handful of outstanding games in the green jersey, a bucket load of shaky mediocre games and a few shockers. With this being a few years from the world cup it seems like a good time to give the two new boys a crack at it and possibly put a little bit of pressure on Sexton to keep his place. I seriously think he needs it.
It seems to me that the end of last season was a natural end to ROG's international career and that he should have stepped aside or should very respectfully have been pushed aside.
I am not calling for any coaches to be sacked, merely suggesting that they be a little more brave and look a little more towards the future. Madigan and/or Keatly will feature in international rugby in the future so what are we waiting for? The rugby championship players are all given a chance on the international stage at far younger ages than the current Irish coaching staff seem willing to blood our players. POC BOD and ROG were all handed caps in their early twenties and went on to become the best players of their generation.
All that I am asking is why are the current crop of young fringe players not given a shot. If they are unable to step up then we continue with Sexton and ROG and try again when they have developed a little further.

[Balla Boy]

John - is that not what the A squad is for? If Keatley nails down the Mu dyer shirt, he'll be in the Ireland squad come the 6N. If he doesn't, he won't be.

[jeepers]

Not too sure you'd want Keatley sitting on the bench for the 6Ns either, which is what will happen.

[Mcork]

Wouldn't Paddy Jackson be in pole position for back-up to Sexton? I suppose the real stuff (HEC) starts now, but if form up to now was the consideration, then he'd be in the lead.

[inside info]

Really hope Connacht play well in HC and Kidney takes note of them! Is really annoying that the likes of O Gara will be picked because of his irish contract! Really impressed with Kilkoyne annyoin we have healy, court and dennis buckly and kilkoyne for loose head but only ross and fitzpatrick (barely for tight head)
Also when is strauss eligable for ireland!?
will the centre pair for ireland be earls and BOD??

[i_like_cake]

Haven´t read the thread, but when is the AI squad named..?

[McCloud]

Haven´t read the thread, but when is the AI squad named..?

Due to be announced today.

[i_like_cake]

Dammit... I knew it had to be the most obvious answer...

thanks McC....

[McCloud]

No bother midday according to the IRFU site.

[i_like_cake]

Scottish squad here for anyone that wants to know...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20054491

Backs: Blair, De Luca, Dunbar, Evans, Hogg, Horne, Jackson, Jones, Laidlaw, S Lamont, R Lawson, Murchie, Pyrgos, Scott, Seymour, Visser.
Forwards: Barclay, Brown, Cross, Denton, Ford, Gilchrist, Grant, Gray, Hall, Hamilton, Jacobsen, Kellock, S Lawson, McInally, Rennie, Ryder, Strokosch, Traynor.

[Cowboy]

Derek Foley ‏@OnlyOneFinFoley
Anthony Foley to be announced as new Irelands Defence Coach in 20 mins





Truth or spoof?

[McCloud]

Pumas squad

Argentina squad: Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon, captain), Leonardo Senatore (Gimnasia Rosario), Juan Manuel Leguizamon (Lyon), Tomas Leonardi (SIC), Julio Farias Cabello (Tucuman), Tomas de la Vega (CUBA), Patricio Albacete (Toulouse), Manuel Carizza (Jockey Club Rosario), Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers), Agustin Creevy (Montpellier), Juan Figallo (Montpellier), Eusebio Guinazu (unaffiliated), Bruno Postiglioni (La Plata), Francisco Gomez Codela (Biarritz), Joaquin Tuculet (Grenoble), Santiago Cordero (Regatas Bella Vista), Horacio Agulla (Bath), Juan Jose Imhoff (Racing Metro), Manuel Montero (Pucara), Gonzalo Camacho (Exeter), Marcelo Bosch (Biarritz), Gonzalo Tiesi (SIC), Juan Martin Hernandez (Racing Metro), Nicolas Sanchez (Bordeaux-Begles), Nicolas Vergallo (Toulouse), Martin Landajo (CASI), Tomas Cubelli (Belgrano Athletic)

[scotscor]

A 31 man Ireland squad including four uncapped players has been named by Ireland Coach Declan Kidney for the 2012 Guinness Series games against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.



Centre Luke Marshall and forward Iain Henderson named in the panel and who were involved in the Ireland training camp in September are included in the squad as are prop David Kilcoyne and hooker Richardt Strauss, who is now eligible to play for Ireland based on his residency for the past three years. In addition to the naming of the Ireland squad for the 2012 Guinness Series, there were also changes announced to the makeup of the national coaching staff with current Munster Assistant Coach and former international Anthony Foley joining the Ireland coaching team.
Foley will be now be leading the defence plans and systems allowing Assistant Coach Les Kiss to lead the attack shape for the team as well as continue to coach the backline. Foley will remain working with Munster Rugby outside of the international window. It was also confirmed that Leinster scrum coach, Greg Feek will continue providing his expertise to the Ireland team during competition time.
Commenting on the Guinness Series games and the addition of Anthony Foley, Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said: "We have three incredibly competitive games ahead of us in November and while there have been quite a few injuries and niggles in the early part of the season, it has opened up opportunities for other players to step into the squad. There are world ranking points on offer, so the underlying challenge for us is to work towards retaining and improving our ranking position ahead of the Rugby World Cup pool draw. While that is the end goal, our focus will be getting our preparations right to match the intensity of international games.
"I'm pleased that Anthony has taken up the offer of working with the squad to assist during this vital period in November. His previous experience of working with the team during the last RBS 6 Nations championship was important, but his own abilities and experience were central to bringing him onboard. I would like to thank Rob Penney and Joe Schmidt for being so positive and giving Anthony Foley and Greg (Feek) the scope to be part of the plans that we have."
Anthony Foley said: "I was delighted when Declan approached Rob and me about the possibility of working with the Ireland team again. I enjoyed the opportunity I got during the Six Nations working with the players and I felt once we were all comfortable with the balance between Munster and Ireland, I jumped at the chance. I certainly feel I can contribute positively and when you get the chance to coach with your country, you don't want to pass it up.
Ticket sales have reached over 46,000 for the South Africa game with only a limited number of categories available for purchase from IrishRugby.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie
While the Argentina game is a full month away, ticket sales are at just over 37,000 tickets and are selling quickly and have already surpassed the attendance the last time Argentina visited the Aviva.
Irish Rugby Squad (Guinness Series 2012)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster/62)
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/49)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/3)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster/29)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster/69)
Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster/32)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster/35)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster/33)
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster/50)
Iain Henderson (Queens University/Ulster)*
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster/2)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster)*
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)*
John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht/3)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster/12)
Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht/4)
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster/14)
Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/5)
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster/88)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster/85)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster/120) Captain
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster/124
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster/7)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster/45)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster/22)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster/21)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster/32)
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)*
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster/48)
Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster/5)
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster/1)
N.B. *denotes uncapped player

[Thomond78]

Pumas squad

Argentina squad: Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon, captain), Leonardo Senatore (Gimnasia Rosario), Juan Manuel Leguizamon (Lyon), Tomas Leonardi (SIC), Julio Farias Cabello (Tucuman), Tomas de la Vega (CUBA), Patricio Albacete (Toulouse), Manuel Carizza (Jockey Club Rosario), Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers), Agustin Creevy (Montpellier), Juan Figallo (Montpellier), Eusebio Guinazu (unaffiliated), Bruno Postiglioni (La Plata), Francisco Gomez Codela (Biarritz), Joaquin Tuculet (Grenoble), Santiago Cordero (Regatas Bella Vista), Horacio Agulla (Bath), Juan Jose Imhoff (Racing Metro), Manuel Montero (Pucara), Gonzalo Camacho (Exeter), Marcelo Bosch (Biarritz), Gonzalo Tiesi (SIC), Juan Martin Hernandez (Racing Metro), Nicolas Sanchez (Bordeaux-Begles), Nicolas Vergallo (Toulouse), Martin Landajo (CASI), Tomas Cubelli (Belgrano Athletic)

No Super Mario, no Roncero. The end of an era.

[taz]

We named some South African in our squad,there must be some mistake.

[scotscor]

No full backs and the wrong marshall?

[scotscor]

10 Ulster, 10 Leinster, 9 Munster 2 Connacht

[taz]

No full backs and the wrong marshall?

Earls ,right Marshall has been in superb form.

[sewa]

ROG over Keatley, Darce over Downey or more precisely Darce over A.N.Other, bad selection

[hellovating]

props: court, healy, kilcoyne, ross
hookers: best, strauss
second row: mccarthy, o'callaghan, o'connell, ryan, touhy
back row: ferris, henderson, henry, heaslip, muldoon, mcloughlin, o'mahony
half backs: murray, o'gara, reddan, sexton
outside backs: bowe, cave, d'arcy, earls, marshall, mcfadden, o'driscoll, trimble, zebo

[Grasshopper]

Well, we have an Englishman, an Australian and now we have a Saffir. Keep going like this, and we'll be like England.

[Hugged Rugger]

No full backs and the wrong marshall?

full backs are nearly all injured. though hurley might have got a call but if earls is injured i suspect hell play

[Adam1986]

Yup this is fairly disappointing. For god's sake O'Gara is there why? Man's been great but both Jackson and Madigan are both playing better rugby right now, to be honest id rather see JJ there over him, just to see youth getting experience. Also what the hell is Axel doing with Ireland, we tried that last year and it worked out poorly for both, Ireland were still half arsed and we got worse, Les Kiss is now full time attack coach. He's a defense coach leave him where he is and get a backs coach. And the kicker out of Deccie's speech today "we don't need to reinvent the wheel" he says. Well Deccie we need to reinvent something the whole setup may be a start. Oh let March come quickly so he can have his hand shaken, told thank you for your effort and now go.

[i_like_cake]

1 Tight head..? and 3 loose heads....

something tells me we have yet to see more of Court at TH.....
whats wrong with Hagan, loughney..?? even Ryan/Cotter/Archer I´d prefer against another Court appearance there...

[hellovating]

one more forward and one more back to be added after this weekend's round of rabo matches.


should be a fullback and tighthead really. felix and deccie fitz maybe, if they both play this weekend.

[Aussiedub]

God help us if Ross gets injured at any stage...