Tom Ahern, Edwin Edogbo and Joe McCarthy are the three I'm really excited about ATM. Great to see the talent coming through at all four provinces. On another note I think Sam P needs another year or two but it's exciting to see where he goes.
CLASS CONTENT as always Tim. You are now my "official"rugby go to on RUclips! Entertainment & Enlightenment 😊 looking forward to your 6N coverage, will you be going to the games live like the world cup? Happy New Year from Ireland 🤜👍
Hi Tim , you are the first Rugby channel that I have listened too after the World Cup , I was so disappointed ☹️☘️ but have been watching the URC and the European Cup , glad to be back, love your channel ☘️👍
Great video Tim. Im a munster fan so im delighted that we are finally producing quality and quantity from our academy. From an ireland perspective, to truely have a chance of winning world cups and staying a dominant force ala all blacks from 2006 to 2015 we cant depend on leinster producing all the talent so fingers crossed the ulster, munster and connacht academics continue to improve and produce international quality players so that we can absorb the loss of players through injury/retirement and have world class replacements in every position
Excellent vid Tim! I've had to take a little break from rugby after the heartbreak of the world cup, but this analysis has rejuvenated my passion for Irish rugby, and has me very excited for the 6N all over again 😅 Thanks!
Missed Will Connors, he had the 7 jersey before injury and VDF elevated his game. His chop tackling was very effective against La Rochelle and could offer something different in the backrow against large packs such as France
Farrell needs to be ruthless with developing depth for the next WC cycle. We have just won a Grand slam. We don't need to win the Six Nations this year but we do need to have two complete teams who could win it in 26 and 27 and do better at a WC.
Irelands growth and talent I have seen coming through along with current players makes the team a formidable feared rival. Gone are days when anyone could write them off. Ireland definitely have huge success ahead of them. Can’t wait to watch them.
Another englishman bailing the Irish out,same as Jack Charlton in soccer. Let's us all take a breath and realise the facts.... ie...ENGLAND rwc winners and football World Cup wi news and cricket World Cup winners,we are winners when it counts not should have or could have or the best ...BUT? England know how to win you tossers!
Super comprehensive list and really shows how healthy the game is in Ireland at the moment. I agree that much probably won’t change in 6N, one due to Andy Farrell being quite loyal to his players and 2 that no-one has really doing anything wrong to be dropped. I mostly agree with you on team to face France but I would put McCarthy in 2nd row and move Bernie to back row in place of Predergast, I too really like the look of Aherne and have been also impressed with Crothers and Wilson at Ulster as well as the re-emergence of Will O’Connor and Tommy O’Brien at Leinster. These players seem to be well managed by their provinces and expect lots to get exposure to Ireland camps, but what a wonderful headache for Farrell and his coaching team
Fascinating video, this. The biggest problem Ireland has is that they have to choose from an embarrassment of riches. Every position has a more than capable player snapping at the heels of the current incumbents, and that's not a bad place to be. Maybe I'm biased, but I'd love to see young Doak given a run in a green shirt. He comes from a family steeped in rugby, and is one of the most rugby-intelligent players Ulster have produced in years. He can play 9 or 10 (although 9 is the position he has made his name in), he's an accomplished goal kicker, and he doesn't take a backward step. The other player from Ulster who I think deserves a chance at test level against the best is Nick Timoney. Two days ago, he outshone Doris as the best number eight on the pitch when Ulster came away from the RDS with four points. Don't get me wrong, I love Doris and think he is a massive asset to Ireland, but, and I know I may be accused of Ulster victimised syndrome here, I don't think the Northern province is getting a fair crack of the whip from the Dublin-based coaching/management team. Therein lies a whole debate that we could do another time... Chris Henry, anyone? 😂
Despite the heartbreak of it all, we were not a million miles off. I don’t see Andy changing a huge amount, as the team are there or there abouts and are still in the top 3/4 teams in the world. We need new props, Joe McCarthy in, need a 6 to replace POM who won’t be here in 2027. New 10 obviously, new SH for Murray and a new winger as Lowe getting older. I don’t see Andy ripping up the playbook, rather he’ll bring in new players who can plug those gaps of aging players. The future is still bright for us, and it’s still a great time to be an Irish supporter
balacounes best aspect of his game is his defence tbh his biggest issue is getting involved in games but he probably hass the highest ceiling of any winger in ireland. id also recomend david maccan for ulster he was our best player in the early season by a long shot but got injured.
Great video, I haven't been thinking much about the 6N up to now. It's all about achieving balance, introducing new talent, as you mentioned. I thnik the players you have selected are spot on with the exception of Will Connors who should be included. As a Leinster fan, Ive never been bothered by which players get picked from where and any accusation of bias is just silly. Spot on regarding Doak, he has the confidence and presence to figure prominently in future, probably in place of Murray.
Sam Prendergast needs more experience. This year will be a very big learning curve for him at Leinster as ross or harry or both might be gone for Ireland. So he'll get a lot of game time, but he needs at least a year. But i cannot wait to see what he does.
Pretty much spot on Tim. Ireland have an abundance of riches coming through. Personally I like Connacht’s Prendergast and Edogbo from Munster. Unfortunately Munster’s horrendous injury list will keep a number of the players you have mentioned out. The two to the forwards at the weekend looked particularly bad. I hope they have not been seriously injured but it really did not look good. I wish both player well and hope they recover soon.
The lesson Ireland should take from the '23 World Cup is that we need even greater depth in '27 if we are to challenge for the title. Just a cursory look at the current squad and I count 6 backs & 8 forwards whose current age (30+) would indicate that most will likely NOT be in a match day squad at international level by that time.
@@johnmc3862 'Reputation'!!!??? How would that have affected the teams performances? You have formed an opinion about Sexton - based on.....................
Don't know when Ross Byrne is back, but assuming he doesn't make it back in time for 6N, Crowley as starting 10 with Frawley as his backup does make the most sense, given his versatility and how effective he has been off the bench this season for Leinster.
Frawley has to get a look at 10, he can't become another player missed out on because of "versatility." Lads done a job when he's been called upon against some tough sides at 10, he has the balls at club level, lets see him step it up.
Casey and Crowley is the starting 9/10 combo i want to see. Gonna be perfect in 4 years time. We should focus on that over the 6 nations. Not much else needs changing. A few retired but most other positions are very well sorted
Drops: Murray Kilkoyne Healy 😢 Treadwell Retirees: Sexton Earls Injuries: O'Mahony Ross Byrne Lowe Potential Hansen Edogbo Caolan Blade for Murray Ole Jager and Jack Boyle as props Aherne for Treadwell Super surprising call, but maybe, just maybe, Zebo for Earls. As Sexton is gone and Ross injured it's Crowley, Harry B, and Frawley, with Frawley the best and most versatile though Crowley has grit and Harry is lauded for talenet (words are wind). If both Lowe and Hansen are injured, look at Stockdale and either Larmour, Nash, Balacoune or maybe, just maybe a Connacht wildcard (ye can speculate). For O'Mahony, it's Cian Prendergast. Poor Max Deegan and Scott Penny, would be surprises, though Penny has been on tge periphery. Another wildcard would be David McCann from Ulster or Timoney.
Munster use Tom Ahern in a really interesting way. You often see him out on the wings. For a big man he's got serious pace and brilliant at the breakdown. Andy Farrell uses O'Mahoney a lot out on the wings so I could see Ahern as a replacement for the ageing O'Mahony.
Yes indeed, Ahearn at 6, 9 and quick as a greyhound, is a deadly combination for a 'lurking flanker'.I like Timoneys form so far this season as well-and Oli Jäger (A big unit as Tim might say) will be welcomed back into the fold at the "tender" age of 28. It's all looking very promising -on paper- so far.....
Tim, Solid Content - AGAIN. Very balanced and engaging. For me the Peter O'Mahony question needs to be raised. He can't keep going. Surely not. And chopping him in 3 years time is too late for the successor to gain experienc.
Think big Joe McCarthy will be in the mix for the 23 this year. The main issue for Ireland is the amount of good 6s..which will be decided whether O’Mahoney is captain or not
Back row is always competitive for Ireland but this year it's ridiculous. You've got the five from the World Cup: O'Mahony Van der Flier Doris Conan Baird And then all of this lot battling for one extra slot: Prendergast Ahern Connors Timoney Hodnett Coombes
Ireland look amazing. Absolutely superb. It hurts me to say it, but I’m going for: 1. Ireland (Slam) 2. France 3. Wales 4. Scotland 5. England 6. Italy The battle for third is the hardest call.
The way the fixtures flip flop for Ireland, with either France and England in Dublin or both away has always played a part. France in Paris will be slam breaker I think
@@jimbo1706Except it’s not in Paris but Marseilles. Hate bing a pedant, but it could make a difference. The Breakdown crew reckoned that that pitch is 20 metres short. 🤷♂️
Tim - you got that pretty spot on. I would switch 4 places though: 1. Joe McCarthy has to be in 23 on both current form & future potential Henderson to miss out) 2. Ryan Baird instead of Prendergast in team 3. Will Connors on bench (taking Baird bench slot) 4. Robbie Henshaw instead of JOB (Frawley gives enough versatility on bench)
Good shouts. Not the first person to point out McCarthy should be in 23...and agree in retrospect. Suppose you could go McCarthy, Ryan, Beirne as 4,5,6 OR also Doris to 6 and Conan at 8. Both options I overlooked.
Set piece will be the big concern, all 4 provinces have scrum issues and only Leinster's lineout has functioned close to consistently. That said, there's good young talent that could stake a claim to at least be in the 23 going forward like Ahern, Baird, McCarthy, Stewart, Aungier, Forde, Hume and Osborne. Loosehead prop is still a major problem, with Jack Boyle looking like the only talent coming through
@@lewisthornton3he is in his prime, but unfortunately is still at the same level as Ed Byrne. Peter Dooley hopefully gets a look in as we need props that know how to scrummage
First of all - I want that t-shirt Secondly, we need to jettison Murray he's too old. Jagers looking the business, definitely has squad destiny written all over him. Edogbo looks fantastic, haven't seen him have a bad game yet. Huge presence when he hits at the breakdown and he's only 21! Sam p obviously is the xfactor kid for a bit now, he looks hella young next to the veterans but v exciting times to see how he does. I hate to think the one and only Peter o'mahony is aging but he is, his days are numbered, imma miss him the ole trolling mucka! The fight for 10 is gonna be delicious but man I think frawleys got a lot more to show in the years ahead if not for 10 then somewhere else. Sammy P just has that sexton apparent look about him. Hope Bala has a better year than last, we need more ulster lads pulling the horse as well but my fav boy from the last couple of months has been Mccarthy, he's brilliant and seems to be excelling. Who knows probably nobody will end up getting picked there's so few spots open, faz looks like the kinda coach that doesn't gut as easily as others. FYI, Caolin is pronounced like "kay-lynn"
Watching Irish rugby can make you dizzy sometimes, just from how many names pop up playing for the provinces. The rugby factory that is the Irish school system never slows down.
Thanks as ever Tim , really looking forward to February . I would largely agree with you but with 2 exceptions , Will Connors gives us an edge and Billy Biernes in Ulster has been playing out of his socks . I think for now number 10is Crowley but I think overtime time it will come Diwn to a contest between him and Sam , billy might serve that transition. Lowe is still out and Handson not playing well . For the first game if Lowe injured Stockdale will start because of his booming boot
Good to see you again Tim. Good pick but key here will be how they gel; Will the hive mind, the je ne sais quoi, intangible be retained?. Sam is very promising yes; good to see a lot of potential replacements for Sexton.
Now is the time to really give a shot to new players. Put out a full strength team vs France, show we can still do it after sexton, then use the remaining 4 games to 1) figure out who’s going to be playing 10 going forward and 2) give any promising talent their shot. The Ireland teams core is starting to age, and needs the new blood to get their war wounds now in order to develop a rugby culture that’ll last to the next World Cup and beyond. Too many great teams are scared to let new players come up and show what they have whilst there’s still life in the veterans who have done so much.
Agree massively. Boks and NZ are always ruthlessly targeting next world cup cycle. Ireland and other northern hemisphere teams need to lean more towards this. In ten years no one will remember who won six nations 2024. Ireland getting past a quarters in 2027 will be remembered for a generation.
Couldn't agree more. As big a fan as I have always been of Kilcoyne, Healy, Murray and POM, change is inevitable. I hope Ireland are proactive about this and not falling back on bad habits of yore. Oli Jager has been quietly impressive and brings proper experience to an aging front row group. Tadhg Furlong has a big question mark attached to his #3 jersey - he has started fewer and fewer games over the last 2 seasons.
@@votedimascio Ireland has really shown the work a new style of rugby, and have had massive success with it. But SA have shown how to run a team. The South African bench in the WC was a truly spectacular sight, the team performed just as well if not better. Taking that approach of allowing all players on the national side, no matter when they play, and looking for a quality 23, not just an elite 15 is the way to play it
@@fawltyoldboybasil.2178 furlong won’t make the next World Cup, props don’t really age well once the injuries build up. Definitely worth getting the younger players into some big games, and looking for development rather than ready made products
@@halion4487 Sadly, I agree with you. The IRFU may have to consider getting a few project players into the academies because players like Cian Healy, John Hayes, Tadgh Furlong, Andrew Porter seem to occur natively as often as once in a decade.
I think the biggest change I'd make is I'd drop Murray, his age profile is against him, and more importantly his form is against him, the impact in all the wrong ways he made against Exeter was telling, whether Blade or Doak are next in line is hard to tell, Blade hasn't been given any meaningful time as an international so harsh to say he hasn't stepped up to that level, he's looked more assured than either Murray or Casey at club level for a while, but I do like Doak also, Blade is probably the most like for like replacement for Gibson-Park though. But I don't expect the Ireland squad to be quite as big as that anyway. We tend to have the World cup warm up squad as the biggest squad of the whole cycle.
Aye, he's been a great servant but he's just not at the same speed as other options. Munster suffer when he comes on, they noticably slow down. Gibson park and casey play at a tempo that is so much faster than murray.
I can't find much to argue with you over the selection. Connor Murray is struggling but as you say years of experience. The one thing I hope we don't do is not evolve and blood younger players. I am worried about Andy Farrel taking on the Lions, Gatland had an formidable Welsh team and they hurt badly by loosing him to the Lions.
Good selection I think Joe mccarthy and baird have to be in with a shout Theyve been outstanding so far this season where the Irish provinces havent really sparked Frawley needs to stick to 1 position possibly 10 as crowley or Byrnes havent been that effective this season
I think Ireland might get found out a bit this 6 Nations, just feel last season went too well for us and it's very difficult to put back to back grand slam season performances. I'd like to see Joe McCarthy get a start, most inform lock in Ireland right now and he's only 22
I know it kind of goes without saying, but life without Johnny was always going to be tough. We have a wonderful squad but losing such a world class fly half and leader will be tough.
We don't need another Grand slam this year. In fact it might act as a deterrent to developing new players. A top three finish would be fine.@@discreetelite
Will Connors will definitely be back in the squad. And Joe McCarthy has leapfrogged Henderson. Henderson has been playing well but my god McCarthy has been incredibly good. The man’s absolutely enormous too!
Have seen Will Connors in recent province games and he’s been great, BUT where is Jack Conan?? Disappointing that you have not put him in your selection. Ahern, looking brilliant.
You’ve pretty much got it spot on so are obviously watching an awful lot of games. There are always a few other names that can be looked at like Jordan Larmour, Scott Penny, Will Connors, Shane Daly, Jacob Stockdale now seems to be back playing well again but those players are probably outsiders to make the 6n. Who knows with injury and form to consider though. Cathal Forde and Diarmuid Killganon at Connacht also looking like really good young players at centre and wing respectively.
Starting 7 for me..will conners ;) also for props i would take Belaham out and put Jack anger in,his main roll SCRUMING!! is unreal! :) your`re pick for 6 is easy..ryan baird :).. he is a menace in the lineout/hitting rucks/great hands/and speed to burn :)
@@lewisthornton3 agreed on Furlongs form, he has dipped a bit..but we know what he can do , not to mention scruming is also his strenght where as i think Belahams strenght is in the loose more so than the scrum :)
@@niallmcnulty4108 i cant agree in anyway shape or form, he is very lucky to get some of the calls..but is not great in the scrum..in the lose? yup! but not in the scrum :)
Really like that squad. The 23 is very good. I would find somewhere for Joe McCarthy and Henshaw in the 23, maybe move Bernie to 6 McCarthy 4 and Henshaw 23. LH prop is a big problem, though I'd be worried about JL against France and Boyle/McCarthy are still to young. Maybe Healy is still back up lose head for another year.
As time goes by and Joe McCarthy and Edwin Edogbo start fighting for the 4 shirt, I see Beirne at 6. Might be time to make that move. Hendy has been a great servant and it seems like a huge own goal to drop him from the 23, but his ceiling is lower than those 3. Also, he is the wrong side of 30.
Sam Prendergast is going to be better than Sexton ever was. Balacoune and Stockdale are too high risk, they are way too porous in defense. And no amount of coaching will improve them, they are simply too soft. Tom Stewart is a great prospect. I've no concerns for finding a replacement for Sexton. We are blessed to have so many top quality number 10s at the moment. POM will be back for the 6N. It took me a min to realise that you had Cian not his brother selected at number 6. Not so sure on that one...... But, all in all not a bad selection. Can't wait for the France game. Ireland by 7 points.
Unfortunately Egdogbo is probably gone until next season, a huge pity because he had really stepped up. Murray and Kilcoyne really need to be moved on. I'd love to see Hodnett included, he always reminds me of the things Anthony Foley used to do. Prendergast has many positive aspects but defence as yet is not one of them. Where he is now, Crowley has the potential to be a complete outhalf, though he needs to work on his decision making and get his kicking %s up.
Hello again Tim. McCarthy will be in the 23. Lowe is injured. Stockdale has Andy's eye and seems growing confident again. Hansen may be hurt. In that case there's a contest between Larmour, Nash, maybe a wild card in Connacht or Munster. Frawley makes the bench. I agree with a few others that Will may sneak on.
Without james lowe we have no chance he has the booth to win for irelsnd he must be there ihave not seen lowe for Leinster in last 3 games is he left or injured hope not we beed him
McCarthy and Hendo start in row with Beirne at 6 and maybe Connors as 7 cover. Now both Hansen and O Brian are injured it will be interesting who gets in on the wings.
Very educated video. It’s hard to disagree with your starting 15, but having 0 Ulster players is becoming a norm with Ireland for some reason. I don’t really know why, but I think it’s also hard to argue with the selection a lot of the time. It should probably be discussed more how Ulster have been probably Ireland’ 2nd best team before last year with the Munster resurgence, and still well capable of beating Europe’s top teams. Do you have any insight into this? It’s a very interesting topic to investigate because when I watch Ulster I do feel confident that the players named on the team sheet can go toe to toe with who they are facing, even if they have a much bigger reputation in an international setting. A theory I have is that it’s almost a snowballing effect of losing players from the Ireland squad years ago when they were poorer, with a lack of faith/confidence given to them when they do play. There are times where you see Ulster players thrown into a less important game and they do look a bit cold because they don’t seem to have the same connection to the team or environment as others have. I think that sometimes an Ulster player has to make a huge impact to be considered for selection again, and they seem to be dropped very quickly after a mediocre performance on their first outing or maybe two and could do with more time. I believe that Leinster’s young players probably find it much easier to settle in right away with the Irish squad when they have already been so familiar with most of the players from training every week with them at club level, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a better player than a player in their position at another Provence. I understand international rugby is not a charity to give players all the time in the world to settle in, but surely something is going wrong when barely any players from such a competitive team are not even involved with the squad, and I think that to keep Irish rugby going forward this needs to be fixed as to compete at for a World Cup you need the be extracting the absolute most you can from all Provences, as we only have 4 teams. This is not me saying that the players selected for Ireland today shouldn’t be there, they should be based off how they have performed in green, I just think that there is clearly something going wrong at a deeper level that is making Ulster players so unsuccessful within the Irish squad!
You might well be onto something here, we can only hope that this has also been noticed by the coaches, and they're working on fixing it by the next WC
I feel for Ulster on the selection front but their best players are really up against it when it comes to getting into the Irish setup. First of all Stockdale is past it. Someone like Balocoune could sneak in in time, but has been unlucky with injuries. McCloskey would be in only for the fact Aki/Ringrose/Henshaw are all better atm. Cooney out of favour. Burns isn't good enough. Don't think any back rower makes it, but Henderson is still very solid at second row. I also think Herring & O'Toole are unlucky to be on the fringes... but players like Kilcoyne and Healy can't go on forever I suppose.
@@IrishBorussen Yeah I do accept what you are saying but I think you are mostly missing my point. I am more getting at a deeper level as to why these players haven’t worked out for Ireland over the last few years and how people and Andy Farrell have no faith in them, yet they can absolutely go out and perform as a Provence. Take Burns for example, I don’t think he should currently be in the Irish squad, but he is mighty underrated as he can make Ulster’s attack function with great flow and he put on a masterclass versus Leinster last week. I feel that players like him were judged way too harshly when they first put on an Irish shirt as they were starting with much less familiarity with the guys around them. I do actually accept what you mentioned in your comment though, apart from Timony absolutely being up to making the Irish squad in the back row as week in week out he is levels above his opposite number especially when it comes to big games. I know there is stiff competition in the back row for Ireland but he is immense! Rather than being a complaint, I more hope that the Irish staff fix this issue within the system because as good as Leinster may function we need to be extracting all we can get from all four provinces if we want to find yet another gear to help us win the World Cup
@@FinnD777 Totally agree with you... we want every province to be firing on all cylinders with no side left behind. I'd be a Leinster fan myself but I was delighted to see Ulster win a few days ago. With you all the way on the harsh judgement of Burns. The fact he kicked the ball dead vs Wales seemed to be the nail in his coffin, even tho plenty have bounced back from similar errors. Very fair point on Timoney he is in fine form this year by all accounts I've read. I forgot to mention Stewart at hooker too - definitely one for the future who i think will soon compete with Sheehan in the coming years and potentially oust Kelleher. Do you think the fact Ravenhill is such a fortress with a bubbling atmosphere lifts the Ulster players more than if it would if it was an Ireland game? I was at Ravenhill last season for Ulster v Sale (family friends who support Ulster) and it was electric. Bound to be like that 16th man energy but maybe there'd be enough pride at place representing Ireland anyway!
@@IrishBorussen I absolutely agree that Ravenhill does seem to give them a special boost, and I think that maybe if some of them got a bit more support behind them when they take the field for Ireland it could potentially elevate them too. That said they do generally still perform well away from home but are a little more inconsistent. Totally agree what you said about Burns and Stewart too. I think that Stewart still has some improvement to do, especially around line outs and just some silly moments when more control in the game is needed, but he is also a prime example of a player that needs to be nurtured and integrated with the squad because I absolutely do think he has the ability to be top level someday. It’s players exactly like him though who have actually made it near being in the Irish team before but seem to hit a hurdle then, and it’s players like him that I hope will be dealt with a bit better. Sheehan and Kelleher completely deserve their places for now and Stewart should be introduced and matured for a time. I do have strong faith in Andy Farrell as a coach, but I think it’s something that could be improved.
Hansen & O'Brien out of this match day squad through injury. Baird has to start. Will Connors on the bench ( you missed him ). Lowe still injured and can't be match fit. Great overall assessment
Jesus! Oli Jager wouldn’t be much use. He’s only marginally taller than six inches! Also - didn’t O’Mahony retire too? Keep up the good work. Love your channel.
@@michaelmoynihan9591As clueless as us saffers are, bro, we at least have enough game sense to get past a RWC ¼ final, every time. The JK chirp that I threw out there was purely in jest to see the reactions by the likes of..... you. To all rugby fans: I wish you all a magic 2024. May all your team's aspirations materialize, until you get bounced by the green & gold 🇿🇦😂
@@glentweedie602 what if Scotland had beaten ireland mate. Where would you be.still stuck in the pool mate..Irish not only beat ye but also saved sa.? So remember don,t be so ungrateful mate.😂😂😂😂😂
Like the analysis Tim.. only changes I make is I think Murray has to be dropped. He has been bang average at club this season.. blade playing better and plenty of experience in Gibson Park.. I also think prendergast a bit young.. id have frish over Hume (pure minster bias from me there).. i think omahony might be done to be honest, so id have timoney brought in for POM
Baloucoune has been pretty poor so far this season. Don’t think he will be in. Dave McCann might make it if his pre injury form is considered but then I’m not sure when he will be back
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
Tom Ahern, Edwin Edogbo and Joe McCarthy are the three I'm really excited about ATM. Great to see the talent coming through at all four provinces. On another note I think Sam P needs another year or two but it's exciting to see where he goes.
Unfortunately, Edogbo is injured.
@@NC-dw3tk That's really unfortunate for him.
The depth of your knowledge of the game is incredible, Tim - truly exemplary!
CLASS CONTENT as always Tim. You are now my "official"rugby go to on RUclips! Entertainment & Enlightenment 😊 looking forward to your 6N coverage, will you be going to the games live like the world cup? Happy New Year from Ireland 🤜👍
Hi Tim , you are the first Rugby channel that I have listened too after the World Cup , I was so disappointed ☹️☘️ but have been watching the URC and the European Cup , glad to be back, love your channel ☘️👍
Great video Tim. Im a munster fan so im delighted that we are finally producing quality and quantity from our academy. From an ireland perspective, to truely have a chance of winning world cups and staying a dominant force ala all blacks from 2006 to 2015 we cant depend on leinster producing all the talent so fingers crossed the ulster, munster and connacht academics continue to improve and produce international quality players so that we can absorb the loss of players through injury/retirement and have world class replacements in every position
Excellent vid Tim! I've had to take a little break from rugby after the heartbreak of the world cup, but this analysis has rejuvenated my passion for Irish rugby, and has me very excited for the 6N all over again 😅 Thanks!
Missed Will Connors, he had the 7 jersey before injury and VDF elevated his game. His chop tackling was very effective against La Rochelle and could offer something different in the backrow against large packs such as France
Fair.
I agree - Will Connors is ideally suited to France contest. He's been playing very well this season so far.
There wouldn't be a pair or shoelaces untackled on the pitch if that beast gets selected.
@@fawltyoldboybasil.2178I know! Crazy how in 2021 he was keeping next years world player of the year out of the jersey
Every la rochelle forward spent the following week wondering where their knees had gone
Farrell needs to be ruthless with developing depth for the next WC cycle. We have just won a Grand slam. We don't need to win the Six Nations this year but we do need to have two complete teams who could win it in 26 and 27 and do better at a WC.
Irelands growth and talent I have seen coming through along with current players makes the team a formidable feared rival. Gone are days when anyone could write them off. Ireland definitely have huge success ahead of them. Can’t wait to watch them.
Another englishman bailing the Irish out,same as Jack Charlton in soccer. Let's us all take a breath and realise the facts....
ie...ENGLAND rwc winners and football World Cup wi news and cricket World Cup winners,we are winners when it counts not should have or could have or the best ...BUT? England know how to win you tossers!
Would love to see Frawley get a chance
Super comprehensive list and really shows how healthy the game is in Ireland at the moment. I agree that much probably won’t change in 6N, one due to Andy Farrell being quite loyal to his players and 2 that no-one has really doing anything wrong to be dropped. I mostly agree with you on team to face France but I would put McCarthy in 2nd row and move Bernie to back row in place of Predergast, I too really like the look of Aherne and have been also impressed with Crothers and Wilson at Ulster as well as the re-emergence of Will O’Connor and Tommy O’Brien at Leinster. These players seem to be well managed by their provinces and expect lots to get exposure to Ireland camps, but what a wonderful headache for Farrell and his coaching team
I am very excited, we have amazing players. Tim you are amazing keep it coming 🏉 🏈 🏉 🏈 🏉 🏈
Still with ya since the world cup , enjoying your build up to six nations
Fascinating video, this. The biggest problem Ireland has is that they have to choose from an embarrassment of riches. Every position has a more than capable player snapping at the heels of the current incumbents, and that's not a bad place to be. Maybe I'm biased, but I'd love to see young Doak given a run in a green shirt. He comes from a family steeped in rugby, and is one of the most rugby-intelligent players Ulster have produced in years. He can play 9 or 10 (although 9 is the position he has made his name in), he's an accomplished goal kicker, and he doesn't take a backward step. The other player from Ulster who I think deserves a chance at test level against the best is Nick Timoney. Two days ago, he outshone Doris as the best number eight on the pitch when Ulster came away from the RDS with four points. Don't get me wrong, I love Doris and think he is a massive asset to Ireland, but, and I know I may be accused of Ulster victimised syndrome here, I don't think the Northern province is getting a fair crack of the whip from the Dublin-based coaching/management team. Therein lies a whole debate that we could do another time... Chris Henry, anyone? 😂
We need cover for Keenan at 15. Luckily he has not lost form or gotten injured.
Grew up loving this tournament....GO Ireland !!!
i knew tom ahern was tall but 6'9 jesussss hahah, thanks for the video, taught me a lot !
So many players knocking on the door but watching Connacht and Ulster beat Munster and Leinster in the rain was quite sobering.
Great video , unfortunately you might need to look at all the injuries now and go again !! 🙏
Despite the heartbreak of it all, we were not a million miles off. I don’t see Andy changing a huge amount, as the team are there or there abouts and are still in the top 3/4 teams in the world. We need new props, Joe McCarthy in, need a 6 to replace POM who won’t be here in 2027. New 10 obviously, new SH for Murray and a new winger as Lowe getting older. I don’t see Andy ripping up the playbook, rather he’ll bring in new players who can plug those gaps of aging players. The future is still bright for us, and it’s still a great time to be an Irish supporter
balacounes best aspect of his game is his defence tbh his biggest issue is getting involved in games but he probably hass the highest ceiling of any winger in ireland. id also recomend david maccan for ulster he was our best player in the early season by a long shot but got injured.
I think you're on the money with Sam Pendergast filling Sexton's shoes in the coming years. Very impressed with this young man!
Another great video. Our favourite Rugby youtuber from our nearest neighbour. Always fair and objective. Good on you EC.
Great video, I haven't been thinking much about the 6N up to now. It's all about achieving balance, introducing new talent, as you mentioned. I thnik the players you have selected are spot on with the exception of Will Connors who should be included. As a Leinster fan, Ive never been bothered by which players get picked from where and any accusation of bias is just silly. Spot on regarding Doak, he has the confidence and presence to figure prominently in future, probably in place of Murray.
I’m looking forward to seeing oli jaeger taking an active part in the Irish team in the future
Sam Prendergast needs more experience. This year will be a very big learning curve for him at Leinster as ross or harry or both might be gone for Ireland. So he'll get a lot of game time, but he needs at least a year. But i cannot wait to see what he does.
Great depth of knowledge Tim, I think you are spot on, it will be interesting to see will Balacombe be in
Pretty much spot on Tim. Ireland have an abundance of riches coming through. Personally I like Connacht’s Prendergast and Edogbo from Munster. Unfortunately Munster’s horrendous injury list will keep a number of the players you have mentioned out. The two to the forwards at the weekend looked particularly bad. I hope they have not been seriously injured but it really did not look good. I wish both player well and hope they recover soon.
The lesson Ireland should take from the '23 World Cup is that we need even greater depth in '27 if we are to challenge for the title. Just a cursory look at the current squad and I count 6 backs & 8 forwards whose current age (30+) would indicate that most will likely NOT be in a match day squad at international level by that time.
Ireland had the players to win the World Cup just Farrell made bad calls like with sexton.....
@@1477wales4 That's one way of looking at it.
@@1477wales4Sexton was going too much on reputation.
@@johnmc3862 'Reputation'!!!??? How would that have affected the teams performances? You have formed an opinion about Sexton - based on.....................
Cannot disagree with your thoughts Tim! I’m a Leinsterman but most excited about Tom Aherne! He has been fantastic so far this year, what a prospect 🤩
Don't know when Ross Byrne is back, but assuming he doesn't make it back in time for 6N, Crowley as starting 10 with Frawley as his backup does make the most sense, given his versatility and how effective he has been off the bench this season for Leinster.
Frawley has to get a look at 10, he can't become another player missed out on because of "versatility." Lads done a job when he's been called upon against some tough sides at 10, he has the balls at club level, lets see him step it up.
@@88Eoghan Absolutely.
Very good video Tim. As a Munster Fan.... is soooo difficult, such a good team but Munster didn't do so well this year so far.
Casey and Crowley is the starting 9/10 combo i want to see. Gonna be perfect in 4 years time. We should focus on that over the 6 nations. Not much else needs changing. A few retired but most other positions are very well sorted
Drops:
Murray
Kilkoyne
Healy 😢
Treadwell
Retirees:
Sexton
Earls
Injuries:
O'Mahony
Ross Byrne
Lowe
Potential Hansen
Edogbo
Caolan Blade for Murray
Ole Jager and Jack Boyle as props
Aherne for Treadwell
Super surprising call, but maybe, just maybe, Zebo for Earls.
As Sexton is gone and Ross injured it's Crowley, Harry B, and Frawley, with Frawley the best and most versatile though Crowley has grit and Harry is lauded for talenet (words are wind).
If both Lowe and Hansen are injured, look at Stockdale and either Larmour, Nash, Balacoune or maybe, just maybe a Connacht wildcard (ye can speculate).
For O'Mahony, it's Cian Prendergast.
Poor Max Deegan and Scott Penny, would be surprises, though Penny has been on tge periphery.
Another wildcard would be David McCann from Ulster or Timoney.
Thanks ...very interesting to listen to ...as always
Absolutely brilliant episode.
Enjoyed that Thanks buddy
Very agreeable squad 👍
Munster use Tom Ahern in a really interesting way. You often see him out on the wings. For a big man he's got serious pace and brilliant at the breakdown. Andy Farrell uses O'Mahoney a lot out on the wings so I could see Ahern as a replacement for the ageing O'Mahony.
Yes indeed, Ahearn at 6, 9 and quick as a greyhound, is a deadly combination for a 'lurking flanker'.I like Timoneys form so far this season as well-and Oli Jäger (A big unit as Tim might say) will be welcomed back into the fold at the "tender" age of 28. It's all looking very promising -on paper- so far.....
Alan Quinlan used to do this. Loved it 🤣
Ahern on the wing would be a nightmare for the opponents
Sam Pendergast is the business. Absolutely class and would always have Robbie Henshaw, back from injuries but class is permanent
Tim, Solid Content - AGAIN. Very balanced and engaging. For me the Peter O'Mahony question needs to be raised. He can't keep going. Surely not. And chopping him in 3 years time is too late for the successor to gain experienc.
Think big Joe McCarthy will be in the mix for the 23 this year. The main issue for Ireland is the amount of good 6s..which will be decided whether O’Mahoney is captain or not
Back row is always competitive for Ireland but this year it's ridiculous.
You've got the five from the World Cup:
O'Mahony
Van der Flier
Doris
Conan
Baird
And then all of this lot battling for one extra slot:
Prendergast
Ahern
Connors
Timoney
Hodnett
Coombes
Big Joe McCarthy to start, Irelands form lock atm
Ireland look amazing. Absolutely superb. It hurts me to say it, but I’m going for:
1. Ireland (Slam)
2. France
3. Wales
4. Scotland
5. England
6. Italy
The battle for third is the hardest call.
What’s your logic for England in 5th? Came 3rd at the World Cup and domestic sides are doing really well in the Champions Cup.
The way the fixtures flip flop for Ireland, with either France and England in Dublin or both away has always played a part. France in Paris will be slam breaker I think
@@jimbo1706Except it’s not in Paris but Marseilles. Hate bing a pedant, but it could make a difference. The Breakdown crew reckoned that that pitch is 20 metres short. 🤷♂️
Personally think England are a shoe-in for 3rd, and could even get second depending on how developmental France/Ireland go against them
@@jimbo1706match is in Marseille
Tim - you got that pretty spot on. I would switch 4 places though:
1. Joe McCarthy has to be in 23 on both current form & future potential Henderson to miss out)
2. Ryan Baird instead of Prendergast in team
3. Will Connors on bench (taking Baird bench slot)
4. Robbie Henshaw instead of JOB (Frawley gives enough versatility on bench)
Good shouts. Not the first person to point out McCarthy should be in 23...and agree in retrospect. Suppose you could go McCarthy, Ryan, Beirne as 4,5,6 OR also Doris to 6 and Conan at 8. Both options I overlooked.
Sorry but Besides McCarthy Henderson is the best lock in the country. You pair those to and have Beirne at 6 for me
Set piece will be the big concern, all 4 provinces have scrum issues and only Leinster's lineout has functioned close to consistently.
That said, there's good young talent that could stake a claim to at least be in the 23 going forward like Ahern, Baird, McCarthy, Stewart, Aungier, Forde, Hume and Osborne.
Loosehead prop is still a major problem, with Jack Boyle looking like the only talent coming through
Ik he's not going but Jeremy loughman he's 28 but a very solid choice and in the prime of his prop days
@@lewisthornton3he is in his prime, but unfortunately is still at the same level as Ed Byrne.
Peter Dooley hopefully gets a look in as we need props that know how to scrummage
@inBODwetrust13 I agree actually aswell Peter Dooleu very underrated especially when he played at leinster
Bang on about Doak. Great call.
I would definitely have Jack Conan involved especially against France good power and form.
First of all - I want that t-shirt
Secondly, we need to jettison Murray he's too old. Jagers looking the business, definitely has squad destiny written all over him. Edogbo looks fantastic, haven't seen him have a bad game yet. Huge presence when he hits at the breakdown and he's only 21!
Sam p obviously is the xfactor kid for a bit now, he looks hella young next to the veterans but v exciting times to see how he does.
I hate to think the one and only Peter o'mahony is aging but he is, his days are numbered, imma miss him the ole trolling mucka!
The fight for 10 is gonna be delicious but man I think frawleys got a lot more to show in the years ahead if not for 10 then somewhere else. Sammy P just has that sexton apparent look about him.
Hope Bala has a better year than last, we need more ulster lads pulling the horse as well but my fav boy from the last couple of months has been Mccarthy, he's brilliant and seems to be excelling.
Who knows probably nobody will end up getting picked there's so few spots open, faz looks like the kinda coach that doesn't gut as easily as others.
FYI, Caolin is pronounced like "kay-lynn"
Good video, Tim. Cheers!
Watching Irish rugby can make you dizzy sometimes, just from how many names pop up playing for the provinces. The rugby factory that is the Irish school system never slows down.
As a Munster fan i feel the form player in Ireland is Joe McCarthy. Has to be given sat least some game time in the 6N.
Thanks as ever Tim , really looking forward to February . I would largely agree with you but with 2 exceptions , Will Connors gives us an edge and Billy Biernes in Ulster has been playing out of his socks . I think for now number 10is Crowley but I think overtime time it will come Diwn to a contest between him and Sam , billy might serve that transition. Lowe is still out and Handson not playing well . For the first game if Lowe injured Stockdale will start because of his booming boot
Cannot wait for the 6 nats and what a start!
Good to see you again Tim. Good pick but key here will be how they gel; Will the hive mind, the je ne sais quoi, intangible be retained?. Sam is very promising yes; good to see a lot of potential replacements for Sexton.
Looks like the Irish have a settled side with some quality depth coming through … they are going to be a handful over the next 4 years !
Now is the time to really give a shot to new players. Put out a full strength team vs France, show we can still do it after sexton, then use the remaining 4 games to 1) figure out who’s going to be playing 10 going forward and 2) give any promising talent their shot. The Ireland teams core is starting to age, and needs the new blood to get their war wounds now in order to develop a rugby culture that’ll last to the next World Cup and beyond. Too many great teams are scared to let new players come up and show what they have whilst there’s still life in the veterans who have done so much.
Agree massively. Boks and NZ are always ruthlessly targeting next world cup cycle. Ireland and other northern hemisphere teams need to lean more towards this. In ten years no one will remember who won six nations 2024. Ireland getting past a quarters in 2027 will be remembered for a generation.
Couldn't agree more. As big a fan as I have always been of Kilcoyne, Healy, Murray and POM, change is inevitable. I hope Ireland are proactive about this and not falling back on bad habits of yore. Oli Jager has been quietly impressive and brings proper experience to an aging front row group. Tadhg Furlong has a big question mark attached to his #3 jersey - he has started fewer and fewer games over the last 2 seasons.
@@votedimascio Ireland has really shown the work a new style of rugby, and have had massive success with it. But SA have shown how to run a team. The South African bench in the WC was a truly spectacular sight, the team performed just as well if not better. Taking that approach of allowing all players on the national side, no matter when they play, and looking for a quality 23, not just an elite 15 is the way to play it
@@fawltyoldboybasil.2178 furlong won’t make the next World Cup, props don’t really age well once the injuries build up. Definitely worth getting the younger players into some big games, and looking for development rather than ready made products
@@halion4487 Sadly, I agree with you. The IRFU may have to consider getting a few project players into the academies because players like Cian Healy, John Hayes, Tadgh Furlong, Andrew Porter seem to occur natively as often as once in a decade.
I'd have Tadgh Beirne at 6 and Joe McCarthy at 4. That's a powerful pack that's needed for the French match.
I think the biggest change I'd make is I'd drop Murray, his age profile is against him, and more importantly his form is against him, the impact in all the wrong ways he made against Exeter was telling, whether Blade or Doak are next in line is hard to tell, Blade hasn't been given any meaningful time as an international so harsh to say he hasn't stepped up to that level, he's looked more assured than either Murray or Casey at club level for a while, but I do like Doak also, Blade is probably the most like for like replacement for Gibson-Park though. But I don't expect the Ireland squad to be quite as big as that anyway. We tend to have the World cup warm up squad as the biggest squad of the whole cycle.
Completely agree he looks so off the pace of the game should definitely bring in Blade or Doak
Aye, he's been a great servant but he's just not at the same speed as other options. Munster suffer when he comes on, they noticably slow down.
Gibson park and casey play at a tempo that is so much faster than murray.
I thought he retired from international rugby after the World Cup?
@@gavshan there was no mention of it anyway
Blade ahead of Casey and Doak for me. Based on his form with Connacht be great to see him get more oppetunities with Ireland.
So today (Jan 8th) we learned that Mack Hansen & Jimmy O'Brien are both out of the 6N with long term injuries.
Hansen is out with injury now Tim...Nash or Stockdale might get a call up to the starting team yet...
Ahern McCarthy Blade Hodnett Crowley Frawley Nash all need to get in.
I can't find much to argue with you over the selection. Connor Murray is struggling but as you say years of experience. The one thing I hope we don't do is not evolve and blood younger players. I am worried about Andy Farrel taking on the Lions, Gatland had an formidable Welsh team and they hurt badly by loosing him to the Lions.
Good video. Thanks!
Good selection
I think Joe mccarthy and baird have to be in with a shout
Theyve been outstanding so far this season where the Irish provinces havent really sparked
Frawley needs to stick to 1 position possibly 10 as crowley or Byrnes havent been that effective this season
Robbie Henshaw is so overlooked now due to the form of aki & ringrose. Should be in the 23 jersey
Great video
I think Ireland might get found out a bit this 6 Nations, just feel last season went too well for us and it's very difficult to put back to back grand slam season performances. I'd like to see Joe McCarthy get a start, most inform lock in Ireland right now and he's only 22
I know it kind of goes without saying, but life without Johnny was always going to be tough. We have a wonderful squad but losing such a world class fly half and leader will be tough.
We don't need another Grand slam this year. In fact it might act as a deterrent to developing new players. A top three finish would be fine.@@discreetelite
Hansen now ruled out - who steps up? 😲
Will Connors will definitely be back in the squad. And Joe McCarthy has leapfrogged Henderson. Henderson has been playing well but my god McCarthy has been incredibly good. The man’s absolutely enormous too!
Thanks!
mack and jimmy outta the 6 nations
Catholic Ford for connacht has been brilliant this season...plays along side bundee and can slot in at 10.
Have seen Will Connors in recent province games and he’s been great, BUT where is Jack Conan?? Disappointing that you have not put him in your selection. Ahern, looking brilliant.
Id be happy to rebuild entirely this year. No point bringing those who wont make 27 and those who are doubtful.
Lowe and Hansen are out apparently.
Great video Tim !
Will you do videos on the other nations ? Or some of them ?
As others have said you are missing Will Connors. Also if McCarthy doesn't start against France he'll be on the bench
You’ve pretty much got it spot on so are obviously watching an awful lot of games. There are always a few other names that can be looked at like Jordan Larmour, Scott Penny, Will Connors, Shane Daly, Jacob Stockdale now seems to be back playing well again but those players are probably outsiders to make the 6n. Who knows with injury and form to consider though. Cathal Forde and Diarmuid Killganon at Connacht also looking like really good young players at centre and wing respectively.
Ireland needs to build for next world cup
I think history suggests otherwise. Why spend 4 years looking ahead to a tournament that can go wrong on the flip of a coin?
They will look at that in 2 years' time, not now it's pointless
Starting 7 for me..will conners ;) also for props i would take Belaham out and put Jack anger in,his main roll SCRUMING!! is unreal! :) your`re pick for 6 is easy..ryan baird :).. he is a menace in the lineout/hitting rucks/great hands/and speed to burn :)
I'd rather drop furlong tbh hasn't been in form last year and a half rather have bealham starting and Jack Aungier on bench but he is unreal
@@lewisthornton3 agreed on Furlongs form, he has dipped a bit..but we know what he can do , not to mention scruming is also his strenght where as i think Belahams strenght is in the loose more so than the scrum :)
Bealham is great in the scrums? He's had a much better year than Furlong and absolutely deserves to be ahead of him
@@niallmcnulty4108 i cant agree in anyway shape or form, he is very lucky to get some of the calls..but is not great in the scrum..in the lose? yup! but not in the scrum :)
I would put in Shane Daly instead of Stockdale
Sockdale is getting confident again his main issue is his defence. That’s what cost him his World Cup spot.
Really like that squad. The 23 is very good. I would find somewhere for Joe McCarthy and Henshaw in the 23, maybe move Bernie to 6 McCarthy 4 and Henshaw 23. LH prop is a big problem, though I'd be worried about JL against France and Boyle/McCarthy are still to young. Maybe Healy is still back up lose head for another year.
Class video thanks listen to you all day on Rugby not a bad fellolw for brit ,joking take care
As time goes by and Joe McCarthy and Edwin Edogbo start fighting for the 4 shirt, I see Beirne at 6. Might be time to make that move. Hendy has been a great servant and it seems like a huge own goal to drop him from the 23, but his ceiling is lower than those 3. Also, he is the wrong side of 30.
Only 1 change for me, keep blade in terms of form miles ahead of Murray. Drop Murray for Doak
Sam Prendergast is going to be better than Sexton ever was.
Balacoune and Stockdale are too high risk, they are way too porous in defense. And no amount of coaching will improve them, they are simply too soft. Tom Stewart is a great prospect. I've no concerns for finding a replacement for Sexton. We are blessed to have so many top quality number 10s at the moment. POM will be back for the 6N. It took me a min to realise that you had Cian not his brother selected at number 6. Not so sure on that one...... But, all in all not a bad selection. Can't wait for the France game. Ireland by 7 points.
Unfortunately Egdogbo is probably gone until next season, a huge pity because he had really stepped up. Murray and Kilcoyne really need to be moved on. I'd love to see Hodnett included, he always reminds me of the things Anthony Foley used to do. Prendergast has many positive aspects but defence as yet is not one of them. Where he is now, Crowley has the potential to be a complete outhalf, though he needs to work on his decision making and get his kicking %s up.
Hello again Tim.
McCarthy will be in the 23.
Lowe is injured. Stockdale has Andy's eye and seems growing confident again.
Hansen may be hurt. In that case there's a contest between Larmour, Nash, maybe a wild card in Connacht or Munster.
Frawley makes the bench. I agree with a few others that Will may sneak on.
Robbie Henshaw
Without james lowe we have no chance he has the booth to win for irelsnd he must be there ihave not seen lowe for Leinster in last 3 games is he left or injured hope not we beed him
Cathal Forde is doing great shame he is a center but think he should be on the training team for development
McCarthy and Hendo start in row with Beirne at 6 and maybe Connors as 7 cover. Now both Hansen and O Brian are injured it will be interesting who gets in on the wings.
As an Ulster fan I’m at a loss as to why no John Cooney. Doak is a great prospect but John has delivered for 5 seasons - brill place kicker as well.
Very educated video. It’s hard to disagree with your starting 15, but having 0 Ulster players is becoming a norm with Ireland for some reason. I don’t really know why, but I think it’s also hard to argue with the selection a lot of the time. It should probably be discussed more how Ulster have been probably Ireland’ 2nd best team before last year with the Munster resurgence, and still well capable of beating Europe’s top teams. Do you have any insight into this? It’s a very interesting topic to investigate because when I watch Ulster I do feel confident that the players named on the team sheet can go toe to toe with who they are facing, even if they have a much bigger reputation in an international setting. A theory I have is that it’s almost a snowballing effect of losing players from the Ireland squad years ago when they were poorer, with a lack of faith/confidence given to them when they do play. There are times where you see Ulster players thrown into a less important game and they do look a bit cold because they don’t seem to have the same connection to the team or environment as others have. I think that sometimes an Ulster player has to make a huge impact to be considered for selection again, and they seem to be dropped very quickly after a mediocre performance on their first outing or maybe two and could do with more time. I believe that Leinster’s young players probably find it much easier to settle in right away with the Irish squad when they have already been so familiar with most of the players from training every week with them at club level, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a better player than a player in their position at another Provence. I understand international rugby is not a charity to give players all the time in the world to settle in, but surely something is going wrong when barely any players from such a competitive team are not even involved with the squad, and I think that to keep Irish rugby going forward this needs to be fixed as to compete at for a World Cup you need the be extracting the absolute most you can from all Provences, as we only have 4 teams. This is not me saying that the players selected for Ireland today shouldn’t be there, they should be based off how they have performed in green, I just think that there is clearly something going wrong at a deeper level that is making Ulster players so unsuccessful within the Irish squad!
You might well be onto something here, we can only hope that this has also been noticed by the coaches, and they're working on fixing it by the next WC
I feel for Ulster on the selection front but their best players are really up against it when it comes to getting into the Irish setup.
First of all Stockdale is past it. Someone like Balocoune could sneak in in time, but has been unlucky with injuries. McCloskey would be in only for the fact Aki/Ringrose/Henshaw are all better atm. Cooney out of favour. Burns isn't good enough. Don't think any back rower makes it, but Henderson is still very solid at second row. I also think Herring & O'Toole are unlucky to be on the fringes... but players like Kilcoyne and Healy can't go on forever I suppose.
@@IrishBorussen Yeah I do accept what you are saying but I think you are mostly missing my point. I am more getting at a deeper level as to why these players haven’t worked out for Ireland over the last few years and how people and Andy Farrell have no faith in them, yet they can absolutely go out and perform as a Provence. Take Burns for example, I don’t think he should currently be in the Irish squad, but he is mighty underrated as he can make Ulster’s attack function with great flow and he put on a masterclass versus Leinster last week. I feel that players like him were judged way too harshly when they first put on an Irish shirt as they were starting with much less familiarity with the guys around them. I do actually accept what you mentioned in your comment though, apart from Timony absolutely being up to making the Irish squad in the back row as week in week out he is levels above his opposite number especially when it comes to big games. I know there is stiff competition in the back row for Ireland but he is immense! Rather than being a complaint, I more hope that the Irish staff fix this issue within the system because as good as Leinster may function we need to be extracting all we can get from all four provinces if we want to find yet another gear to help us win the World Cup
@@FinnD777 Totally agree with you... we want every province to be firing on all cylinders with no side left behind. I'd be a Leinster fan myself but I was delighted to see Ulster win a few days ago. With you all the way on the harsh judgement of Burns. The fact he kicked the ball dead vs Wales seemed to be the nail in his coffin, even tho plenty have bounced back from similar errors.
Very fair point on Timoney he is in fine form this year by all accounts I've read.
I forgot to mention Stewart at hooker too - definitely one for the future who i think will soon compete with Sheehan in the coming years and potentially oust Kelleher.
Do you think the fact Ravenhill is such a fortress with a bubbling atmosphere lifts the Ulster players more than if it would if it was an Ireland game? I was at Ravenhill last season for Ulster v Sale (family friends who support Ulster) and it was electric. Bound to be like that 16th man energy but maybe there'd be enough pride at place representing Ireland anyway!
@@IrishBorussen I absolutely agree that Ravenhill does seem to give them a special boost, and I think that maybe if some of them got a bit more support behind them when they take the field for Ireland it could potentially elevate them too. That said they do generally still perform well away from home but are a little more inconsistent. Totally agree what you said about Burns and Stewart too. I think that Stewart still has some improvement to do, especially around line outs and just some silly moments when more control in the game is needed, but he is also a prime example of a player that needs to be nurtured and integrated with the squad because I absolutely do think he has the ability to be top level someday. It’s players exactly like him though who have actually made it near being in the Irish team before but seem to hit a hurdle then, and it’s players like him that I hope will be dealt with a bit better. Sheehan and Kelleher completely deserve their places for now and Stewart should be introduced and matured for a time. I do have strong faith in Andy Farrell as a coach, but I think it’s something that could be improved.
Hansen & O'Brien out of this match day squad through injury. Baird has to start. Will Connors on the bench ( you missed him ). Lowe still injured and can't be match fit. Great overall assessment
Jesus! Oli Jager wouldn’t be much use. He’s only marginally taller than six inches!
Also - didn’t O’Mahony retire too?
Keep up the good work. Love your channel.
Actually most of your suggestions are around the six inch mark. Is this some underhand tactic trying to influence Andy to pick a miniature team?
Jager is 6'4 and O'Mahony did not retire.
I'd have Joe McCarthy in second row and Tadgh Beirne at 6
Oli jager 🔥🔥
It looks like Not even a RWC gold medal can get Jean Klein into that squad 😂😂😂😂😂
😂
They have all ready beaten sa boy,s..why the hell would you pick one of them..? Wake up kid.
Jean klein used play for irish mate. Long time ago? Do try and catch up. Try table-tennis mate.you,r obviously clueless.?😂😂😂😂
@@michaelmoynihan9591As clueless as us saffers are, bro, we at least have enough game sense to get past a RWC ¼ final, every time.
The JK chirp that I threw out there was purely in jest to see the reactions by the likes of..... you.
To all rugby fans:
I wish you all a magic 2024. May all your team's aspirations materialize, until you get bounced by the green & gold 🇿🇦😂
@@glentweedie602 what if Scotland had beaten ireland mate. Where would you be.still stuck in the pool mate..Irish not only beat ye but also saved sa.? So remember don,t be so ungrateful mate.😂😂😂😂😂
Like the analysis Tim.. only changes I make is I think Murray has to be dropped. He has been bang average at club this season.. blade playing better and plenty of experience in Gibson Park.. I also think prendergast a bit young.. id have frish over Hume (pure minster bias from me there).. i think omahony might be done to be honest, so id have timoney brought in for POM
Baloucoune has been pretty poor so far this season. Don’t think he will be in. Dave McCann might make it if his pre injury form is considered but then I’m not sure when he will be back
Can’t argue with any of those names on your list.
Who do you see captain the team?