Irish eyes look like crying (140)
- 18 Sep 07, 10:59 AM
Bordeaux - One of these next two paragraphs is a rational assessment of the World Cup campaign.
are a world class team. were the fortunate beneficiaries of a surfeit of turnover ball. Training is going well. It鈥檚 been tough, because northern hemisphere teams peak in January, not September. Ireland are not far away from putting it all together. Ireland will be better against the because they know their game. Ireland are playing high risk rugby which will bring dividends against major nations, but which is fraught with danger against others.
Or...
This Ireland squad is in disarray. Their performances against the two 鈥渕innows鈥 have been abject. Good players like Ronan O鈥橤ara are playing like drains. Talismanic types like Paul O鈥機onnell and Brian O鈥橠riscoll have shrivelled in the spotlight. This is not a happy party.
How does it seem to you? As you may have guessed, the opening paragraph features the encouraging words emanating from the Irish camp. The second, the thoughts of an interested observer.
Eddie O鈥橲ullivan has taken the bull by the horns and dropped one of his 鈥淯ntouchables鈥 in .
Eoin Reddan is a more than capable deputy, but his promotion has opened up a new can of worms.
Reddan has leapfrogged Isaac Boss in the pecking order. Ulster鈥檚 number nine has to be content to serve as a super-sub.
If Reddan is Ireland鈥檚 second-best scrum-half, why has he hardly featured in the last 18 months, and not at all in this World Cup?
Other selections will have caused disgruntlement too. Geordan Murphy, Malcolm O鈥橩elly and Neil Best will wonder what they have to do to find a way into the 15. John Haughey鈥檚 earlier blog covers all this extensively.
Here in there appears to be a siege mentality developing in Camp Ireland. Glum players wander morose through the hotel lobby.
O鈥橤ara鈥檚 chin is somewhere in the vicinity of his ankles. In between savaging the on-field performances, even the journalists are starting to take pity at times.
One question to O鈥橲ullivan from yesterday鈥檚 press conference began: 鈥淕iven that a graph of your recent form would not be鈥︹ (long pause while the correct word was found)鈥..upward鈥.鈥
Someone noted today that Stringer had been a 鈥渇airly consistent鈥 presence at scrum-half over the last few years.
Given that he鈥檚 never been dropped in seven years, it was akin to suggesting that Tony Blair had occupied for 鈥渁 little while鈥.
Or that had enjoyed a 鈥渂it of a run鈥 in the West End. When the hacks start going easy on you, you know you鈥檙e in trouble.
Short of a staggering turnaround, Ireland will come off second best against France on Friday night.
Show me a miserable collection of players and I鈥檒l show you some miserable results. For Ireland鈥檚 sake, I hope I鈥檓 wrong. This group is far too talented to be bundled out before the quarter-finals. But they look shot to bits already.
Alastair Eykyn is a Radio 5 live reporter specialising in rugby union, tennis and hockey. He is covering Ireland at the World Cup and you can see 5 live's full broadcast schedule here.
Comments Post your comment
Rumours are rife of "unrest" in the Irish camp.
Does anyone know what is really happening inside?
Complain about this comment
Someone please show this to BOD:
"We all have a responsibility individually to get up for games," he said.
"It starts with the individual and then collectively you have to perform.
"On Friday the team was average, we paid the price and got a good thumping.
"As players we need to take all the criticism on the chin, because we deserve it at the moment.
"And until we find that performance we know that we'll continue to get it.
"We're capable of winning these games but I'm sick of saying there's a performance in us. In this job you've got to deliver.
"From somewhere everyone has to find that performance.
We have said it for two games, but now it gets critical.
Jason Robinson comments to England after last weeks game v SA
Complain about this comment
Whilst I can see that previous two performances by Ireland are not that reassuring, I can say, being French and living in Italy, that a few other teams went through, or are going through tougher moments than initially forecast. This does not mean that the bear's skin should be sold before it is killed. Ireland have quite a few world-class players (unlike England perhaps for now) so let's see. Psycology is a very odd thing! Also, as a Frenchman, I would prefer them to pick themselves up, as we need them to thrash Argentina. Come on guys, from Saturday morning, 60 million Frenchmen will be with you!
Complain about this comment
As ever the answer is probably somewhere in between. Up until now the Ireland camp has always seemed, to the casual onlooker, a happy enough place to be. I don't think you can underestimate the effect of 'staleness' in that the team has maybe become all too familiar with each other in recent times. I could not agree more with your comment regarding Reddan's apparent rise; if he is Ireland (second) best scrum half then why has he not played? There has been a change needed at 9 for some time and it's made a mockery of EoS's reign that he's chosen this particulr time, the eve of the biggest game is...many many years, to realise Stringer isn't the one for the job and has chosen to play a fella who's played more on the wing for Ireland than at 9. I am a big fan of Boss and disappointed for him as i think the time he has been given in the past two games has been both limited and difficult, in that he came on twice when our pack was very much on the back foot and, one can only imagine, was told, 'Fix It'. I doubt anyone could've done! At any rate, Reddan's a welcome change but perhaps a year too late? Good luck Eoin, think of yourself as a goal keeper facing penalties; noone expects you to save it (our World Cup) but if you do you're a hero!
Complain about this comment
Word around the campfire is that both Stringer and Murphy have been sent home from the World Cup following a bust up.. is this just a really bad saipan-style rumour or is there any truth?
Complain about this comment
This is reactionary sports journalism at its highest level. During the irish general election this year, one reporter described our prime minister as looking tired and dischevelled. This was a description of the PM at 7am with 1 week to go to election night. Who the hell wouldn't look tired? Of course the Irish are not going to be in the highest of spirits walking around the hotel. If they were you'd be writing something along the lines of " to the utter bewilderment from most of the press and fans around the hotel the irish players seem to be wallking around as if they don't care as if they know its already over". Then it would be a piece on how they are overpaid overhyped, they have no passion. Its all rubbish.
Ireland have played awfully in their last 2 competitive games, they know they're a good side, they have plenty of level heads in the team and a top class coach who doesn't suddenly become a clown over 2 weeks.
It is inconceivable that Ireland will put on a bad performance again, I'm not saying that we are assured of victory, far from it, but these guys will pick themselves up and I for one think its going to be a very close and -without trying to sound like a sky tv presenter- is going to be cracking game of rugby!
Complain about this comment
There must be something fairly terminal going on in the Irish camp. Good, well motivated, players bounce back for adversity or at least come out fighting. The currant squad seem to have already admitted defeat.
Complain about this comment
Re 7. the currant squad have good raisin to be glum (A)
Complain about this comment
Bizarre decisions by EOS. Rumours going around Dublin of poor morale and splits / cliques developing in the Irish Camp. Stories like, BOD got Strings dropped from the Team etc.
Neil Francis doesn't help matters in the media last night by throwing in the old chestnut that Ulster must have a representative in every Ireland team. If there is a shred a truth in this (and Gerry Thornley kicked it into touch on Morning Ireland)such a quota system hasn't harmed South Africa.
Comments like this only add fuel the fire. Backers of players like Hickie, Murphy think they have been persecuted because of some unfounded Ulster quota, and Trimble is under the spotlight and looking over his shoulder for the same reason. Meanwhile, the Ulster contingent in the camp develop into a clique. Come of it Franno lay off the conspiracy stuff, we are all in this together.
How do you think Isaac Boss feels when he wakes up this morning!.
When Ireland go out, should it be against France or Argentina, if EOS has any moral fibre, he will fall on his sword. After all, he used the same sword to stab Warren Gatland in the back a few years ago. Et tu brute!
Complain about this comment
I think Eddie's policy of selecting the same 15 (injuries aside) for the last 4 games has really come back to bite him. There's been no competition for palces, only Stringer has been axed (long over due). What does Neil Best need to do to get in the back row? Why has O'Kelly not started a game, that surely would have given the other O'Locks a gee up. Murphy booted out for Duffy, come on!!!! I've also heard this nonsance about over training, yeh the All Blacks are really suffering from that! EOS is "puzzled." I'm puzzled alright, how'd he manage to get a 4 year deal BEFORE the world cup started? It's also noticable the number of posts on the Ireland Blogs, think it shows how much disappointment there's been (so far).
Complain about this comment
This is the best Irish rugby team there's ever been. Yet, for some reason, they've always fallen short when it mattered against the French. The rugby CVs of some of the game's greatest start are bereft of a single Championship, let alone Grand Slam, all because of the French hoodoo. And as our Argentinian friends showed recently, the French are only good if you let them play. Look at the stuffings the ABs have dished them out in recent months.
I've no idea what malaise has got into the Irish tent in recent times. I saw them in Killiney Castle a couple of weeks back and morale seemed excellent. OK, the bizarre loyalty O'Sullivan insists on showing to out-of-sorts players is clearly hurting both the team on the pitch and the squad in the wider sense. His weird spat with Geordan Murphy casts a serious question mark over O'Sullivan's judgement. If he wasn't willing to play Murphy, why did he put him on the plane?
Back to the French. The Irish have an amazing opportunity to atone for our atrocious recent form versus France, i.e. when playing well in general, we capitulate to them. This time out, we're playing badly, so how about being contrary enough to turn form on its head, get stuck into Les Bleus from the first whistle (O'Connell, Leamy etc. might also want to look at a training manual on how to field a restart - this suicidal Scholboy level ball-dropping has to end). OK, it would be handy if we had a couple of attack hounds (eg. Neil Best, actually playing in order to counter the Caveman, Betson, et al...)
And ROG, cheer up mate, for God's sake! You're a form player, and on song, you're among the world's top 3, but over the last 2 weeks, your kicking from hand has been more akin to the Garryowen Thirds.
We believe in you, and you owe it to your career and your place in history to park whatever is bothering you and have the game of your life on Friday night.
I'll be in the stadium on Friday night, cheering until my voice goes. I still believe in you lads, but you've got to believe in yourselves. Forget about us fans, do this one for the team 鈥 France are painfully overdue a good kick in the derriere from this Irish team, and maybe now that they reckon we're a spent force, is just the time to wipe that Gallic smirk off their faces.
Allez les Verts!
Complain about this comment
Yer spot on Johny S......Why oh Why was EOS given a 4 year deal before the World Cup. In any given team at any given sport there is always a % of players in the team/squad who do not like the incumbent Coach/Manager. Its only natural. Therefore when the prospect of another 4 years of the same man is presented these quiet voices all of sudden find them & form disappears every so mysteriously. Think about it. Prediction time:some face saved against the French but still a loss & then similar for Argentina. A very average 6 nations & within one year another coach looking for work. IRFU you did wrong, you should have waited until AFTER the World Cup.
Complain about this comment
I think the whole problem stems from this new 'style' of rugby Ireland are supposed to be playing now.
So much of the attack seems to be improvised that they don't really know what they're doing.
I got tired of watching O'Driscoll break the line against the Georgians only to throw the ball away when he was finally tackled because there was no support.
There's nothing wrong with a bit of improvisation and flair but equally there's nothing wrong with putting together a few phases of play.
There's no balance between the two at the minute.
Complain about this comment
After each game I have seen so far I have been really disappointed but I keep hoping they will get it together for the next match.
I could give out yards about Murphy not even being on the bench or Neill best not getting a run out when we clearly need someone like him to make an impact on the team.
Anyway enough of the giving out! I'll still be screaming the lads on come Friday night and if we manage to pull it off.... Happy dayz!!!!
Good luck lads theres a nation behind you!
Complain about this comment
Not sure about the rumours of unrest but judging on the two games so far the players look edgy and out of sorts, completely unable to retain possession. Perhaps the waffle in the build up has taken its toll and the expectation and hopes of a nation are too much for them. Certainly a questionable selection policy to date but now there is no other option but to give it their absolute best and if it's not good enough then tough. Good luck Ireland.
Complain about this comment
Now I suspect that this will be taken the wrong way and I am in for a right flaming, but this RWC should be a wake up call to Ireland.
A rugby playing friend of mine recently referred to Ireland as the most overrated team in the world.
I am inclined to agree that the tolerant love most nations have for 'the craic', riverdance and drinking lots and fighting along with other national stereotypes has created a goodwill towards Ireland and all teams Irish that has prehaps led to them being over respected.
Now don't get me wrong. Of all our failing 6N home teams, Ireland are at or near thetop of the poo heap. But let's not forget it's still a poo heap.
Yes, you've got O'Driscoll, but D'Arcy has been riding his coat tails for years and ROG is perhaps the world's most overrated 10. He cannot cope under pressure.
Ironically one of your best World class players, Geordan Murphy (who always performs when your backs are against the wall) appears to have been dropped for your next match.
As a Welshman who long ago faced the cold harsh glare of reality, I suggest acceptance of these facts is the way to a happier life.
Complain about this comment
EOS should have gone two years ago: he has stifled this group, particularly over the past 12 months. Everyone seems to agree (to a greater or lesser extent) about the bizarreness of his latest selection. However, that is neither here nor there: he is coach, apparently until 2012, and you can only piss with the c0@k that you've got (something which holds true for O'Gambla as well).
If there is infighting (which the BOD-Stringer beration and Murhpy's GUBU omission seem to indicate), that for me is the most upsetting thing. If we chuck it all away because of some personality clash 脿 la Saipan it will be a very sad day for Irish rugby. Particularly because I didn't think anyone in that group was as insecure, unstable or sheer mad as the likes of Roy Keane, Mick McCarthy or Steve Staunton. I will be going to the match on Friday (I was in Bordeaux too) and I really want to believe we can play well but Eddie's famous 'form book' just doesn't give me any rational grounds for optimism.
Complain about this comment
Lets put aside all the (deserved) criticism of EOS, IRFU, the Team the selection etc etc for a few days and swing back behind what is a hugely formidable Irish team.
France were lucky against us last year and this year. Now its definitely time for another amazing performance from Ireland and that little extra ... luck!!
Allez les Irlandais
Complain about this comment
Now as an Irishman living in England, I've proudly walked with my head held high from a national and Munster point of view for the last four years as we've had great club Rugby and 6 nations. Friday's game will show the true character of all the 15 guys that walk out there with their country's backing.
I can't grasp the style of play in the first two games, which has given embarrassment for being Irish and still as we do, we fight the Irish corner. I work with Kiwi's and Aussies and before the World Cup, we were touted as real contenders but now we're laughed at.
Its about time EOS, BOD, ROG lived up to expectation and gave us Irish fans something to be proud of! I'll be watchin Friday and I expect a performance to be proud of and a result to match.
Complain about this comment
I know this may be bizarre but i'm actually with Brent Pope (of all people) on this, I think we'll do it on Friday. So much so, i'm putting money on it. Backs against the Wall is the way the Irish seem to like it and I'm keeping the faith.
Complain about this comment
It's all a clever plot. We're back to where we know best - underdogs with high hopes but low expectations and a strong desire to show the world we can crack the big boys sometimes and still party, whatever happens. All our best performances were when this was the case (forget England at Croke - we can all see how rubbish they are). Never mind all the 'best team ever' and thoughts of lifting the World Cup. Give it a lash, play your hearts out for 85 minutes, tackle and chase like fury, make sparkling breaks, take the chances that are sniffed out and it can still be rugby World Cup glory - win or lose!
Money has ruined the game anyway. 30 big lumps knocking bells out of each other and all playing to a Rugby League formula. Let's have an amateur world cup so we can get back to enjoying the game.
Complain about this comment
Frazer is quite right they need to settle down into phase ball, and keep it simple, if they do those long passes against France it won't be a knock on it will be a french try. I personally think that Ireland are going to pull it out and knock the french right out the tornament, all they need is a good start and it will start to flow naturally.
After all they may not have been good games but Ireland haven't lost which the french have... An early try and Ireland will win the group no problem, and you can never underestimate BOD. As for the 9 issue I think it is quite a good idea, it will make the french nervous and Reddan has a different style of play which could be very useful against "the flare" of France.
Also on the subject of improvisation, if you watch the all blacks alot of their's looks very like they are set moves, and I think Ireland should be watching that very carefully.
Complain about this comment
Get Neil Best on the park from the start is best option. After 60 minutes is 3rd option......hope EOS has figured out a 2nd option BUT he Best must play.
Murphy blows hot and cold...what about this guy who's ex-league and only being playing rugby since he was 23.......that would give the French something to ponder.
Hope it works out for you on Friday....this team/squad on paper is a delight.
Complain about this comment
The most horrific element of this debacle is not the actual results rather EOS does not have a structured plan, or any form of progressive framework for his team after all these years. He talks about a 鈥榮tyle鈥 of play in the last press conference after the Georgia game, something he thought we got right in the 6 nations just gone. Reality check here, we didn鈥檛 win the 6 nations, nor did our Scotland, France and Welsh games have any particular style to them either, so what does he mean?!!!! The evidence to where we鈥檝e ended up points to stultifying over-coaching, while suffocating inertia describes his selection policy. With half the talent Munster won the Heineken Cup. The terrible reality is that with the greatest pool of talent ever at the disposal of any Irish coach the best we鈥檒l ever do is a Triple Crown title. For the IRFU to think EOS鈥檚 achievements to date warranted a new 4 year contract prior to the world cup implicates them wholly in this mess. The biggest upset of this world cup??鈥..Ireland qualifying out of their group.
Complain about this comment
We owe the French one for Croke Park, no better place to do it, than in France, and knocking them out of their own tournament.
For this not to be a disatour Ireland must target 4 tries, because I would then expect Ireland to get at least 2 points from the game, if not all 5.
As for a bad atmosphere in the Irish camp, you would expect it after the way that they played, if there wasnt, then that would show that they didn't care, thats a good sign as far as i'm concerned.
But it is all about mental attitude, Ireland have never beaten a top in the WC, so its about we did, we have to have a winners attitude, without being too cocky, we must be up for the game, we must win the game, roll on Friday!!!
Complain about this comment
It seems we are all totally at a loss to explain how this team has failed to 'spark' in recent games and I don't have the answer, but it seems our freshest man is Wallace and he had been unable to train in the lead up, so is our preparation for the Tournament to blame.
I am disgusted personally at the number of squad members, including EO'S who have deals with media of all kinds, being wheeled out on tv3 for opinions on other teams, newspaper articles, radio programs etc, surely this should not have been allowed to happen.
We now have to listen to ugly rumours about some players and their domestic troubles but i suppose that is inevitable given the poor performances.
Perhaps our team will find the kind of spirit to at least take on the French and resore our pride in Irish rugby, for if they don't and capitulate they will send more people in the Thomond park direction where Irish people are able to find pride in victory and defeat.
Complain about this comment
As someone with both English and Irish parentage and having lived in both countries I hate to sound pessimistic. But some of the comments on this thread sound similar to the ones being left on the England one before last Friday's debacle. Hope and (unjustified?) belief. By all means you have to get behind your side but you also have to be realistic. Ireland's problem is not a question of skill and ability-they have that in spades. It is a question of attitude and possibly management (one causing the other?). If things have got so bad in the camp then it will not be fixed in a matter of a few days. I would dearly love the boys have a blinder and pull one out of the hat but I can't see it. If the remaining games finish the way I fear then EOS must carry the can
Complain about this comment
Very worrying times indeed for this talented squad. EOS should have his a**e kicked for this. Gavin Duffy isn't fit to clean Geordan Murphys boots, Neil Best has been hard one by, Ronan O Gara looks like his misplaced his favourite cuddly toy,etc , etc. But let's put all this negativity aside for the moment. We need to get behind this team as a nation and give it a lash. Come friday we'll all be behind the team and if we win (which i think we will) then all is well.For now at least. So come on boys, ye have the talent to do it, ye have the experience, now go out there and give it holly.b.t.w Jerry Flannery's the man to lift htis team.
Complain about this comment
Rob Roy - Murphy did not convert from Rugby League when he was 23 - he has always played Union and was capped on the Ireland U18's. He also played in New Zealand when he was young.
Bit boggled my Murphy's omission, and Duffy's inclusion ahead of Hickie and Carney who would be real impact subs against the French with their vision and ability to cut up the field. Hope Reddan can perform to the standard he plays at at Wasps.
I'll be cheering on the lads on Friday - I still believe we can do it. Being underdogs with our backs against the wall is what Irish rugby thrives on! Maybe it was Eddies grand plan all along...
Complain about this comment
I am simply amazed about what is happening.
Thankfully I didn't watch Saturdays match live as I was at a wedding - I think I would have died of stress! Comparing the level we are playing now to the six nations it must be the most dramatic fall from grace ever. Its even worse than Englands as there's has been over the last four years.
Leaving Stringer out is a good shout and I was also unimpressed with Boss when he came on so Redden is a good brave call. He clearly has some massive issue with Murphy and given his performance recently against Scotland it makes all the more baffling. I would have also brought on Neil Best for the abrasiveness, which is so badly lacking.
There is nothing but negativity coming from the camp and the extra four year contract now looks completely daft
My guess is that we will raise our game against France but still loose and then beat Argentina but loose out on lack of bonus points, making us the first side to not qualify for a QF having only lost one pool match.
How miserable....
Complain about this comment
Cant help but think that the Irfu's decision to throw eos a 4 year contract before the world cup is definitely a forward pass.......am i alone on this.
Complain about this comment
It will be an absolute catastrophe if we lose on friday but I fear that defeat will inevitably come. As a munster man I feel for Peter Stringer, but I agree with the choice of Reddan. Neil Best should also be starting. It is a joke that the back row will stay untouched. I thought the Namibia game might have been a tough one to get right mentally but the perfomance against Georgia was just a disgrace. There has to be a major problem in the squad. I think EOS must take a share of the blame for this and BOD. O Sullivan's treatment of Murphy (for one huge mistake in the 6 nations) is just pig headedness. I'm preying for an Ireland performance to remember but I think I will have to get drunk before the match to numb the pain of the awful feeling of defeat..
Complain about this comment
has anyone not heard that there was a massive bust up after the Ireland v Italy game in Ravenhill over the national anthems? aperantlt there were punches thrown and everything!! murder between the ulster and munster players....thats why the team isnt getting along.
Complain about this comment
If there's one thing I'm truly sick of, as an Irish sports fan, it is the endless quoting of a ancient, rubbish, fake-Irish song every time something goes right. If ever an Irishman wins anything you can be sure that lazy hacks all over the world will opine that "Irish eyes are smiling!"
Now here we are with a highly rated Irish team performing abysmally. I thought at least this time I'd be spared those bloody smiling eyes. And then this headline! Irish eyes crying!!
Aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrghhhhhh!! As if the performances haven't been bad enough. That one consolation has been swiped from my grasp.
Complain about this comment
Yeah Roy its a crap song. I'm off to the boozer. Rubbish all round.
Complain about this comment
I feel the weight of expectation has weighed heavily on Ireland and EOS and they have choked. EOS says he cannot understand this. However it is his job to do so and fix it!
Best and Boss should have started as they would have provided a robust answer to what I expect to be a very aggressive start by the French as they seek to disrupt the Irish as the previous two teams did.
Expect to lose and things can only get better. Ireland perform better from an underdog position.Allez les verts!
Complain about this comment
There are a lot of transparently false rumours on this page, none of which do any credit to those spreading them or the team. Lets discuss the team, give them our support, and skip the gossip.
Complain about this comment
How do you explain the massive drop in performance from the England game at Croker vs. the warm-up games and now the Namibia and Georgia games?
They are the same players, barely any older, playing in reasonably familiar surrounds.
There has to be some serious morale issues in the camp, be they a Northern/Southern divide or something else. But even so, that hardly explains such a dramatic fall from grace.
Sad to see the best Irish team in living memory possibly fail to make the QF's! And to think after Croke Park and the defeat of my team, The Wallabies in November 2006, Ireland were genuine RWC contenders.
Complain about this comment
Gemma, I think Carney was the late convert to rugby RobRoy was referring to there...
there is something seriously amiss in this ireland camp. according to eddie's logic, because murphy missed a tackle on ibanez six months ago, he deserves to lose his place to some lad who isn't a household name in his own house. and that nonsense about duffy providing extra cover at centre doesn't wash either. we have four lads starting who have more experience at centre than duffy. how much cover do you need?
murphy misses the last world cup because of a broken leg; misses this one because of some rift with a pig-headed manager (different code but we've been here before). have to feel sorry for him.
we got no go-forward ball (as eddie might say) against third rate packs in opening matches because our pack lacked any aggression. don't recall easterby's name being mentioned in commentary once. anonymous. but no fear eddie would drop his favourite adopted son for best or quinlan.
Complain about this comment
It's all very odd. I think that the players may be over-prepared and, at this point, mentally off the boil. Is this a uniquely Irish thing? Given that the players are likely to have worked on so many variations and 鈥榠mprovisations鈥, it isn鈥檛 surprising that the backs haven鈥檛 clicked. However, this does not explain getting the basics wrong and making very elementary mistakes when in possession or the constant turning over of the ball. Have we had any confirmations as regards players leaving the panel / being sent home?
I think that EO鈥橲 was right not to start Murphy against France given his historic performances against them, so, the question is, whether a player who has never played well against France and most likely would not play even as a substitute is worth his place on the bench for that game?
Personally I hope that the first two games were aberrations, part of a painful 'growing' or 'reorientation' process. However, when taken with the Italy and Scotland games, I doubt this.
I think now is the time to find out whether the team and indeed, the players who aspire to being legends in their own time, actually have spirit, the ability to perform with backs against the wall and are really worthy of going down in Irish sporting annals.
We do not react well to being overwhelming favourites so perhaps this perverse situation we find ourselves in will help us from a psychological perspective. Will O'Gara miss Stringer or will the reverse happen - will he realise that nobody is sacred and that if his kicking out of hand and penalty kicking do not improve, then Paddy Wallace will be in against Argentina and for the next Six Nations? I have been reading some articles from Argentina sports websites about their view of Ireland and, one thing is for certain, O鈥橤ara is very much a marked man if he plays against the Pumas 鈥 as much for his verbals off the field as his prowess on it.
I actually think that the manner of our 'anti-victory' against Italy (conceding a try with the last possession which took matters out of our own hands) and also France snatching the injury time try against Wales in the last seconds of the last Six Nations game may have mentally broken the Irish team and gave them the realisation that they went so close but will always be nearly men, always grasp defeat from the jaws of victory. I hope that this is not the case.
In any event, I will be in Paris and (if we manage to make it) Cardiff cheering on the lads.
Complain about this comment
Wow, some amount of whiners. Yesterday people argued for Reddan鈥檚 inclusion on Friday despite his lack of match-time, today they criticise the timing of his inclusion for his lack of match-time!!
Anyway, here鈥檚 what I think鈥
20th May 2006 - The day Munster won The Heineken Cup final, also the day that we effectively waved goodbye to any chance of major honours at International level with this group of Irish players(forget the triple crown, that's a gimme).
Why?
The flipside of this win for us as a nation has been that we have lost the very platform of our running game 鈥 the relentlessly aggressive approach of a motivated pack starved of much deserved success. Since winning the HC, I have not seen that Munster mentality transferred to the Irish pack, bar flashes in the second half of the French game in Croke Park. And in their minds, why should they put everything on the line? Munster have already won their World Cup.
Am I wrong??
Complain about this comment
Re James at No 6 鈥 EOS "a top class coach"?? are you sure?
After spending a week in Bordeaux I, for one, hope he will do the honourable deed at the end of this fiasco. And I doubt I will be rushing to buy tickets for the next Lions Tour if he is left in charge.
I believe he was given the time, the money and the players with both experience and talent and has managed to turn a silk purse into a sows ear.
Where do you start?
The forwards looked in disarray, the backs nondescript.
(And these are pretty much the same players who last year nearly beat New Zealand.
There didn't seem to be anyone on the Irish team capable of changing the style of play. They seemed completely rudderless.
The back row (well two of them) played reasonably well as individuals - one didn't even seem to be on the pitch as far as I could tell - but didn't seem to gel together at all. Need I mention the word "openside"?
Gone are the days when all 50-50 loose ball was Ireland's.
By the end of last weekend鈥檚 game the backs were bickering at each other, kicking aimlessly, refusing to follow up. It truly was one of the worst Irish performances I think I have ever seen. I can't remember a complete move from scrum to wing in the whole second half.
No one in the Irish camp seemed to have bothered to take the time to watch the Argentina v Georgia game otherwise I am sure they wouldn't have played the way they did - which was straight into their opposition's strengths.
The ultimate responsibility rests on Eddie's shoulders and his treatment of Stringer was the final straw as far as I was concerned.
I know you need to drop players. And, yes, he probably did need to go.
But I would hope that you can drop players without badmouthing them.
You can concentrate on their replacements merits and speak in platitudes... that鈥檚 what coaches do. But the way he did it made it appear that Stringer was responsible for the current situation, which he is not. Eddie is.
I agree with No. 11, As for what Geordan Murphy (a Heineken cup winner) has done, I can only guess. And, it seems like Eddie is taking some sort of perverted pleasure in treating him the way he is.
I can't believe that his actions in either situation are doing anything for camp morale.
As for that - the camp - why are they up in a lifeless hotel out in the suburbs?
We drove through Fiji's base town 40 minutes outside Toulouse and the streets all had flags and Welcome Fiji signs. It was a lovely town where I am sure the players get to relax and wander down the river or up into the market square.
The Irish meanwhile are going stir crazy in a sofitel in the suburbs. I believe that that is another Eddie decision鈥
I can only assume that any coach whose players are involved in the Irish squad are praying that they get their players back in a reasonable mental shape to compete for the rest of the season.
(Apologies for the length but I needed to get it off my chest!)
But, finally like some of the comments above, I am hoping and praying that this is all just a cunning plan by Eddie. He has effectively made the team complete underdogs, so with no expectations and with backs against the wall, they'll perform superbly, it'll all click and that we'll win both the next two games and cruise through top of the group and beyond.
Here鈥檚 hoping!
I will be cheering the players on. I have no faith in Eddie but I truly believe there is enough talent and heart in the squad that, if they believe in themselves and play to their strengths, we can still see off the 鈥淕eorgie鈥 supporting French on Friday.
Complain about this comment
To the other Liam. There is no way that happened. I simply don't believe it. Also that doesn't explain why they were bad against scotland and bad against itlay. our second string team should be able to beat Scotland.
I wish people would stop spreading rumours especially about sensitive things. However, I would say that if that had happended then I am afraid that there are big issues the IRFU has to ask about Ulster's participation in the union. This Ulster first Ireland second attitude is not acceptable.
But btw I don't think the players let these issues get to them. I think we must work on the premise that they are all frothing irishman until we know otherwise.
I still think that the crowd on Friday should give a rendition of soldiers song at kick off - anyone with me on that?
Complain about this comment
Re 34 Mr D is out of order!
Tittle tattle gossip about a player's private life has no place in this blog and should be removed. Grow up!!!
Complain about this comment
For 18 months South Africans, Poms and a few Kiwis, have been telling me that Ireland will win the world cup in 2007. For my part I've bet against Ireland with anyone who would take me on. It's a no-lose bet for me, as I'm always delighted when Ireland forgets to muck things up.
You see I've faithfully supported Irish teams with an unbroken record of snatching defeat from the jaws of any meaningful success for many years. I've been pleasantly surprised - shocked even - by some of Ireland's Six Nation performances in the last two years. I mean who ever heard of an Irish team that can run the ball and score tries? But when did they ever win that championship?
I'll confess that even with my cynicism I've been quite shocked at Ireland's last two games. I was in Windhoek when Ireland lost to Namibia there, and it cost me loads. But Georgia? A 4 point margin?
The good news is I've won money on all these games, and as I'm a Paddy living in Jo'burg with my Kiwi wife and South African kids. I can still support South Africa and New Zealand with a fairly clear conscience.
Complain about this comment
"Ireland perform better from an underdog position"
"Being underdogs with our backs against the wall is what Irish rugby thrives on!"
"We're back to where we know best - underdogs with high hopes but low expectations and a strong desire to show the world we can crack the big boys sometimes"
"Backs against the Wall is the way the Irish seem to like it"
et cetera, et cetera........I honestly believe this is part of the problem. As long as this attitude exists in Irish rugby we will never be at the top table. Why do we style ourselves as the plucky underdogs? Why make a virtue of not being the best? Keith Wood is one of the few who refused to think this way. I just hope we have a few more like him coming through the system. The best sides in any sport strive to be the best and expect to win
Complain about this comment
i agree 100 per cent with all that QUANGO (entry number 11 ) has said.
That's it in a nutshell.
come on Ireland.
Complain about this comment
Gemma...I think Rob Roy was referring to Brian Carney, not Geordan Murphy, when talking about the league convert. Carney started playing rugby at a late age, and went on to be successful with Wigan and the Newcastle Knights before appearing at Munster.
As for the Irish, I can't see how they will beat the French with this line up. Countless have said it before me, and countless will say it after me, but the pack lacks dynamism. Neil Best has to be in there, the most combative Irish forward in my view, and the persistence with the misfiring O'Connell and O'Callaghan is mystifying, particularly when the excellent O'Kelly is sat on the bench. Duffy for Murphy is ridiculous, nothing more needs to be said on that. I feel that the power of the French pack and flair in the backs will prove to be too much for the Irish. If Ireland lose, is that the World Cup over? Or can they still qualify with a win over Argentina?
Saying that, I'm more concerned with the shambles that is English rugby!
Complain about this comment
Just to the person who wrote this article, the Irish camp is probably a lot happier place to than the English camp, considering we haven't lost. we're coming into game 3 of 7 and it is a must win as every game in the WC is, if you want to win it, before the tournament began, we knew that the French game was going to be a big one.
As far as this WC goes Ireland have not played 1 second of a meaningful match, we have one on Friday against a team that has played one of their big pool games and lost.
the permutations are simple, Ireland win - France out
Complain about this comment
There is only one possible explanation for Ireland's poor performances and that is the increasingly negative mental attitude which appears to pervade the Irish camp. The team have been on a downward spiral from their loss against Scotland to the present and this trend will continue against unless their coach steps in and nails this !
It is not too late to turn things around however I am inclined to believe that O鈥橲ullivan has not got the wherewithal to do it. I hope I am wrong.
Various interviews with coaches and players have confirmed what I currently believe that one of the top three teams in the world are allowing themselves to be intimidated of the field of play by a bunch of amateurs !
The must go into the game on Friday with no other objective but annihilating the French from the outset. The must play offensively and aggressively. That means big hits on key French players from the outset, sledging and anything else that can use to the psych out their opponents. If they can go in and intimidate the hell out of the French pack they鈥檙e defence will crumble.
This is gloves off time; there are two possible outcomes for Ireland in this tournament, abject failure or a place in the final. In order to succeed this team must believe in themselves again and start behaving like winners !
Complain about this comment
Thanks for pointing that out MoM. Apologies Rob Roy - totally misread your comment.
NickC - I totally agree with your comments re Irelands attitude towards being underdogs - top sides strive to win no matter what their status and Keith Wood was absolutely spot on.
However, given the current lack of passion and conviction on the field, a return to the stubborn conviction and determination of old wouldn't go amiss.
It beggars belief that the IRFU were as arrogant and foolish as to award Eddie a four year contract before the World Cup had even begun. Surely reward is and should be based on performance? Every other organisation applies this - it's just insane!
I still believe the team can do it on Friday but that raises more serious questions. If we win is all forgiven as Gerry Thornley said? I think that's a load of crap.
Our form has been abysmal. The coaches squad decisions have been illogical, stubborn and ridiculous. Eddie shouldn't be hung out to dry but he should be able to admit when things go wrong instead of offering up lame excuses for why once again it didn't go Ireland's way. He basically said on Setanta last night that we're playing a high risk game and that we're not the same team we were a fem months ago!? Why are we playing high risk when we can't secure basic possession and our set pieces aren't working? Surely get the basics right first! Have the team overdone it physically or did Eddie leave it too late. These issues need to be tackled and addressed and not swept aside if we win.
The press are only too happy to jump on the bandwagon and question coaching when things are going wrong but then it's all forgotten about if we string together some wins. Some of the best examples of this were the OTT reactions to our inconsistent 6N performances and beating SA and Australia at the end of their season when they were tired and worn out.
After constantly hearing that this is the best prepared Irish side for so long serious questions need to be asked and answered.
Complain about this comment
Why is anyone surprised? We were awful in the 6 Nations. It would have been robbery if we beat France, we got a try in the first half with our only attack. Wales and Scotland outplayed us, the Scottish match was on a par with Nam/Georgia for the weak forward play displayed by the Irish pack. We hammered England at home, no disrespect to English readers but this is the worst England team ever to grace a world cup. And we hammered Italy, look at what the All Blacks did to them. We believed our own hype, that's why the reality check is so hard to take. If we do get out of the group the All Blacks will put a hundred points on us.
Complain about this comment
I can't remember the last time Ireland was not the underdog against France. I beleive that, even if the team selected looks quite like the one that lost by very little last year to the NZ, they will put up a strong opposition to the Frenchies, but they will loose heavily.
It's going to be a good game, with the backs playing an important role. Michalak might make the difference (if he plays)
Complain about this comment
In Spain. You would hardly think that the World Cup was on here. What a joke. Hopefully come Friday the lads can get stuck in. After a very poor year for Irish sport I am getting tired of explaining and making excuses for Irish teams and sports here in general. First there was Dunne, then the football last week(We won麓t even talk about that!) and now this. So c麓mon when you get that shirt wear it with pride and bring us something to celebrate for a change.
Complain about this comment
i must agree with that dude nickc (english/irish). look at this team and how they have deteriorated since last november..we played basically second choice SH teams in terrible weather, won well and suddenly we were going to win the world cup..then the 6 nations were POOR, e.g. against wales it was murphys moment of genius that got the try before half time, (we were poor otherwise), we beat a crap scottish team by ONE point in another bad display, then we deservedly lost to france (they should have been out of sight at half time, be honest), then came a very poor england team whom we passionately beat, and finally italy whom we beat with two first half dodgy tries that should have been given forward...this team and o'sullivan has not gotten bad overnight as everyone keeps saying, they have become bad over the past year or so...does nobody remember how O'sullivan was getting stick for his negative tactics, telling murphy to kick every ball in 2006??...i cannot see it happening for us this friday because the whole media and public have been in denial for the past year. anyway, the whole northern hemisphere had a fantastic view of how things had to improve to give themselves a chance in this world cup in 2005 when the lions (with O'sullivan as a coach)went to NZ. we were mauled off the park, and that is a skill we obviously have no clue how to do properly (despite the fact that we have a specialist coach in this area) o'sullivan lost a golden opportunity when he kept the same team for the georgia game..it is a complete disgrace and we must not tolerate another failed world cup if we really believe that these players are as good as the hype would lead us to believe. as aforementioned, i believe this team has been in decline for a long time now, ye, it hasn't become bad overnight, its become bad over a year or over 20 months
Complain about this comment
i must agree with that dude nickc (english/irish). look at this team and how they have deteriorated since last november..we played basically second choice SH teams in terrible weather, won well and suddenly we were going to win the world cup..then the 6 nations were POOR, e.g. against wales it was murphys moment of genius that got the try before half time, (we were poor otherwise), we beat a crap scottish team by ONE point in another bad display, then we deservedly lost to france (they should have been out of sight at half time, be honest), then came a very poor england team whom we passionately beat, and finally italy whom we beat with two first half dodgy tries that should have been given forward...this team and o'sullivan has not gotten bad overnight as everyone keeps saying, they have become bad over the past year or so...does nobody remember how O'sullivan was getting stick for his negative tactics, telling murphy to kick every ball in 2006??...i cannot see it happening for us this friday because the whole media and public have been in denial for the past year. anyway, the whole northern hemisphere had a fantastic view of how things had to improve to give themselves a chance in this world cup in 2005 when the lions (with O'sullivan as a coach)went to NZ. we were mauled off the park, and that is a skill we obviously have no clue how to do properly (despite the fact that we have a specialist coach in this area) o'sullivan lost a golden opportunity when he kept the same team for the georgia game..it is a complete disgrace and we must not tolerate another failed world cup if we really believe that these players are as good as the hype would lead us to believe. as aforementioned, i believe this team has been in decline for a long time now, ye, it hasn't become bad overnight, its become bad over a year or over 20 months
Complain about this comment
There seems to be a common fault among the 6-nations teams. When a forward takes the ball into contact, he aims at the body of a single player, assuming physical domination which is not often forthcoming, especially if the opposition have got their "match-ups" right. By contrast, the southern hemisphere ball-carriers consistently aim for a gap - an approach which is much more likely to produce a gain-line result. It is also more likely to leave two bodies between the ball and the support, but, if they are not on their feet, then they must roll away or concede a penalty. The French seem to have learned this lesson - Michalak is adept at putting runners into a gap, and their use of the short pass in their second match was masterly (a pass merely transfers the point of attack - it does not have to miss out three attackers to be effective). The Irish are merely subject to a malaise which stems from the England "style" of victory in the last World Cup.
Complain about this comment
One thing we need to remember about rugby tournaments is that when your team goes in as one of the favourites it is mentally quite difficult to get yourselves up for early games against the smaller nations. This is because players are frightened of getting injured early on and missing the rest of the tournament. It is almost a subconscious thing.
Also when you are expected to win easily there is a tendency to try to force the game instead of being patient and concentrating on getting the basics right.
When Ireland really need to perform to progress and when they are no longer expected to win at a canter I think we may see a much improved performance because the mental preparation for the game will be more straightforward.
Sadly they may not be quite good enough to beat France - but expect a close contest.
Complain about this comment
David (49) is totally correct. Time to enjoy ourselves. Forget whats gone before and Go at the French full blooded!! A faltering French side will be quickly abandoned by their support. 'N if it doesn't come off well at least they will know they have tried. Allez les verts!
Complain about this comment
Ireland looked wary and unfit not making break downs and clearing rucks,they look like a team on the back end of a hard grueling season, this does not make sense when you take into account that our first choice fifteen have not played since the heineken cup 1/4s in april, they all missed the summer tours, went through a rigourous pre season.is there a case that we are just doing the bare minimum to get the result and not giving away tactics moves that basically the first choice fifteen know of by heart, or am i been the optomist trying to make excuses for a team that looks like they have never played together,come on ireland
Complain about this comment
To Liam (N) post 43
Feel free to sing your national anthem proudly, but please remember we are all coming together to support Ireland, not the Republic of Ireland,not Northern Ireland but IRELAND.
So as 'The Soldier Song' doesn't represent a 1/4 of the fans and players of Ireland, may i suggest to be fully behind the team and island we sing one of the many other more inclusive songs on friday
As for the players it's time to get angry....angry at themselves for playing so poorly, angry at the press for getting on their backs, angry at the French for breaking their hearts at Croke and then in the last minute in paris to win the championship, angry that they are letting the fans down...get angry, get focused and then get playing
Complain about this comment
The IRFU and the Irish team management have moved to debunk the rumors/reports about disharmony within the camp. Interestingly they sent P Wallace, Frankie Sheehan and Simon Easterby to talk to the media - mmmmmm, interesting choices, 2 players who dont want to upset EOS as they want to play, and SE who will of course repay his loyalty to EOS (for selecting him when he doesnt deserve to be selected). If the IRFU/team management were not trying to hide anything they should have sent out Strings, ROG, O'Connell etc. (maybe even GM)!!
Complain about this comment
gemma, you're spot on there. what are we doing trying to play this mythical expansive game eddie has conjured up in his head if we can't secure decent possession?
and while it wasn't always pretty, south africa and australia weren't afraid to punt the ball back into their opponent's 22 (the latter even when 30 points up) and put pressure on the defending team from there. just madness trying to play sevens rugby from our own 22 when we have one of the best kickers in the world at 10. get the pack on the front foot, THEN the space will open up for the pretty boys to show their tricks.
really hope they have something special up their sleeve for friday night but i'm none too confident.
Complain about this comment
hi fellas,I was gutted and I man now very angry over this bullshite performance!EOS is an absolute muppit, he is old fashion and is responsable for any bad atmosphere in the camp. He always selectes the same old bunch, and they now think that whatever however they play, they are garanteed their spot! this is very selfish, I think some of those munster lads (have that leinster bug) have big heads (stringer has become quiet a cocky little fella, i am glad parisse put him back in his place!
I really feal for them ulster fellas, especially best and the other players, quinlan, carney. They are treated as a joke, they are really training for nothing. they should quit and return to ireland as a protest!
Complain about this comment
Nothing new to add. Would agree with those who would like the rumours and speculation left out, but on the other hand that is what makes it interesting.
If there had been a punch up at Ravenhill wouldn't you think that the media would have got a hold of it by now.
If there was a quota for Ulster players (which sounds ridiculous to me) then why not play Neil best who everybody seems to think is the "best" Ulster player not playing.
Ultimately, it really doesn't matter. This team has underperformed for a year or more. Whether they be from Ulster, Munster or Leinster they should be ashamed of their recent form.
Time to get the lead out lads and actually win a game that means something.
Complain about this comment
Gerry you are being a numpty.
If any player quit the camp no matter how badly the coach has behaved should never play for Ireland again.
Judt because you are in the squad and train does not mean you have a god given right to play.
We are all agreed that Eddie is barking uo the wrong tree but come off the hysterical shoite.
I also think that his selection policies are being over exagerrated. Look at his team that toured Aus and NZ. Murphy played and Dempsey was on the bench. Neil Best started as did Trimble. Quinlan has been unfrotunate as he was injured in last world cup and was then banned at a crucial time but I remember when everyone would not give over about D Wallace being in the team. Also Carney is pretty lucky to be out there at all he has proved nothing at international level and is there only as a maverick.
There may be some arrogance about but champions are hardly meek mate.
Get behind your team.
Complain about this comment
It would be a great shame to see the boys in green leave the party so early.
Hopefully they'll realise that parties and Ireland go together, like Chabal and caves..
Seriously, really hoping that you boys pull your finger out and play some of that rugby that everybody in the Northern Hemisphere knows you are capable of. It would be real shame otherwise.
Common lets see a wee bit of that Irish party spirit!
Complain about this comment
I always said that Ireland would fail to get out of the group of death. Reason being the last year of rugby has been pretty boring and unimagative,2 good preformances against a total shambolic England and a very tired Italy, everyone knows come week 5 of the 6N the Italians are shattered these 2 results sum up the last year.EOS will never change his style or his team and to be honest what talent have we got to change the way we play, GM, Eoin Reddin after that nothing. All hope is that the team somehow come out firing on all cylinders and blow the french away and the way they played in the first game who knows what will happen. Ireland by a point ROG last minute DG probably only kick he'll get right alll game.
Complain about this comment
While GM is not on the bench is a mystery and the Irish camp is probably not brimming with confidence, its been mentioned getting the balance right between flair and a gameplan is the way forward. The players, have not become poor overnight and with a bit more construction and no doubt confidence building on this approach the French are beatable.
Ironically it seems to me the players are quite capable of doing the miraculous once the basics are done correctly, which is whats sadly missing and that means going through the phases and kicking for terriority and doing the fancy stuff in the French half preferably inside their 22.
If Chabal plays second row their line out is there for the taking.
Not rocket science I know just playing the odds or having a definate gameplan no shame in that.
Complain about this comment
The team have played awful but its not over and they need the fans to show that support. The time for giving out about this team is when they are knocked out.
Does anybody know how to get messages of support to the team. Maybe a fax number for their hotel?
Complain about this comment
eos is has not got a clue why no geordan murphy those 20 minutes he was on in croke park wre excelelnt he may have missed a tackle but he created so much and their is only 2 players that can match chabal for physicality o'connel and best and best being the better of the 2 for doing it why he is not there is just ridiculous ok easterby is solid and adds an opption at lineout but they will remember neil best throwing 3 of them off a ruck to win a turn overi like reddan he adds more than stringer and its understandable why boss is on bench because he can be used on the wing very effectively aswel the main thign is we need more than 1 plan because when we realise plan a isnt working what do we do go back to plan a but i think o'driscoll will step up and be counted after mssing out in croker he would off been the difference on that day i just know we will win pure passion will see us through it 1st game ever in croker we will get some payback and thank god rory best is injured because jerry flannery is so much better him and neil best look at how much fire that would add to the pack ridiculous anyway were gona win i know it come on IRELAND!!!!!!!!
Complain about this comment
Re 7 and 8 above, comments like those are an insult an a disgrace.
Complain about this comment
If we can upset the French and they start thinking about the possibility of loosing, we are half way there. The Kitchen sink needs to be thrown in for the first half hour. They are only men - and after Croke Park, we owe them one. Let Croke Park be our ALAMO!
Complain about this comment
Liam (N) post 43.
Ulster first and Ireland second...where are you getting this rubbish.
If the Ulster boys had this mentality they'd be at home playing for Ulster instead of at the RWC warming their butts on the bench.
Complain about this comment
Reggie, there's a message board on the IrishRugby world cup website where you can post a mesage of support for the team. Over 2,500 there now.
Complain about this comment
Without doubt we need Alan Partridge to go into the team hotel (just off the A246) and give the lads a 'Bouncing Back' speech on the Thursday night. It can't be all doom and gloom, that'd be just saaaaaad..
Complain about this comment
Could it be that all the bulking up in the gym leading into the competition has made the team forget how to play their game?
Speed and intelligence replaced by muscle is a bad trade.
The underdog tag will be helpful as it is not just an Irish rugby incentive but a national one too!
Unfortunatly this incentive is only good for an occasional win or a surprise close loss to a heavy favorite. This team has won nothing (triple crowns are just a nice pat on the back!) does not have a winning mentality and seems overawed being on the world's stage.
The only hope they have that they play with heart, passion and
pride and let their natural skills and talent surface.If so they will beat France, gain confidence, become favotites and then possibly believe in themselves. Wishful thinking but, I believe, possible. Go on Ireland!
Complain about this comment
We have 9 out of 10 points so far. NZ hammered the French team twice. France have lost already.Last summer in NZ we fronted up with no pressure. We were the better team for the guts of 70 minutes. Redden in,not as bad as eveyone is making out. He did win the Heinekin Cup this year with a huge performance against our own Leinster also playing a blinder in the final.
Quit moaning and start supporting. There is a huge amout of pressure on the French. They lose and they are certainly out.
I saw this Irish team destroy Australia.
They can do it and I think they will. They havn't won 3 triple crowns in 4 years for nothing. All they need to do is believe.Stick to the basics and they have every chance.
Come on... get behind them and stop moaning.
All you experts can analyse this after the tournament. I am sure you think that you can all do a better job than EOS.
Complain about this comment
EOS is bad karma dude. He's turned us all into a bunch of newspaper hero professional types, unlike the real rugby sort we used to be - like the Georgians are now; hard, passionate, fightin' like dawgs for the ball and ready to die for the cause. The Irish? - bet they can't wait to get home and pose around Dublin, have microphones stuck in their faces and wax lyrical about the joys of BMW X5's.
Prove me wrong lads, prove us wrong!!
Complain about this comment
Dear no. 45,
underdogs? we cannot be happy with the tag of underdogs. this is loser talk. it implys that we are happy to lose, and to continue losing.
we should only be happy be happy with the tag "winners"
unrealistic, but expectable.
Andrew
Complain about this comment
This whole Ulster thing is an embarrasment - I am born and bred Ulster, but always cringe with embarrasment when some eejit moans when an Ulsterman is left out of a particular team or squad. They usually get it right - Humpo was an awesome player who I greatly admired and loved watching when on song (and was often unluck in selection), but equally I supported ROG when picked. Come on Ulster boys - don't be paranoid - see the players for who they are and what they can do - not where they live. There's enough political bulls**t in our world without it having to ruin our sacred game of rugby.Having said all that I think Neil Best could have been the man!!! Sorry!
C'mon Ireland C'mon Ireland C'mon Ireland.... Pleeeeaaaasssse find it in your good selves to give it a good honest barnstorming lash.
Complain about this comment
Come on folks lets all ahve a reality check here.
Ireland have NEVER been a world class team. This current crop of players have had their heads inflated for the last two years. And what have we won? Anyone? A few triple crowns when England, Scotland, and Wales have been collectively at their lowest ebbs in years, except for Wales freak grand slam.
The reality of this team is that they can never step up to the plate when they really need to.
Oh yes, we can heavily defeat a comical excuse for an english side but only after bottling the game we really needed to win against France in the six nations.
So we beat SA and AUS in the autumn. Reality...those two sides were basically pre season...and if we had to play them next week they would both beat us by roughly 20 points. New Zealand would probably beat us by 30 and France quite likely will dispatch us with ease.
Our inflated friends ahve been blown out of proportion for long enough. BOD and ROG and co need to take a good long hard look at how the Southen Hemisphere and France do things.
I hear you all cry "but France were beaten, what are you on about you clown?"...yes france were beaten but when it matters and they have to turn it on and win they WILL because they have the players and mentality to do...
Unfortunately for our boys that will have to be against us and fotunately for the french, when our super stars in green need to step up to the plate against the worlds best....they cant.
I don't like it anymore than the rest of you .
Complain about this comment
Well said Ed post 80.
Get the head in the game and we'll be fine!!!
Complain about this comment
come on boys we will win we hav da players
Complain about this comment
thought bad performances terrible performances ireland never had been a team known for scoring endless amounts of tries past any old team even though we have the ability to we never seem to (other than england which cant be forgotten).
Though we should be we never did and in the matches against georgia and nambia u could see so much brilliance in our side ut we wer failing in the basics...obviously to anyone who watched the game handling! when we got a flow goin it worked well thought a minute later the ball would be dropped. If these petty mistakes are fixed we have the ability to go far.
This is our best team for years..we will pick our selves up..we know how the french play and we should capitalise on it. it seems we went into the previous games thinking we wer untouchable..hopefully it was a slap in the face and weve come back to reality just in time.
And to those who dont believe and are irish....how do you expect them to suceed if the fans dont even have faith? though the performances might make u want to cry you should never turn your back!
Complain about this comment
to comment no 40= yes you are wrong. typical attitude to balming the munster lads for the current woes of the irish team. hello- have you seen any of the leinster players setting the wc alight? it's the whole team that's a shambles not just munster and as for blaming it on munster winning the heineken cup, that's the most ludicrous statement i've ever heard!
Complain about this comment
Wow, magpie, your glass is half empty isnt it?
Despite the huge disappointment of recent results, i still think this group of players deserve respect for winning 3 triple crowns and beating Aus and SA.
I don't think i've ever heard anyone be so bitter about a teams victories!
Complain about this comment
Hey, has anyone thought about the new jerseys! The makers claimed before the World Cup that they would accentuate the peak physical fitness of the Irish squad. It seems that the jerseys are 'ionised', which they claim generates tiny microelectric currents which pass into the player's nervous system and stimulate blood flow, which they claim is the 'Holy Grail' of sports science!
The ionised blood can absorb and hold more oxygen making their muscles more efficient! They also flush out residual waste products such as lactic acid, reducing recovery time.
They claim that tests carried out by sports science universities have proved that the gear can increase output by 2.7 per cent!
They claimed that the Irish guys would go over to France with a physical advantage! So there you go!
And horse blankets are also being made from this now!
And the gear is made by a well known New Zealand company, named after one of its cities. But the All Blacks won't be bothering with it strangely!
Complain about this comment
in the build up to the tournament all the talk was about the 2 crunch games- france and arg. the players have just wanted to fast forward to fridays game all along. so mentally they were never in the first 2 games. i am sure we will see a different ireland on friday.
come kick off on friday ireland actually need to start with a similar game to what argentina employed. lets pressure heymans, rougerie etc- these guys are not footballers but they fancy themselves as counter-attackers.
a well-executed kick and pressure game will put huge pressure on france early on. the kicking against georgia was abysmal but ireland will have kept the A game for this match. this means not just ogara but also o driscoll to put probing kicks in behind the french when their defence is up on 2nd, 3rd phase possession.
eg. leamy picks off a scrum in irl half moving left, strong-arms elissalde, reddan pops to o connell who rumbles a bit, reddan wide flat pass straight to darce who ducks and weaves and is driven fwd, o gara then receives on right of ruck and drives a crossfield kick intofrench 22, chased hard by o driscoll covering the fullback inside and horgan on the left winger. under pressure, france find touch just outside their 22. time for a lineout drive....
this is simple rugby - hope it works out lads.
cheers
Eddie
Complain about this comment
in the build up to the tournament all the talk was about the 2 crunch games- france and arg. the players have just wanted to fast forward to fridays game all along. so mentally they were never in the first 2 games. i am sure we will see a different ireland on friday.
come kick off on friday ireland actually need to start with a similar game to what argentina employed. lets pressure heymans, rougerie etc- these guys are not footballers but they fancy themselves as counter-attackers.
a well-executed kick and pressure game will put huge pressure on france early on. the kicking against georgia was abysmal but ireland will have kept the A game for this match. this means not just ogara but also o driscoll to put probing kicks in behind the french when their defence is up on 2nd, 3rd phase possession.
eg. leamy picks off a scrum in irl half moving left, strong-arms elissalde, reddan pops to o connell who rumbles a bit, reddan wide flat pass straight to darce who ducks and weaves and is driven fwd, o gara then receives on right of ruck and drives a crossfield kick intofrench 22, chased hard by o driscoll covering the fullback inside and horgan on the left winger. under pressure, france find touch just outside their 22. time for a lineout drive....
this is simple rugby - hope it works out lads.
cheers
Eddie
Complain about this comment
IF you saw the Ireland Italy warm-up match the Namibia game would have just seemed like a continuation and the Georgian game no different and indeed worse in that real meaningful defeat loomed.
Ignore all the North - South stuff altho to EOS it is a foreign country; just read Tony Ward who is always good for upsetting the accepted norm in Ireland and you can see that Ireland have been worse than even he predicted.
The world has moved on and Ireland at this moment have been left behind. They need a few less "footballers" and a few more rugby players.
Complain about this comment
IF you saw the Ireland Italy warm-up match the Namibia game would have just seemed like a continuation and the Georgian game no different and indeed worse in that real meaningful defeat loomed.
Ignore all the North - South stuff altho to EOS it is a foreign country; just read Tony Ward who is always good for upsetting the accepted norm in Ireland and you can see that Ireland have been worse than even he predicted.
The world has moved on and Ireland at this moment have been left behind. They need a few less "footballers" and a few more rugby players.
Complain about this comment
Amazing the definitive judgements already being chucked around at this stage. The first two games could mean that this team, having once been the berries, is now useless - or they could mean that Ireland are useless at being flat track bullies, which would tally with the Irish psyche overall (howver much we like to kid ourselves about our new era of ruthless professionalism). Irish rugby teams possibly more than any others run on adrenaline and it hasn't been pumping through them yet at the required levels. It will be come Friday and if they still fall flat on their faces THEN we will know the game is up.
(Mauled - Apologies for that mix up on another thread the other night about Ireland's Call etc) I would have no more than quibbles with what you were actually saying but grabbed the wrong end of the stick because I was fed up with far less nuanced comments I had been reading somewhere else and assumed yours were more of the same)
Complain about this comment
EOS' treatment of Geordan Murphy alone is ignorant & craven. Is EOS in the job to best serve Irish rugby or to satisfy his ego & obvious dislke of a very talented player. I'm torn between wanting Ireland to wake up & not wanting EOS to get off the hook for his dreadful management of late.
Complain about this comment
So here's what we knew ...
It was at least a year ago when the draw for the world cup was made. Tough draw, we'll need to use all of our squad to get out of it, right? 4 years ago, we had the same draw ... the host nation, the Argies and 2 minnows. We didn't use our 2nd string team against Romania and Namibia back then then, the first team went out and played poor against both those teams. By the time the quarters against France rolled around, we had run out of steam.
Lesson learned?
No. What has transpired has been a mess and looks like we're even worse off than 4 years ago.
What did we do this time?
So this time round we prepare with games against the teams below
Argies - 2nds - loss
Argies - 2nds - loss
Scotland - 2nds - loss
Bayonne - 1sts - win
Italy - 1sts - win
Despite the first team having 2 hit outs against ordinary opposition, it was decided that the 1st team needed 2 more hit outs against equally ordinary opposition at the start of the tournamenet. The result, the first team has played rubbish 4 times, won the games but has had massive amounts of confidence eroded. So now, leading into the crunch game of the group ... we're chopping and changing our first team, which indecently was on the top of its game during the 6 nations ... so we've effectively gone backwards.
Our approach
Despite all the preparation, strategy, risk analysis, investment made leading into the World Cup ... we look like a bunch of clueless idiots.
"Let's prepare for the Namibia game and take it from there lads ... "
As opposed to ...
"Objective: World cup semi at least, Key games :France, Argies and then NZ at worst, Italy/Scotland at best, then we'll take it from there" ... Namibia & Georgia don't even come into it. They are not "potential banana skins", they are ordinary teams that play 1-dimensional rugby that our 2nd 15 should have been playing.
.... and the best part, we've resigned the coach for the next world cup. Probably to ensure he gets the Lions job and we can get a few more Irish lads on the team.
Conclusion
EOS, great for getting Ireland playing good rugby, rubbish at World Cups.
Here's looking to some moral boosting victories in next year's six nations campaign.
Complain about this comment
So here's what we knew ...
It was at least a year ago when the draw for the world cup was made. Tough draw, we'll need to use all of our squad to get out of it, right? 4 years ago, we had the same draw ... the host nation, the Argies and 2 minnows. We didn't use our 2nd string team against Romania and Namibia back then then, the first team went out and played poor against both those teams. By the time the quarters against France rolled around, we had run out of steam.
Lesson learned?
No. What has transpired has been a mess and looks like we're even worse off than 4 years ago.
What did we do this time?
So this time round we prepare with games against the teams below
Argies - 2nds - loss
Argies - 2nds - loss
Scotland - 2nds - loss
Bayonne - 1sts - win
Italy - 1sts - win
Despite the first team having 2 hit outs against ordinary opposition, it was decided that the 1st team needed 2 more hit outs against equally ordinary opposition at the start of the tournamenet. The result, the first team has played rubbish 4 times, won the games but has had massive amounts of confidence eroded. So now, leading into the crunch game of the group ... we're chopping and changing our first team, which indecently was on the top of its game during the 6 nations ... so we've effectively gone backwards.
Our approach
Despite all the preparation, strategy, risk analysis, investment made leading into the World Cup ... we look like a bunch of clueless idiots.
"Let's prepare for the Namibia game and take it from there lads ... "
As opposed to ...
"Objective: World cup semi at least, Key games :France, Argies and then NZ at worst, Italy/Scotland at best, then we'll take it from there" ... Namibia & Georgia don't even come into it. They are not "potential banana skins", they are ordinary teams that play 1-dimensional rugby that our 2nd 15 should have been playing.
.... and the best part, we've resigned the coach for the next world cup. Probably to ensure he gets the Lions job and we can get a few more Irish lads on the team.
Conclusion
EOS, great for getting Ireland playing good rugby, rubbish at World Cups.
Here's looking to some moral boosting victories in next year's six nations campaign.
Complain about this comment
Ed no. 80 You're spot on. I am Ulster to my creaking bones but Irish first and foremost (foregoing the first ML match to watch Les Verts of course!!). Please guys stop this whingeing political sh*te and let the rugby do the talking. Things have come to a pretty pass in the professional era when boys are on here gabblin' about anthems. That is not going to mean jacksh*t when we are eyeballing France at 8.03 on Friday night. EOS absolutely has to make tactical subs. Easterby to annoy and hassle, then bring on Best to bash Chabal at the very start of the 2nd half. Remember the first tackle he made at Ravenhill?
Ultimately tho it's time for prayers, rosaries, holy water, bible tracts, whatever it takes.
Ask not what your country can do for you....
Complain about this comment
Ed no. 80 You're spot on. I am Ulster to my creaking bones but Irish first and foremost (foregoing the first ML match to watch Les Verts of course!!). Please guys stop this whingeing political sh*te and let the rugby do the talking. Things have come to a pretty pass in the professional era when boys are on here gabblin' about anthems. That is not going to mean jacksh*t when we are eyeballing France at 8.03 on Friday night. EOS absolutely has to make tactical subs. Easterby to annoy and hassle, then bring on Best to bash Chabal at the very start of the 2nd half. Remember the first tackle he made at Ravenhill?
Ultimately tho it's time for prayers, rosaries, holy water, bible tracts, whatever it takes.
Ask not what your country can do for you....
Complain about this comment
As an Argentinean, I had been hoping that Ireland would beat France on Friday - partly because it would have been nice for the match between the Pumas and Ireland to be the deciding match of this pool, but also because I have been to Ireland and have been impressed by the passion for the game that I saw there. Unfortunately, though, everything seems to indicate that Ireland will lose to the French - based on the current low morale and poor recent performances (sorry guys, but I feel Ireland were very lucky to get wins against Georgia and Italy recently). Until very recently, everyone seemed to think Ireland were amongst the candidates to win this world cup. What has happened? Leaving Murphy out is probably a mistake; resting key players in June and warm-up matches was probably another mistake. And something has to be said about losing the 'underdog' status. A few years ago, guys like Keith Wood and David Humphrys gave the Irish a good image abroad (i.e., passion, love for the game, team-spirit); now the comments we hear from O'Driscoll, O'Gara, and especially O'Sullivan make them come across as a group of incredibly arrogant f***er$. I am not sure I will be cheering for the men in green this Friday.
Complain about this comment
athyhooker (comment #70)... human short-term memory only holds 7 +/- 2 items at a time. I'm sure what you had to say was interesting and insightful, but I gave up trying to follow it after two lines.
I'm in complete agreement with nickc (#26). When Woodward told Eddie a few years ago that we were just two years behind England, I didn't think he meant the downward slope as well. Our players are more interested in writing columns and providing soundbites where they talk themselves up Lewsey-style, than in performing where it counts.
I heard England fans on the radio chanting "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and predicting they would smash South Africa not two hours before that match on Friday. The parallels with our France match are really quite discomforting.
Complain about this comment
Don't know why everyone is getting into a lather about such a flaky player as GM. Have never understood why everyone thinks he's so brilliant. I have seen him lose us games with his mistakes more often than not and he definitely played his best rugby for Leicester. GD might lack his 'unpredictabilitly' but at least you know that he is not going to make stupid show off decisions to impress his fans. At the end of the day what depresses me most is that there were fans booing at the end of the Georgia game. Believe me it was one of the most depressing games of my life to watch but I would hate us to go the way of the French fans and turn against the team. If morale really is a problem the last thing they need is to hear us booing. One of the downsides of turning professional is that it is turning us all into a bunch of moaning football fans. let's hope the quality of rugby is a lot better on Friday and they put up a good fight. At the end of the day we are all bewildered not because of team selection and strategy but because nobody looks like they are even interested in playing.
Complain about this comment
So here's what we knew ...
It was at least a year ago when the draw for the world cup was made. Tough draw, we'll need to use all of our squad to get out of it, right? 4 years ago, we had the same draw ... the host nation, the Argies and 2 minnows. We didn't use our 2nd string team against Romania and Namibia back then then, the first team went out and played poor against both those teams. By the time the quarters against France rolled around, we had run out of steam.
Lesson learned?
No. What has transpired has been a mess and looks like we're even worse off than 4 years ago.
What did we do this time?
So this time round we prepare with games against the teams below
Argies - 2nds - loss
Argies - 2nds - loss
Scotland - 2nds - loss
Bayonne - 1sts - win
Italy - 1sts - win
Despite the first team having 2 hit outs against ordinary opposition, it was decided that the 1st team needed 2 more hit outs against equally ordinary opposition at the start of the tournamenet. The result, the first team has played rubbish 4 times, won the games but has had massive amounts of confidence eroded. So now, leading into the crunch game of the group ... we're chopping and changing our first team, which indecently was on the top of its game during the 6 nations ... so we've effectively gone backwards.
Our approach
Despite all the preparation, strategy, risk analysis, investment made leading into the World Cup ... we look like a bunch of clueless idiots.
"Let's prepare for the Namibia game and take it from there lads ... "
As opposed to ...
"Objective: World cup semi at least, Key games :France, Argies and then NZ at worst, Italy/Scotland at best, then we'll take it from there" ... Namibia & Georgia don't even come into it. They are not "potential banana skins", they are ordinary teams that play 1-dimensional rugby that our 2nd 15 should have been playing.
.... and the best part, we've resigned the coach for the next world cup. Probably to ensure he gets the Lions job and we can get a few more Irish lads on the team.
Conclusion
EOS, great for getting Ireland playing good rugby, rubbish at World Cups.
Here's looking to some moral boosting victories in next year's six nations campaign.
Complain about this comment
Well said Hugh (postings 94&95) Ireland do not seem prepared. In the same vein (Barry posting 89) Ireland were looking past Georgia & Namibia and preparing for France.
While preparing for France they did not prepare for the 2 minnows. Playing the minnows as they did has sucked all confidence from them for France. They now say that they need to win both remaining matches in order to get to the knockout phase.
Despite all the rhetoric it is apparent they do not sincerly believe they can do it.
Unless they do as I wrote in posting 76 (and as some others have observed)they are going to loose both remaining matches. In my heart I feel that they are doomed, my head says that they are doomed, my gut tells me they have no hope and I'll bring a smile to the bookie when I back them to win!!!
The matches,however,are still to be played and this Friday and next Sunday I will be watching knowing that the men in green will play to the best of their ability and if that is enough to secure victory then they will have proven themselves a team with which to be reckoned.
Complain about this comment
Re Post 70 - WHAT?
Could someone please translate this gibberish? Why do the moderators post messages which are unintelligible?
Come on everybody - support the team. This is not the time for inquests - there'll be plenty of those when this is over, on September 30th (oops - what a giveaway).
Complain about this comment
@ post 96 "I am Ulster to my creaking bones but Irish first and foremost (foregoing the first ML match to watch Les Verts of course!!)"
Get yourself to Ravenhill, man, Ulster have an early k.o and they're rolling out the big screens so we can watch the Fra/Ire match after ;-)
Complain about this comment
I once offered to change my name to simply "sicktodeath" - on condition that Ireland one its game against Oz down under in 2006. We had at least at that point understood the concept of multiple phase ball retention (by multiple I mean upwards of 15). We'd also looked like we were beginning to develop patience (i.e. recycling the ball for the simple sake of getting ourselves into decent field position as well as tiring the opposition). Of course, we lost... Though I felt Eddie deserved one more chance as in fairness to the guy the bulk of his pack had had a long season.
Victories versus SA and Oz followed in the Autumn, but those teams were not full test teams. Granted, you can only beat what's put in front of you.
When we're livewire, Ireland is quite a team to watch, but this team has never won a really big game. We have not beaten a very average France for almost 5 years, and it is on this benchmark that we must guage ourselves.
We suffer from an overdependence on trying to slice opposition teams apart with what is (as almost all agree) a hyper-talented backline. However, the only way to win the very big games is by grinding down the opposition through the phases, using all 15 players in relative close postioning executing the basics well. Genuine gaps and half gaps appear through opposition attrition. Otherwise magic players can be marked out of a game, as the opposition is not run ragged and their defensive lines are still intact.
I believe we'll see a return to patience and multiple phases on Friday. Ireland's speed to the breakdown will also be much faster. It doesn't require hyper-talented players to go through the phases - it requires competent, tough players - something we have in abundance in Ireland. Eddie's failure has been to indoctrinate more than 15 or 16 players into this patience game. The emphasis on the players producing a little bit of magic to get over the try line has been too high. As a result our emphasis on having no injuries is too high.
The displays against Georgia and Namibia were schoolboy rugby - forwards win a ball, throw it out the backs and let the fast fellas have a run. Dropping Stringer from the first 15 is a sound idea - if the pack is genuinely tired he'll be easy pickings for the opposition flankers. However, dropping a player whose passing can speed up our play for the last 20 mins of a game is a little silly. Reddan may well fit in comfortably, somewhat ironically having benefitted from Warren Gatland's approach to life... Boss is naturally talented, but his decision making can be counterproductive. As for Duffy's inclusion, lord only knows why he's there in place of Murphy, though I suspect the latter keeping a lower profile would do him no harm.
Eddie, if we top our group, I re-promise to change my name...
Complain about this comment
FROM BODS DIARY ON IRFU site. Doesn't really inspire that much hope and it is clear he is picking the team. No mention of Geordan....
September 19th
The performances to date
I'm not saying we reached anything like the levels of which we're capable but we did show character to hang in there in a game that was extremely tough. I'm confused as to why we're not playing the way to want to play, why we are making the number of errors we have in the opening two games.
The team to play France
It was tough fielding questions about the decision to drop Peter Stringer and Denis Hickie. I think I've played over 70 times with Strings and both he and Denis are good friends. I wanted to strike the right balance because I have every faith in Eoin Reddan and Trims (Andrew Timble) who are coming into the team.
"Disharmony" in the camp?
The speculation about disharmony within the Irish camp has reached the team and it's nonsense. Every player in this squad wants to play and if they didn't then they have no right to be here. I'll give you an example of the morale. Denis spoke at a team meeting about his thoughts on France and made some very pertinent points just hours after being informed that he had been left out of the team. We're all pulling together here despite what some sections of the media may suggest. We're not going to let the criticism affect us, the same way as we didn't get carried away when bouquets were being tossed around after good performances.
Building for the French Game
On our day off most of the guys were soaking up the rays by the pool of heading into town to do a little bit of shopping, sight seeing or just having a coffee. The emphasis has been on getting a break and then getting back down to the training. You hear that such and such a French player might be out of their team but until I'm in the tunnel on Friday and look across I'll take it all with a pinch of salt. Anyway it's not about them. We've got to get in right and that's our focus.
Complain about this comment
I am sick to the back teeth of this "Ulster don't want to play for Ireland" rubbish. This is petty southern bigotry at its worst - and I say this as someone who is from northern ireland but whose politics are distinctly more of the green variety. The sooner everyone shuts up about it, stops throwing about unfounded rumours, and focuses on Ireland's terrible form, the better it will be for everyone involved.
Ireland are not playing well, we need to focus on the handling errors, the forward passes, the unbelievable number of turnovers conceded rather than trying to turn it into a bad northern soap.
The bottom line is that EOS's coaching has not been up to scratch. Complacency after a largely successful 6 nations campaign is most likely the chief culprit, but a lot of mistakes can be ironed out in a week so I find it incredible that we got WORSE between Nam and Georgia.
When the coach goes on record saying he has no idea why his team are playing so badly and he can't think of anything they could be doing differently, surely the alarm bells should be ringing...?
Anyway, I'll stop whinging now. Maybe if we all stop whinging actually and just start screaming our heads off in support as we do best, then SOMETHING will improve! Even if only the vibe!!
Complain about this comment
O'Sullivan Out! His true managerial ability is coming to the fore. Clearly he learnt a little too much when he studied under "Sir Clive" during the last Lions tour. This World cup matches that disaster too well. A coach picking his team on reputation, not on current form. An over emphasis on training and preparation, not on real matches, (surely the Irish team could have played a few matches against the provinces during the summer). All we need is Alistar Campbell doing the press briefing and this warm feeling of deja vu will be complete. He needs to go, sooner, rather than later.
Complain about this comment
REply to Argie Post 98
I think you made a few valid points, D Humpo just loved trying to run with the ball often got nailed and wont be remembered for his tackling but when it came off it was brill to watch. Not unlike your F Contepomi.
Same with keith wood he just loved running with the ball and charging about like a wild horse on the pampas.
Hope it is a head to head when we play as it will be a great game if that is the case.
Argentina really need to be involved in a competition soon it's not right.Not just WC.
Goodluck except when you play us of course!
Complain about this comment
Couldn't agree more Raycoz.
I reckon EOS learnt a lot of his bad habits from "Sir Clive".
But while I don't believe "Sir Clive" was never really an inspirational coach, he just created the environment for the players to prosper. Johnson et al provided the inspiration and this time I am not sure how much leadership the players are providing or possibly being allowed to provide.
As for the booing after the match, don't worry, from where I was sat (and booing) it was directed at the bad sportsmanship of the Georgians who were taunting Leamy a few minutes after the whistle.
They played a magnificant game and may have learnt how to play simple and effective rugby very well but it appears that some of them still need to learn how to behave as rugby players and not footballers.
Complain about this comment
Don't despair Irish fans. I'm an Englishman so think how I must feel.
When I saw the selected England squad for the game against South Africa I could do no more than take myself down to the, 'Rat and Carrot' and pretend it wasn't happening. Our coach, claimed by some to be one of the best three-quater coaches in the game, was going to field a team without a back division. Surely it was doomed to failure. Our previous coach had tried playing the game without a tight-five and that had proved to be a disaster. It would seem that our defence of the World Cup was to be nothing more than a token gesture.
As the pints continued to flow and I continued to imbibe a sudden thought struck me. Ashton has devised a cunning plan of, 'Baldrick' proportions. England must not win the group! An absolute no, no! Second place is what we seek (yes I know, that's still a big ask)and then our passage through to the final will be easier. We only have to play Australia and not New Zealand.
So the question I ask of my Irish cousins is this; does EOS have a cunning plan? Will it be an England/Ireland final? Or am I still suffering from the effects of, 'Grandpa's Old Peculiar'.
Worse still, am I trapped in some surreal dream and the real World Cup doesn't actually take place until 2011.
Good luck Ireland on Friday.
You don't need Irish luck. You need that devil which is in all Irish rugby teams.
Complain about this comment
Anyway I blame it all on ITV.
Chin up lads/lasses
Who is going to the game? - roll up
Complain about this comment
i just heard chabal was named in the french starting lineup....the lineout is ours for the taking if paul o connell is up for it. i dont know if all the bad press is going to do any good to the irish team, they're confidence is on the floor as it is, i hope they dont have acess to any irish papers!! but seriously, they know how bad they were in the last two games, they dont need journalists to tell them. hopefully if they can restore a bit of confidence early on, with a good first 10 minutes,i say this because in the last two, they've made mistakes right off the bat which set the tone for the rest of the game. i hope they remember that when it comes to the crunch all the naysayers(myself included),doubters, and cynics wont be able to stop themselves cheering ireland on on friday. come on lads, forget about all the miss moves, pocket passing etc. just let the pride of playing for your country flow through your veins and give it everything!!!
Complain about this comment
serioualy sir clive was the best coach england have had in years. the wc anyone! as for the ulster players well it's great to have talented players whatever province they're from but i still reckon that jerry flannery is a much better player than best whn it comes down to it. best's lineout throws are dodgy and flannery seems alot more capable. trimble is a fabulous player though and boss is pretty good too but i think there shouldntbe a guaranteed spot for the players. eos should be telling the squad no one's number is safe as it has reverberated badly
Complain about this comment
in responce to emeraldstar24, "Best throws are dodgy" Have you ever watched Flannery throw? plus he's nowhere near physical enough to play international rugby, his Munster team mate Sheean is a better bet imo.
Complain about this comment
Clive Woodward was a collosal twat but a brillant strategist and an intelligent head coach, maybe not great for personal coaching but intuitive when it came at looking at the bigger picture. Unfortunately if he got it wrong, he could never admit it and his arrogance and pig-headidness sometimes went too far - especially in the Lions tour of New Zealand.
EOS seems to have picked up on some of these traits in recent years. It's hugely annoying. Some of BOD's comments seem to suggest he has massive input into selecting the team which is quite worrying. EOS needs to remove his head from his arse, get over personal grudges and start thinking of what's best for the team.
Neil Francis's comments and some of the comments here about the Ulster players are a massive insult to both the players themselves and the fans. These guys are 100% dedicated and love playing for Ireland. Get over this mindset from 12 years ago.
Complain about this comment
Fantastic post No. 60.
I just hope that the boys in green can rise above all this, rise to the game they know they can play and just get stuck in. There seems to be real lack of passion amongst the players in the first two games. At times some of them seemed as if they would rather be somewhere else!
It should be an honour to pull on the Ireland shirt and play for your country...no matter how many caps you've had. You have to earn the jersey and some of the boys haven't earnt it in the last few games.
It's time to deliver and hopefully we can on Friday night.
Complain about this comment
Ireland have done this in the past (not ask bad as this) made weaker teams look world class but have come out with a result. Also they do like to take there time to get into a game in this case the world cup but when it comes to playing against world class teams they play out of there skins.
i hope to god that this is still true for Ireland and they find there form they had back when the beat South Africa & Australia
Complain about this comment
no 115 johnnus- munster heineken cup campaign 2005/6- flannery in for sheahan and sheahan didnt get his spot back at all. enough said. best's throws are definitely worse than flannery's. come on.
Complain about this comment
I just hope beyond hope that Ireland go and win on Friday night which I think they will to stop people constantly moaning as they have over the past couple of weeks. We always perform better as underdog and I think there is no doubt they can take this French team.
Yes we have played really poorly so far but we have still won the games, why cant we just get on with it!!! it was always going to come down to the games against France and Argentina and here they come.
We have played two and won two...history! now lets just support the team when they clearly need support most and see if they can do what they have done many times, play out of their skin as underdogs and win this game!!
France and Argentina are the games where we can measure our ability. Until we know the result, lets try and be somewhat positive. Ireland to win in an epic match on Friday!!!!
Complain about this comment
Forget all the giving out - I will be in Stade de France giving it loads cheering Ireland on..this is when they need our support the most - Come on Ireland !!
Complain about this comment
Irelands world cup effort amounts to a bad joke so far, fingers are crossed for a good performance if we are going to lose make it a bonus point loss. Flannery has a better throw than Best. Best hasnt been up to his standards, however he is one of 22 players with lost form.
Complain about this comment
I don't think there is much to call between Best and Flannery's throwing. Perhaps the Munster man edges it slightly, but Best is a better scrummager and is quicker around the park. I think Neil Best deserves a crack at the French, but I think Leamy has been the biggest disappointment in the back row. Not sure that Ferris is ready so our options are a little restricted. Boss should feel hard done by - I haven't really seen Reddan but perhaps the southern bias against Boss has influenced EOS?
Our so called big stars need to step up - the pack have been bullied and need a big performance. The backs just need to hold on to the ball.
Complain about this comment
look of course everyone here critiscising will be supporting the irish team! i am seriously angry with the way the team have performed and i am fuming with the arrogance of eos but of course ill be wholeheartedly shouting for the boys! of course i want a win lyven if it means we'll be stuck with eos for the forseeable future.and by the way geordan is training with the squad, he hasn't walked out to put all those rumours to rest! apparently the french media are playing mind games with the irish team by claiming rog has gambling debts of E300,000
Complain about this comment
I am going to be in Paris on Friday - I don't have tickets - any suggestions for bars with craic/big screens?
Complain about this comment
Polemic, I'll have some of what you're having. If you're gonna down a few, they might as well make the world look rosy, even if at teh expense of reality.
Complain about this comment
Let's stop complaining and get behind the boys!
Come on Ireland!
Complain about this comment
The only thing people in Ulster don't understand is why EOS doesn't pick more rugby players and fewer of these gaelic playing pansies. The backs are fantastic so why doesn't he pick a set of forwards that will get them the ball? This is rugby. At least they are playing France next who can be as unpredictable and flaky. The last time we met them in the World Cup the game was over in about 10 minutes so lets hope this time we get off to a good start and have us all in a state of unexpected euphoria and eating our words. Then we would have a real test against Argentina. If it is not a fantastic performance Friday then it's major surgery time.
Complain about this comment
jim from croydon- your ignorance is astounding. have you ever seen a gaelic football or hurling match? clearly you havent or you'd not be calling gaelic players pansies? as for slagging off ireland's forwards, well you havent been watching the saame games as i have. when the backs do receive the ball, inevitably hickie or darcy knock it on or fuumble carelessly. the whole team isnt performing not just the forwards. bod hasnt been good, horgan a disaster and no words to decribe how crap hickie has been.
Complain about this comment
Lets face it Ireland do not present a major challenge. There are bigger poissons to fry in this competition. BOD the best centre in the world....hahaha. He wouldnt make the French squad never mind the 15.
Complain about this comment
ireland to win by 20 to 16
Complain about this comment
I wonder if there is a French blog and they are going "Merde the stupid Laporte has picked Chabal he is useless in the line out, and why does he pick so many from Toulouse, I never know what team he picks, he changes the team too often" Or do the French supporters not care who is picked, because, like the Kiwi's they only expect to win.
The game hasn't been played yet and some of us are already doing post mortems.
We have to get rid of the underdog mindset and "ah sure we lost but didn't we play well" If we believe we will win we just might.
Complain about this comment
Ireland have been very poor but they are capable of much better rugby, it is the mind-set which seems to have been wrong. The players need to put the last 3 months behind them, France is a one off, with passion and heart they can perform far better than in the previous two games, the Irish support needs to stay behind them (good or bad), whilst the odds are strongly against them you never know with an Irish team, EOS just needs to tell them before the game that Chabal is planning to mug JH's granny, that will guarantee the right start.
Complain about this comment
fabien- no 130 i suppose ireland dont present a major challenge to france in the same way argentina werent supposed to?
Complain about this comment
Can't help but notice that the majority of the blogs over the last few days have tended to focus on personality issues and or on whether; EOS has somehow lost the team, or a hypothetical north south divide, or a Munster Leinster split, or the like, however, I haven麓t seen a lot of people talking about technical failings or tactical mistakes by either the management or the players. And, while I agree the players have looked flat and lacking in passion their seems to be more to this than meets the eye.
Have Ireland over the past 6 months tried to change their style? If you look at the last six months an almost a fanatical urgency, to release the ball in the tackle and keep the ball alive seems to have crept in to our play. This is definately a change to our game plan and something that team was not doing 12 - 18 months ago. Could the excessive amounts of handling errors have something to do with this?
Right now NZ, France & Australia are the only teams who have got this down to a fine art, and, in the case of Australia, it麓s taken them a good 2 years to get where they are today. We've probably been introducing this change since January and have quite frankly have struggled. To beat France I think we will have to revert back to a more "traditional" game where we grind through the phases and keep it tight.
I'm thinking Munster vs Biarritz, with the forwards busting the Biarritz cover until breaking point and bringing in the backs at the last moment. Unless the team has a snity check and reverts back to a simpler game I'm afraid we麓ll be on hte plane on Sunday...
Complain about this comment
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
Allez les bleus, Allez les bleus,
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Complain about this comment
Come the day and come the hour
Come the power and the glory
We have come to answer
Our Country's call
From the four proud provinces of Ireland
Ireland, Ireland,
Together standing tall
Shoulder to shoulder
We'll answer Ireland's call
Complain about this comment
What is it about us as a nation that we are so hell bent on morbidity. We have the biggest game of the last 4 years ahead of us Friday night, we stand a damned good chance of winning it and all most of the posts seem to be about is whining. The style of rugby the team has developed over the past 4 years has taken us from no where to knocking at the door of the big hitting nations. True, we still don't have enough depth, but that will take time? True, the performances in Bordeaux have been spectacularly unimpressive, albeit that the Georgians played out of their skins, but at the end of the day, we have two wins under our belts, have dropped a bonus point, and still have to beat both France and Argentina if we want to take the fast road to the semis. It seems to have escaped mmany peoples' notice, that this was always the case. The changes made to the team, based on the last couple of performances, are justified. True, bringing Best in as open side flanker might have been a good option, but that isn't the choice which has been made, and unless all of our back row wkae up, one player isn't going to make the difference. I'll be at the Stade on Friday, and will be singing and shouting, hopefully along with all of the other Irish fans, to get behind the team. If we can hit them hard in the first 20 minutes, then the French lines will open up, and their crowd will turn against them - Laporte is not a great favorite of the Parisian crowd. The forwards, and especially O'Connell, have to rediscover the brutal form which made them a force to be reckoned with over the past year. With clean and fast ball, the back line will do the rest. Ronan has to hit touch when he is aiming for it, and not give the French long attacking runs.
One final thought - I live in France now, and have picked up on the "negative" comments in l'Equipe. In fact, the French part of the paper has been fairly reasonable about the Irish, and hard on the French, but the most negative journalism was in the English language page, where the "guest" writer from the Sunday Independant (now, there's a surprise), seems to see it as his job to talk down the Irish team at every opportunity.
Come on, lets have faith in the spirit of this team, and cheer them on. They have every chance of winning against the French and coming top of the Group. We should be expecting nothing less.
Complain about this comment
Hey - I haven't a clue how Ireland are going to play tomorrow - I hope and pray for the best.
I am sure POC will go in strong from the start and hopefully inspire the rest of the forwards.
Hmmm on the backs I don't know why Hickie was picked - I can't understand why at this time Carney was brought into the squad - a bit of work on Murphy would have been a better investment. D'Arcy/BOD fully functionning is pretty crucial but both look a bit uptight and oppositions have learnt to target them - Horgan has probably been rushed back early but let's hope he is better by now. Dempsey has been the star back and his catching against Georgia was match saving.
With reference to gaelic games - they may be rough and tough but they don't develop upper body strength.
I noted an EOS comment that he thought he had the "best footballers" on the field - and that playing the play they were trying to play was the only way if you wanted to get anywhere.
I guess that is why we are stuck with such limited and obvious options - well one option - so let's hope it's alright on the night....... and they give us what we have been used to in Irish rugby - a splash of ecstasy in a sea of tedium.
Complain about this comment