The final hurdle

A look ahead to this weekend’s top action by Fergal Nolan aka @IrishRugbyBlog…

With 3 teams left for the crown, all eyes will be on Paris come 5pm. Can England spring a monstrous points haul over Italy? Can Ireland take a French side on home soil – a feat accomplished just once in 42 years? Tout sera révélé.

If you could write a fairy tale ending then this was it. Ireland trounced Italy and one man was at the centre of it all. Brian O’ Driscoll. In my weekend preview I earmarked him for a try. He did everything but score. Directly set up 2 tries and indirectly another. His work-rate was fantastic. His passion sublime. He never fails to deliver and I feel this weekend will be the same.

The first 40mins of the Italian game didn’t yield nice viewing. Although, like I noted before, we would pull away in the second half. How many times have we heard “We wore them down as the game progressed”? This was the underlying success of the game. Schmidt has his players holding possession (75%) and wore the Italians down. After a Six Nations record 208 tackles, they were well and truly worn down. They failed to score a single point in second half. We had the luxury of subbing players and unloading our bench. Strength and depth is abundance in this team, it will stand to us in the cup games.

Looking to the game this weekend, it is a major task. My confidence is off putting. Confident going to Stade de France…perhaps I should look at the statistics!! In the last 12 years France have only lost 3 home games in the six nations. If we can overcome that, how about this – we have won once there in 42 years. 42 years. These figures are daunting, so let’s boost our enthusiasm. In the last two years, we have drew with Les Bleus, both in Dublin and in Paris. In 2009 we beat them at home. In 2000 O’Driscoll stepped onto the scene. That day he scored a hat-trick and gave Ireland our first win since 1972. Tomorrow will be his last for Ireland, where the magic all began. That’s why I’m hopeful.

This is why I’m confident. France are not the side they used to be. They have the players, no doubt about that. What they don’t have is discipline. They lack structure. Individual players fail to show leadership and passion on the park. They have no game management. Phillipe Saint-Andre has chopped and changed the team from day one. By making these changes, the squad don’t have time to gel, and ultimately do not fully trust each other.

To sum it up, it’s the opposite of the Ireland team. We have conceded just 27 penalties in this tournament, France 36. Good discipline. We haven’t received any cards, France have one red and three yellow against them. Passion is brought to the pitch by every Irish player. I haven’t seen much by the French players, albeit moments of genius by their back-line. With so many leaders and with new ones evolving, the decision making of the men in green feeds into their game management. In contrast to the French team, Schmidt has retained the same starting 15 from day one, bar one or two injuries. They understand each other and therefore trust each other.

Like the Italian game, I believe Ireland will hold onto possession as much as possible. They have done so very successfully in the previous games. We will build on the phases and hope to create space for our back-line. If this proves ineffective, then retaining possession will be key as I believe we can gather penalties as the French get impatient.

Our kicking game must be accurate. We do not want the French back-line running at us, nor do we want them playing the kick and chase game. These are their biggest threats, and my greatest worry. If they create space they are extremely dangerous. I believe they will target Rob Kearney. From the two tries we have conceded, Kearney missed both tackles on the running man. Dulin and Huget are extremely fast paced with ball in hand. There will be some crucial match ups, I just hope Kearney wins those battles and comes out on top.

Looking at the set piece, I can envisage Ireland being dominant in the scrum. From our own scrums won, we have lost 2. France have lost 6, although Picamoles back in the pack is a boost. As the game progresses, utilisation of the bench will be important. The replacements in McGrath, Moore, Cronin, Henderson and Murphy provide optimism in the scrummage.

From the Schmidt era we have seen the line out and rolling maul being very effective. I can see us targeting their line out and being effective in controlling our own. France have had 39 line outs and lost 12. That’s a success rate of 69%. Ireland have had 57, lost 4. A success rate of 93%. If we don’t target this area I will be shocked. Clean ball from a stolen line out would provide a great attacking threat. Inside the French 22, a successful line out should see the driving maul being utilised. If Ireland can draw the French players in, we could create a try scoring opportunity like the final moments of the Welsh game.

Our partnership of O’ Driscoll and Darcy in the centre is a contrast to Basteraud and Fickou. While one duo fully trust, and understand each other, the other lacks that partnership. Like any relationship to be effective, communication is key. Defensively, Ireland have the upper hand here.

Sexton playing his rugby in France is very positive for this decider. He plays amongst these players. He understands their game. Scoring two tries v Italy mirrored his fantastic performance. If a certain 13 wasn’t retiring then it was his Man of the Match. Sexton is crucial in the management of the game. If his kicking is up to his standard then I have no fears.

We have conceded just 29 points in this tournament. France have conceded 78. With two tries conceded and France seven, the numbers show how well organised and disciplined this Irish squad are. In total, there have been 710 passes by the men in green. 485 by our French counterparts. These points mirror the management of the Irish coaching team – holding ball and building phases.

The French are like a puzzle with no instructions. If they can fit the pieces together they can really turn it on. If we mirror our performances to date and kick intelligently the we have a great chance.

We can turn their weapons against them. We should bring our intensity game and hit the ground running (like against the All Blacks). Get a lead at half time and the French crowd will turn against the team. Get under the players’ skin in the hope to yield penalties, and ultimately, points on the scoreboard. If things go horribly wrong for France, the guillotine will drop on French rugby and Saint-Andre….d’être libéré.

As I have outlined it won’t be easy. The statistics against us are daunting but the statistics of the tournament so far are extremely encouraging. If any side can win, it’s this one.

With the magical Brian O’ Driscoll signing out for one last time, fair tales can come through. Ireland by 6 plus.

Fergal is on twitter as @IrishRugbyBlog

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 8 (CON)

Since the start of the season four bloggers, one representing each province, have taken turns selecting their ideal Irish matchday 23.

This week it falls to Connachtman to select BOD for the last time…

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Ulster, Munster & Leinster.

Another great day for Irish Rugby, though one with a fair degree of sadness. There were a fair few emotional faces as I glanced around the bar towards the end of the game, and even my American friends seemed to understand the gravitas of the moment when I explained it to them. [My explanation went something along the lines of, 'if there was a vote tomorrow he'd be crowned King and that attractive lady in the crowd who he's married to would be Queen.']

Besides all that, it was a great performance. Sometimes these games can seem a little empty when they come with the caveat that 'the Italian performance was somewhat lacking', and 'you can't learn anything from a game like that', but I actually thought the Italians played quite well, and the Irish team were just too much for them.

There were a few missed tackles in that first half, and I'm pretty sure Joe and Les will be highlighting that during the week, but other than that the gameplan was executed magnificently. I was the 'selector' after that superb performance against Wales and so it falls to me once again to simply re-select a winning side, but I'm pretty sure that's one of those 'good problems' I've heard people talk about.

When Declan Kidney was supremo it seemed second nature to question and argue every other decision he made, and it can be a strange predicament for the opinionated Rugby-mad quasi-journalist keyboard-warrior to defer to the superior knowledge of a good coach... but that is exactly what I shall do! I'm going to pick the team I think Joe will pick! And if he happens to select anyone different... well, I'll just know I was wrong! And I won't mind admitting it, even from the safety of my laptop, and in my underwear. Fair play Joe...

Ireland Team to DO IT FOR BOD'S SAKE!

Loosehead Prop: Cian Healy

Healy carried extremely well on Saturday, and by all accounts he should be fighting fit and we'll need him at the weekend, even if McGrath is primed and ready to go in his stead!

Hooker: Rory Best

Besty has been superb all Championship and he's a shoe-in here. His quiet, manful leadership and unfailing accuracy and workrate is now a cornerstone of this side.

Nugget will continue on the bench after getting a deserved first try for Ireland at the weekend. Will probably come on at Hooker and not Outside Centre though.

Tighthead Prop: Mike Ross

I think Rossy has been quietly magnificent this season! He may have looked shagged at the tail-end of last season but he's playing with a focus and a consistency which is astounding when you remember he spent his formative years in the professional wilderness! He is clearly enjoying himself and enjoying playing under a coach who trusts him. I couldn't be happier for him!

Like every other replacement in this Six Nations, Marty Moore has looked comfortable and assured and is putting in bit-parts that speak to a satisfaction throughout the larger squad. He's knocking on the door but he seems to be happy in his work.

Second Row: Devin Toner and Paul O'Connell

The dream second row partnership at the back end of the golden generation, who would have thought it?! Big Dev is playing a blinder and deserves all the plaudits coming his way. The praise for the big man has been so cautious and disbelieving that it has jumped straight past the hype stage and settled right onto the level of totally justified. What a great story! Paulie is crucial to us seeing this championship out, let's hope he has at least one great eighty-minute performance left in him!

I believe Joe will stick with Iain Henderson as his lock replacement given his versatility and his clear integration into the group this year. It's easy to forget that this has been one of the least injury stricken squads in years [probably since '09] and Hendo is a crucial part of that group mentality. He's also a damn good impact sub, wherever he comes on!

Back Row: Peter O'Mahony, Chris Henry and Jamie Heaslip

It looks like O'Mahony will be back for another badly sung anthem and, here's hoping, another inspirational performance. It's a tested unit at this stage and the balance has been really great from the three lads. Henry has taken his chance extremely well and shown he can recreate what he does for Ulster in the green of Ireland. Jamie has once again shown his chameleon like ability to fulfil the roll that is required from him in the back row, and in the greater team as a whole, and has enjoyed carrying the ball for Ireland once again.

Despite some fine form from Rhys Ruddock I believe Joe will go with Jordi Murphy on the bench on Saturday. I have to admit, this is the one area of the team I am unsure about, and I have a feeling Murphy will be kept very much in reserve right until the end. I rate the guy pretty highly, but he's untested at this level, and if it's a close one at the death he may not be risked unless he is needed.

Scrum Half: Conor Murray

After Eoin Reddan's superb performance this could be seen as an area of debate for Ireland, but I think Joe will select the more physical Murray for this one. Physicality aside, Murray is actually more consistent these days. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Reddan and always have been, but the guy is known to have his off days, and they can be pretty woeful when they come. Add to this Reddan's ability to lift the tempo off the bench and it becomes a bit of a no-brainer for me.

Fly Half: Jonny Sexton

Will be 'at home' in Paris [get it?] and a sure starter, but Paddy Jackson may be called into action earlier than perhaps we at home may like. Expect this one to be physical, and expect Jonny to have to make a few hard tackles in the midfield.

Centres: Gordon D'Arcy and King Brian O'Driscoll

One last tango in Paris for the el dude brothers. It's seems fitting that he finish his career here after announcing himself to the Rugby world so emphatically all those years ago. I should add that that is one of my earliest Rugby memories and that I am indeed one of those Rugby fans who has been a Rugby fan for the entirety of Brian O'Driscoll's career, in fact for approximately just that length of time! Regardless of the result this weekend I believe I shall cry, and I don't think I'll be alone in that regard...

Back Three: Dave Kearney, Andrew Trimble and Rob Kearney

This unit of the team is almost the biggest success story of the Championship! Two unheralded wingers holding off flashier competition, seemingly one of many tactical masterstrokes from Herr Schmidt, a point now truly driven home by the decision to omit Tommy Bowe from the training squad for Paris. [I can't help but wonder what Warren Gatland would have done in the same circumstance?] Joe has faith in this group, and they have rewarded him throughout. This may be the most 'boring' triumvirate available for selection, but it sure can do those basics well! I for one will be happy to see Andrew Trimble collect his medal if we do win. He's been on the fringe for most of his career, and had his fair share of detractors, but he's never stopped working, nor asked for anything more than fair treatment. He is just one of many players in this team who is being trusted by this coach, and who is rewarding him in kind. Good on him.

Fergus McFadden is the quintessential squadman and will again support manfully from the bench. He's a fit and committed professional who's also great craic. He'll never complain about holding a tackle bag, and will always play well no matter the player you ask him to replace.

Ireland Team as selected by best buddies Joe Schmidt and Connachtman

1: Cian Healy

2: Rory Best

3: Mike Ross

4: Devin Toner

5: Paul O'Connell

6: Peter O'Mahony

7: Chris Henry

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Jonny Sexton

11: Dave Kearney

12: Gordon D'Arcy

13: Brian O'Driscoll

14: Andrew Trimble

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements

16: Sean Cronin

17: Jack McGrath

18: Marty Moore

19: Iain Henderson

20: Jordi Murphy

21: Eoin Reddan

22: Paddy Jackson

23: Fergus McFadden

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Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

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NEXT WEEK ON LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN…it’s up to our Leinster blogger to select the first Ireland 23 of the post-BOD era.

Keego on…Brian and Brilliance

There’s the good, the great, the legends, then there’s BOD, writes Keego…

Well that was emotional wasn’t it?

Not only was it a great team performance where each member of the match day squad put big shifts in to get a big win. The great man set up 3 tries and looked 25 again. He made passes that most mortals wouldn’t even dream about making.

The whole country was watching Brian O’Driscoll’s last game in green in Lansdowne. A place where he has given us so many memories and to have him perform at the same level he performed at while in his ‘prime’ was great to see.

Some members of the rugby press had written O’Driscoll’s rugby eulogy after the English match, placing the blame for the loss squarely on this and Darcy’s shoulders. These journos where so far off the mark it was worrying and whilst I am sure this was never in the heads of our centres, they both threw the negativity back in their faces.

After O’Driscoll was left to run out by himself, and for him to join captain Paulie for the photos with the mascots, Ireland started slowly. Strongly but slowly. The tide changed when Conor Murray went off, he was sick apparently, and Eoin Redden came on. Redzer grasped his opportunity with both hands and was immense all day. Over 120 passes were made, and he wasn’t on for the full 80. Ireland didn’t kick much ball, so Redden had his hands on the ball a lot more than he would have in the last 2 games and he took advantage. Ireland had 78% in the first half and 83% of possession in the second half, so this was a team going for the win, going for the points and ready to put Italy to the sword.

Ireland where clinical and relentless. Exactly what we wanted to see. I am sure this was partly charged up by the emotion of the day, they were never going to let BOD leave with anything less than a big win. Whilst remembering that this was Italy. An Italy team with nothing to play for, Ireland still looked like world beaters. No other team in the competition this far has put anywhere near the points on Italy that Ireland did on Saturday, a sure sign that we are on the right track.

The big thing for me is that the whole entire squad is putting in big shifts. As the Rock used to say, everyone ‘knows their role’ and are performing with a clear understanding of what that role is.

Now, moving on to next week. It is a trip to Paris to take on a French side that look so bad that it is unbelievable that they nearly (and should have) won the last world cup. Believe it or not, this is why I worry about this French team. They cannot be as bad as they where against Wales and Scotland. Just like any fighter in the UFC we need to train for the best France ever. This is what King Joe will be doing all week; this is what the team will be doing all week.

The opening 20 minutes will be huge. If we can boss the French in the set piece and keep going forward we can win for the third time in a billion years. The emotion can carry on for 7 more days and we can beat the once invincible French.

Back to the greatest Irish sportsperson in history.

It is great to be a great player in your chosen sport. That is rare enough, but it is even more rarefied air to be a great human being. If you look at any other sport, the greatest players are disastrously flawed. Just look at Maradona and George Best, 2 geniuses of the game, 2 players who made bad decisions and had many more downs than ups, who couldn’t control themselves. Not the best role models. But here is Brian O’Driscoll, one of (if not the) best players to ever play the game. And you could walk past him on Grafton Street. He doesn’t hide behind agents or bodyguards; he doesn’t have an inflated opinion of himself. If anything, he needs to be a bit cockier ;).

He is a great example to anyone playing any sport. Hard work, class and even more hard work will always pay off.

And if you doubt that, Brian O’Driscoll has league titles, Heineken cups, triple crowns and a grand slam to show you that will change your mind. That and a soon to be in the back pocket, 6 nation’s title.

I toasted Brian’s last match in green in Lansdowne from the couch with a hot brew and a tear in my eye. Cheers for the memories, at the end of the season you can go be a father and husband.

But you and the team have some work to do in the meantime !

Keego (@nkeegan): Blogger, former professional wrestler, sometime attempted rugby player (@TheThirsty3rds), professional procrastinator and attempted musician with a fondness for long walks on the bar, tea and the couch. Opinionated Leinster fan and constant gardener.

Round 4 preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s top action by Fergal Nolan aka @IrishRugbyBlog…

Ireland v Italy

Schmidt hasn’t rung the changes in a more or less unchanged side to face Italy on Saturday. Henderson comes in for the injured O’Mahony and Ruddock on the bench, as expected. I am a bit dismayed there isn’t one or two more changes. For once, I believe Sexton shouldn’t be starting. Whether his thumb is injured or not I believe Jackson should get game time, with Madigan as cover. Johnny should be rested for the French game. An aggravation of the thumb would be a major setback. I can’t fathom how the FFR claimed he would be side-lined for up to 6 weeks…let’s hope he isn’t after today!

Schmidt is sticking to a side that has performed consistently and excelled brilliantly in the set piece. It’s only his seventh game in charge, mixing it up at this period would not be a wise move. Stick to what you know. I would have liked to have Zebo on the bench. I’m counter-arguing with myself, but he could bring that flair onto the pitch. I respect Schmidt for keeping the players ; choosing a fringe player over the consistent 15 could be a major confidence blow at this late stage. (Take Trimble for example, didn’t feature last season, and now , given the chance, he is really stepping up the mark).

Sergio Paisse’s absence is a shock. He’s a great player and it’s somewhat disheartening that he will never win silverware with Italy. If Parisse was dropped, it’s a bad decision….I would have expected such from Brunel’s French counterpart!! If he’s injured and just being rested, with one eye on England next week, then I won’t complain. The half back pairing of Orquera and Tebaldi is a boost. Orquera is a good fly half who will tactically kick better than Allan. The Italians won’t be afraid to play some rugby either – the likes of Campagnaro and McLean will dance and dart with ball in hand. They will show this championship that they can play a different game, without the might of their talisman.

With both Parisse and Zanni missing, I can see Ireland being dominant in the scrum (injury wise or not). Brunel has started some heavy forwards in the hope of targeting this area but our scrum is growing with every match up. The powerful rolling maul will be utilised more frequent than v England. The line out will be another area where we can provide the backs with clean ball. From this, I am anticipating some tantalising plays. I believe the first half will be physical and we should hope to tire the Italians. The second half should be more open with back-line moves echoed from the training ground.

The man in charge will play his part too. The vibrant Owens provides clear instructions and is decisive in his decision making. He lets the game flow which will suit Ireland.

With the end of an era in one Brian O Driscoll, the charged emotion will be mirrored in the team performance. We have an excellent set piece. This is the perfect game to execute that finishing touch and build up the scoreboard. I’m hoping the players will be more clinical and less robotic as the game progresses. I believe they will read the game accordingly and adapt as they build confidence. Ireland by 26, with GOD BOD on the score-sheet.

France v Scotland

If this is the weekend for coaches making rash decisions, then it’s clearly mirrored in Scott Johnson . After shipping Kelly Brown in the previous two games he is reinstated in the starting 15….as captain. If some of these rugby sides were consistent, and had acute coaches, then we’d witness teams that can play to their true potential.

The visiting side have players side-lined for numerous reasons, but still have individual class. The Maxime backline (9-12) will cause the Scots trouble. If Dunbar can play like he did againist Italy he will give the French some pain in their derrière. Let’s hope the kicking of Hogg and Weir is on form and Scotland can contain the French in their own half.

If ever there was an ample time to lick salt in the French wounds, it’s now. With the talisman leading the backrow with Beattie and Denton, there’s no shortage of passion and determination. Unfortunately, I think the individual talent of the French will progress. France by 5.

England v Wales

The big one. I’m really looking forward to this. The winner will progress to the final round knowing a championship is there to be won. The looser is out of the running. With so many physical match ups, and individual flair, this game will be a joy to watch.

Like Ireland, England’s one replacement is enforced in the backrow. The injured Vunipola makes way for Ben Morgan. This is more or less a like for like replacement.

Meanwhile Gatland has shipped in Jonathan Davies from his four month absence. In contrasting circumstances Alun Wyn Jones returns to the starting 15. Luke Charteris aggravated his neck so Jake Ball takes his place. Webb remains at scrum half. He performed very well against France, Gatland is correct in retaining him.

These two sides have shrewd coaches and great rivalry. The atmosphere will be electric. North, Cuthbert, Davies vs Nowell, Burell, May. The Lions Player of the Tournament (Halfpenny) vs The Player of The Tournament, so far (Mike Brown). Enticing.

The English have built a fortress of Twickenham. They are not going to let the Welsh soldiers annihilate them like last year. If they play like they did against Ireland, and keep their composure, it’s theirs to be won. Meanwhile, if the Welsh bring that power, and create the space, then it’s very hard to overlook them. I feel the English will just about edge this one. Home advantage will be a factor. Lancaster has built a well disciplined, youthful side, with individual finesse. Their determination should take it. England by 2.

Fergal is on twitter as @IrishRugbyBlog

The Pagano Preview Mar 7-9

I have been pretty quiet all through the week about BOD.  No lists of 13 things, no YouTube montages of his greatest moments, just the odd passing mention.  Plus a banner to sit atop my preview of course.

That is not because I have anything against him - far, far from it.  But although I appreciate the significance of this being his last game for Ireland at HQ, the fact that there is so long left in his final season makes me prefer to focus my energies on the build up to the match itself, much the same as he would.  There’s a Championship to be won goddammit!

One thing that IS worth mentioning is that he is breaking George Gregan’s all-time caps record and that really is some achievement.

Still, even that has my superstitious gland working overtime.  We know he definitely won’t have “one more year”, but hopefully he’ll still be good for one more game the following week in Paris!   Plus there’s the small matter of a trip to Toulon in April!

Especially for someone who has given so much of himself for the jersey, it’s going to be hard enough for him this week and indeed for the rest of the season to focus on the job at hand.  IMO we can wax lyrical about his amazing career afterwards.  Between now and the end of the season let’s just savour every pass, every tackle and every try.

Now it’s time for me to get a whole rake of match predictions horribly wrong same as I do every week…

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Click here for TV listings

Friday, March 7

Under 20s Six Nations

Ireland v Italy, 7:05pm

No prospect of a title for Mike Ruddock’s Wolfpuppies this year, but definitely a chance for them to play some winning rugby tonight.  The likes of Ross Byrne, Sean O’Brien óg and Adam Byrne will start and watch out for Harrison Brewer (son of Mike) off the bench wearing 23 - played at centre in school for Terenure and definitely has the potential to go far.

Of course even though silverware is off the table there’s loads to play for - the small matter of a trip to New Zealand in June for the Junior World Championship and a pool which includes Wales, Fiji and our opponents next week, France.

Saturday, March 8

Remaining previews will be here Saturday morning.

RBS Six Nations

IRELAND v ITALY, 2:30pm

CLICK HERE FOR MY PREVIEW ON THE FANTASY5LIVE BLOG

SCOTLAND v FRANCE, 5pm

If the Scots are to have any hope of causing an upset today they will need to rely on two things, one they cannot control, the other they most definitely can.

The woes in the French squad have been well-documented…when that dressing room turns against its coach it’s almost impossible to win them back, but there is always the possibility of them playing for themselves so as usual, we will have to see which set of Les Blues turn up at Murrayfield.

One thing is for sure - if they do perform it will only be after wholesale changes to their lineup - deprived of game changers such as Fofana, Picamoles and Parra for widely contrasting reasons, the side certainly isn’t one I’d pick even with the players available but like i say there’s every chance they could click.

For the Scots’ part they very much need to channel the good will brought about by that late winner in Rome and be sure and come at the French with everything they have from the kickoff - anything less would surely be a major disappointment to the home faithful.

So basically what I’m saying is that despite the fact that my prediction goes the other way, I can still see a path to a home victory.  Claassen and Fickou off the bench could be the key should the French need to pull something out of the bag late on.  France by 8

Women’s Six Nations

Ireland v Italy, 5pm

Of course it’s a super idea to hold this at the Aviva, particularly on International Women’s day.  I just hope they get a decent turn out…fans from the men’s game can stick around if they want but many will be tempted to hit the pub for Scotland v France so this match could well have a “Edinburgh Pro12 match in Murrayfield” atmosphere.

Still, as skipper Fiona Coghlan pointed out on a 2fm panel during the week, the girls are very much looking forward to this unique opportunity to play at HQ and you certainly can’t deny they deserve it, particularly after the conditions they had to endure in the reverse of this fixture last season to secure the Slam!

Ulster Bank League Division 1A

Ballynahinch v Old Belvedere, 2:30pm

LV= Cup Semifinal

Northampton Saints v Saracens, 12:30pm

Super Rugby

Crusaders v Stormers, 6:35am

Western Force v Melbourne Rebels, 8:40am

Bulls v Blues, 3:05pm

Sharks v Lions, 5:10pm

Sunday, March 9

RBS Six Nations

ENGLAND v WALES, 3pm

The Bosh Bowl.  This certainly won’t be one for the faint-hearted.  Stuart Lancaster will have his boys well-drilled as usual with a gameplan while Gatland’s will be doing everything they can to help them forget it.

But while I can see the benefits from making only injury-forced substitutions after the hard-earned win over Ireland, I thought Jonny May wasn’t up to scratch that day and could be seen as a weak link to be exploited out wide by the likes of Cuthbert & Faletau early on.

Also I reckon the Welsh have the stronger bench with Coombs, Tipuric & Phillips all well able to provide instant impact in their specific areas if required.

Still though, we can’t let this England team play the humble underdog card forever, can we?  I want to see them under some decent pressure before these matches and if their home media won’t do it, then it should be us.

Though this is likely to be a tight one, it could well rest on refereeing decisions and 80k simultaneous renditions of Swing Low are bound to sway Monsieur Poite towards a home win.   England by 4

LV= Cup Semifinal

Bath v Exeter Chiefs, 1pm

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Be sure and enjoy your Six Nations weekend wherever you are. And if you’re at Lansdowne Road, be extra sure to enjoy yourself.  It’s meant to be a celebration of an amazing career, not a sad farewell. JLP

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 7 (ULS)

Since the start of the season four bloggers, one representing each province, have taken turns selecting their ideal Irish matchday 23.

This week our Ulster blogger Laura Johnston gives her selection - she wouldn’t leave BOD out would she? ;-)

Click this link for her last selection and these for the latest from Connacht, Munster &Leinster.

We are more than halfway through this year’s Six Nations and Ireland aren’t looking to shabby. Top of the table on points difference, two good wins against Scotland and Wales and a three point loss to England, when to be honest we didn’t play great.

Saturday’s game against Italy sees Brian O’Driscoll become the world’s most capped rugby player and also  it’s his final home game in a green shirt.

The game against Italy will be a tough one. Each year the Italians gets progressively better, due partly to their players regular involvement in the Rabo Pro 12 and Heineken Cup.

My Ireland team isn’t much different from the one Joe picked to face England. We lost yes but only by three points and it wasn’t our best performance, so why change a formula that works.

My front row is unchanged from my last blog and that selected to face England. Possibly the best players in each of the three positions in Ireland. Best’s throwing has improved a lot since last summer. Healy is a great ball carrier in the open and Ross is a superb scrummager

My replacements are also unchanged.

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

16. Sean Cronin

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore.

Unfortunately Dan Tuohy broke his arm, a similar injury to the one Rory Best picked up against New Zealand in November, and we all hope Dan has a speedy recovery. Tuohy would have been one of my first choice locks along with Paul O’Connell, had he not been injured. Therefore the person I would pick to partner O’Connell is Devin Toner, who impressed me against England.

Iain Henderson is my replacement lock due to his versatility and strength at lock and flanker.

4. Devin Toner

5. Paul O’Connell

19. Ian Henderson

My back three is again unchanged, albeit if O’Mahony is fit. They have all impressed in many different ways over the last three games but particularly at the breakdown.

I am sticking with Tommy O’Donnell as my replacement as I think he deserves more game time in green.

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

20. Tommy O’Donnell

The half back partnership of Murray and Sexton works well together, even if against England Jonny was a little bit shaky at times, he is still the best fly half Ireland has.

My replacement half backs are Isaac Boss and Paddy Jackson. I have chosen Bossy as he loves a physical game which Italy will be. Paddy deserves a chance in green as he has been a key player in Ulster’s success in the group stages of the Heineken cup. Even Brian O’Driscoll agrees he deserves a chance.

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

21, Isaac Boss

22. Paddy Jackson.

I am sticking with Trimble and Dave Kearney as my wingers. They have both been impressive in the air and have made good yards with ball in hand. Tommy Bowe played his first 40 minutes for Ulster after injury on Friday against the Dragons, scoring two tries. In my opinion he needs more game time before I would consider calling him up to the Ireland set up.

Unfortunately Luke Marshall took a knock to the head playing for Ulster, so he will probably be out for a week or two as a precaution. Therefore Gordon D’arcy is the player who I think should partner Brian O’Driscoll on his last home game. And who better a person to do it. They are after all the most experienced centre partnership in world rugby. Rob Kearney is still the first person that comes to my mine when I hear ‘Ireland full-back’. He took his try well against England and is still very threating in attack.

My replacement back is Fergus McFadden, due to his physicality and versatility across the back line.

11. Dave Kearney

12. Gordon D’Arcy

13. Brian O’Driscoll

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney.

23. Fergus McFadden.

Ireland team for Italy

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

4. Devin Toner

5. Paul O’Connell

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

11. Dave Kearney

12. Gordon D’arcy

13. Brian O’Driscoll

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney

    ---

16. Sean Cronin

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore

19. Iain Henderson

20. Tommy O’Donnell

21. Isaac Boss

22. Paddy Jackson

23. Fergus McFadden

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

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NEXT WEEK ON “LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN” - We begin our 7th round of selections and find out how our Connacht blogger sees the matchday 23 for Paris…

Keego on…Twickers and Tweaks

Back after a spell on the sidelines, it’s the welcome return of Keego…

I have been away for a while. Mainly trying to make a clone of a certain retiring Irish sporting legend. I failed miserably, but I did come up with a mega cure for erectile dysfunction. I will be selling this at each home match for province and country from now on.

So here we go. The 6 nations are in full swing. We kicked off against Scotland. A quite horrendous Scotland. They have a handful of good players (Hogg, Maitland and Gray) along with an awful lot of bad players. We were expected to win, the hangover from that game that I shall not mention, was in full effect.

We worked hard, we looked like scoring anytime we got near the line and won comfortably. Everyone played well. But we had to remember that it was Scotland. We should have done that to them.

The first proper test was against Wales. 2 time defending champions and powerhouses of northern hemisphere rugby.

Apparently they were there, but I didn’t see them on the pitch. I was lucky enough to be there e in the north stand to watch this match and it was great to see the King Joe game plan working against a top side. We spotted the threat in the midfield so we kicked over them and into the corners of Lansdowne. An absolute destruction of a top team resulted. We were better everywhere and the Irish maul was becoming a potent weapon.

Potent weapon is the name of that medicine I mentioned above.

The country went from quiet confidence to full on delirium. I fell into this too. Maybe I went a bit too far. We were headed to Twickenham. The players where saying the right things. Most of us where not. I like Stuart Lancaster, he is a nice lad and a credit to the English rugby union after a few prats had been in charge.

The first half was not great at all from Ireland but we were only 3 nil down. the king Joe half time talk resulted in an Irish try that was straight off the Leinster training ground. Finished off by a revitalised Rob Kearney (no one can keep up with the Kearnashian). We looked to be on top of the match and England just never looked like scoring. I thought our bench and fitness would help us through. But bar a debuting Jordi Murphy, the bench didn’t step up like they should.

We ended up losing by 3 points. Ireland didn’t play badly at all, England just played better. The aftermath in the media blaming our midfield was amazingly wide of the mark. The English aimed straight at our midfield. They defended with the type of guile, strength and determination that any team would kill to have. They didn’t get much happening in terms of forward momentum, but the team as a whole didn’t get much happening. Anyone saying O’Driscoll is well off the pace might need to get to Specsavers. I know people want to be right, but it will become a self fulfilling prophecy when he retires. O’Driscoll has this season in the tank. Watch what he does against the Italians and the French. Just watch!

So there is a couple of weeks off and then it is straight back to Lansdowne to face the Italians. Let’s be honest. We should win this game. It is all about what will Joe do? Will he stick with the same team or rotate. Zebo has been called in which is a good thing. He has been playing well. Not as well as every single rugby writer would have you believe but he has been playing well. Running in a straight line against a lower tier team for a try is not the spark that we need from him. We need the Zebo of last season to make some magic happen.

Rumours abound of Sexton injuring his thumb which may rule him out. Do we put Jackson in to start or Madigan? For me, much like Zebo, Madigan brings more magic, more movement and more chance of points over a very steady and improving Jackson. The fact that Joe wanted to leave an injured Sexton on the pitch instead of bringing on Jackson leads me to believe that he doesn’t have 100% faith in Paddy. Which might be a bit unfair, but Madigan is the man to start that match. Get the points on the board. Ireland need to build a higher points difference up and this is the game to do it.

Next week it is Keego versus the French. Let’s see if the other bleu have it in them ..

Until then….

Keego (@nkeegan): Blogger, former professional wrestler, sometime attempted rugby player (@TheThirsty3rds), professional procrastinator and attempted musician with a fondness for long walks on the bar, tea and the couch. Opinionated Leinster fan and constant gardener.

…In The Chariot’s Wake

Some tough decisions ahead for Joe after Twickenham, writes Fergal Nolan…

I’m not totally dismayed by our loss on Saturday.

We were consistent in areas of importance such as the scrum , line out and maul (when it was finally utilised). We were inconsistent in our decision making. I believe we also lacked that clinical finish which cost us the game. England deserved to win but they were moments where we had them rattled, namely in the first ten minutes of the second half. We failed to build on this and ultimately lost momentum.

As I noted in my preview, pre-planned moves direct from the training camp were clearly evident in the game. They had the Schmidt aurora about them. Great to see. My only qualm – the players were too robotic. All good when the moves materialise but the players have to get a feel for the game, and be spontaneous. This impromptu manner was somewhat lacking in the game. 

When the moves do work they can be a joy to watch. Dummy runs from a line-out provided the backs with room on the outside channels. The English defence stretched like their armed men on the fields of Wytschaete. The Irish armoury built on this in the second half. The well worked Irish try was executed to perfection. Expect to see more of these plays with a more clinical finish under Schmidt.

As in all evenly matched games, decision making is key. I alluded to this in my weekend preview. What I didn’t envisage was the governing to be off in our most important player. Johnny Sexton. If it was psychological, concussion, or tiredness, his kicking was well below par. (If Sexton was tired Jackson should have come on sooner but I believe Schmidt rates Sexton tiers above Jackson – he shouldn’t have over-reliance on one choice out half). A fly half controls the game. The polar opposite of control is chaos. I won’t say Sexton caused chaos – that’s too harsh, but you can understand my point. Cause and effect.

At the time of writing Racing Metro’s medical board have stated that Sexton will be out for ten days to six weeks. The IRFU are saying otherwise. Perhaps this is a ploy by the French to outwit Sexton into not playing against Les Bleus….This is the chance to have Jackson start against Italy (the injury has reinstated him starting) with Madigan as replacement. As I stated above, we cannot solely rely on one player in one position, others must get proper game time at this standard. Blessing in disguise?

Perhaps I’m being too critical, and maybe, just maybe this English team are that good. Evenly matched? A neutral watching the game would have said the same. They did deserve to win but they have areas to improve on just like us. Like our Welsh counterparts, the English have blooded big centres and wingers. They are extremely physical and hard to break down. This was clearly evident in the match.

We are lacking that physical touch and finesse in our back-line. We were lacking that player who can change the game. Albeit we had the upper hand in the bench but not that x-factor. The English have that flair. Mike Brown. He is England’s sweet chariot. Physical, Intelligent, Spontaneous, Skillful. I do admire him. The full back will be the player of the tournament. Conor O’Shea may have weeped as Brown pulled off those classy moves but inside he was smiling…just a little! The Irishman can be grateful to have such a player on his side.

My predictions were off in the Wooden Spoon match up. I did foresee the Welsh-France game to play the way it did although I didn’t see Wales winning by that score. French rugby is a mess and Ireland playing them for a potential Championship decider is not as daunting as it used to be. They lack structure and heart. Sheer talent spreads across the squad board but it’s not being utilised. The potential is there and I’m afraid if they do decide to turn up, they can really turn it on. For the Ireland game, Fofana will take no part. Morgan Parra will be back after his suspension (it would seem this is a regular occurrence in the Top 14 lately). He’s a dangerous half back who could inject some game management into this French side.

Schmidt will have some tough decisions in the run up to the Italian game. With a potential championship decider the week after, we need to fill the scoreboard. The Irish side need to play with ease and iron out the cracks. Schmidt needs to utilise the full squad. He has the weaponry at his disposal. Perhaps a physical Henshaw on the bench to cover 13 and 15? Bowe/Zebo to come in on the wing? Perhaps a talented Marshal in centre, alongside O’Driscoll for his last game in Ireland? Mix the old with the new. If the new generation are given time and experience, the future looks bright. Like the English team, we need to mould these players. Unlike the battle in Twickenham, we will need to provide better governing of the game. Hopefully we bring that added finesse. This time, we will not, be left, in the chariot’s wake…

Fergal is on twitter as @IrishRugbyBlog

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 7 (MUN)

Since the start of the season four bloggers, one representing each province, have taken turns selecting their ideal Irish matchday 23.

This week our Munster blogger Kate McEvoy gives her thoughts on what Joe should do next…

Click this link for her last selection and these for the latest from Connacht, Ulster & Leinster.

Also click here if you haven’t read Kate’s excellent piece on the Neil Francis radio interview

Well that was a tough auld weekend wasn't it? After an across the board failure to derail the chariot, Monday's Against the Head certainly made for tough watching. However, there are positives.

Although the elusive Grand Slam dream has once again evaporated, there are still two championships to play for in both the men's and the women's competition. Strong performances and narrow losses keep both squads firmly in contention to bring home the silverwear, particularly with Joe Schmidt's team currently still top of the table in a wide open tournament.

The next task at hand is hosting the Azzuri the weekend after next, so that's what I'm keeping in mind for this selection, along with relative weaknesses in the performance against the English. We'll have further updates on injuries etc throughout the coming days so options may change.

1. Cian Healy – I'm keeping the front row unit that started against the English intact so it's Church, and his fashion forward Williams sister style ankle supports in at loosehead, with the ever more explosive McGrath on the bench. The scrum is fast becoming a much more consistent weapon in the Irish arsenal with Healy ever improving under the new laws. I reckon he's due a try too.

2. Rory Best – one of the sources of the most division in Saturday's post match analysis. Personally, I've been impressed with how he's attacked this tournament after a disappointing and uneven Lions tour which could have broken a lesser man, and his wayward throwing has levelled out. Although the throwing of his closest rival Sean Cronin has also reached a more consistent level, his inability to strike in the scrum, together with Best's leadership is holding him back from progressing beyond his impact sub role

3. Mike Ross – I thought Ross played one of his most dynamic games in green, with great physicality and dare I even say, a few darting runs, around the park. His scrummaging seems to have come back to an even keel after a slow start to the season. Moore's definitely the coming man in this position but perhaps it was that knowledge that's acted as a spur to Ireland's resident tech whizz.

4. Paul O'Connell (c)– A relatively quiet game for the big man by his high standards, his lineout face is still a work of art in itself. Particularly in those great slowmo close ups.

5. Devin Toner– So my front five is unchanged, altho I am anticipating liberal use of the bench. I'm not in favour of underestimating Italy with a championship on the line. There's scope for development but I'm not pushing development for the sake of it. Also, there are considerable changes in my slection behind the front five so some stability there would be beneficial.

Regarding Dev, I'm now chosing to think of him as the big engine who could as he continues to impress with solid performances and surely change the minds of those who still claim he's not an international standard player.

6. Iain Henderson – As it stands it looks like POM, Ireland's finest anthem singer, could well be fit to start as his hamstring injury isn't believed to be serious. However, as Schmidt eluded to earlier today, given the incredible physical toll placed oh his body, I'd consider resting him either way and would welcome an opportunity to see Henderson's power against the Italians, particularly given that was an element that was somewhat lacking for me at Twickenham

I've got Donnacha Ryan on the bench who I would love to see make a return to the national stage. He can also cover backrow as well as second row but if it came to that I would leave Henderson at 6 and have Ryan at lock.

7. Tommy O'Donnell – Similarly I would posit Henry could benefit from an extra rest week and would see this as a good opportunity for O'Donnell to show what he can do. Again, no reflection on Henry's performances so far but I would see O'Donnell as needing more test experience and also providing a good ball carrying option.

8. Jamie Heaslip – With the relative inexperience of his backrow colleagues, Ireland's most reliable machine retains his starting spot. After a patchy season as Ireland captain last year he very much put those demons to bed by stepping in to deputise for O'Connell for the Scotland game and the last half hour of the Welsh.

9. Eoin Reddan – After coming through Leinster's scrappy but lucrative bonus point win in Wales last week with a try to his name, Eoin Reddan starts to keep the Leinster half back partnership intact. Murray drops to the bench.

10. Ian Madigan – As with O'Mahony, it appears that Sexton's thumb injury is not serious, but again, he has all the hallmarks of a man who needs a rest. Although it could possibly be psychologically tough for Sexton to be dropped to the bench after one of his weaker performances, this for me is not that type of selection. I'm going with Madigan to start over Jackson as I'm not sure Schmidt trusts him to run a game, based on how slow he was to make the switch at Twickenham, and there are some lingering concerns over his kicking from the tee at this level. It's a risky call given I have not yet been overly impressed with Madigan this season but he's hungry to show what he can do. There's a slight hail Mary to this one but if I've horribly misjudged things, Sexton is on the bench to redeem himself.
11. Simon Zebo – There's a couple of reasons for this. The main one is entirely selfish, I'm bloody tired of hearing the arguments raging over his non-selection. He's been tapping away on the try front with Munster, time to see if he can once again deliver in green. It should go some way towards settlign the debate one way or another. I also think there are some red herrings doign the rounds about his defense and workrate that I'm yet to see anyone back up with stats. Trimble has had a fine tournament, particularly his overall defense and rucking but Zebo's ability to create something from nothing could be the shot in the arm our slightly lacklustre attack needs

12. Luke Marshall – I'd like to see Bamm-Bamm bring some of his hard running and line breaks to the cause, hopefully the go forward he can provide will be a good attacking platform

13. Brian O'Driscoll – For my pre-tournament selection I suggested O'Driscoll shouldn't play every game. However given the backline shakeup here, I'm still going with all his vast experience to start against the Italians and am hoping to see an improvement in communication between himself and Marshall.

14. Dave Kearney – Bowe is still not at 100% and is very short on game time and McFadden, who I personally would like to have seen on earlier against the English, is once again a victim of his versatility and is on the bench. Which is not to say, of course, that Kearney doesn't fully deserve his start.

15. Rob Kearney – With a really well taken try to his name at Twickenham and no real competition to match him, Kearney's tenure at fullback continues

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Paul O'Connell
5. Devin Toner
6. Iain Henderson
7. Tommy O'Donnell
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Eoin Reddan
10. Ian Madigan
11. Simon Zebo
12. Luke Marshall
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Dave Kearney
15. Rob Kearney

16. Sean Cronin
17. Marty Moore
18. Jack McGrath
19. Donnacha Ryan
20. Jordi Murphy
21. Conor Murray
22. Johnny Sexton
23. Fergus McFadden

Kate McEvoy : Munster fan in a sea of Leinster blue. Raised on a strict diet of Bective Rangers. Earliest childhood memory is stud marks in the muck. Former hooker for a father & a mother with an eye for a forward pass bordering on freakish . Best rugby memory, Toulouse main square, May 24, 2008. Epitaph will read “Knew a lot about rugby for a girl.” Can be found tweeting optimistically at @ImKateMc

NEXT WEEK WE’LL HEAR FROM OUR ULSTER BLOGGER LAURA JOHNSTON

So close yet…

What can Ireland do differently against Italy & France? asks Ryan Cullen…

Full commitment and effort in professional sport are something we justifiably take for granted. Professional athletes are paid well and as such dedication should be taken as a given.

Sometimes, though, the effort put in, particularly in rugby, goes beyond the call of duty. That is what we saw at Twickenham on Saturday and why I know all rugby fans will have the utmost respect for all participants – respect I hope obviously permeates through this piece.

On Saturday Ireland left Twickenham empty handed despite the majority of stats favouring them. 59% of possession, 53% of Territory, a higher percentage of rucks and mauls won, 100% on their own scrum (in comparison to England’s 55.6%), a perfect lineout (although England matched this from half as many throws). (Source: ESPN Scrum)

I am always dubious about stats trotted out in isolation but it’s clear Ireland had a pretty strong grip on the game. And yet they created just one clear try scoring opportunity, off an excellent pre-planned strike move, and a few half chances besides. Why the attacking impotency in open play?

The first question that generally springs to mind in such situations is ‘was the quality of possession poor despite it being plentiful?’. The answer to that has to be no. Whilst perhaps not as quick as against Wales and Scotland, Ireland’s pack certainly produced plenty of quality possession for their half backs.

It was there, I believe, that Ireland’s attack stuttered. Conor Murray has improved immensely over the past 12 months but this was one of his poorest displays in this period. His previously excellent tactical kicking reverted to the aimless, improved in appearance only by Ireland’s consistently excellent kick chase. The sharpness of his passing was also lacking though and he made none of his previously notable line breaks.

Whilst his solidity in defence was laudable, Murray at his best is a nice blend of the physical and tactical. We did not see this on Saturday.

Nor did we see the summer’s Lions fly-half put his best foot forward. Jonathan Sexton is Ireland’s most important player these days. He has the ‘all-court’ game to pick apart any opposition at his best and Ireland is now reliant upon him producing close to his best to compete at the highest level.

Saturday’s performance was far below what the Racing man in capable of. Whilst the botched restart has been given far more coverage than it merited, it did exemplify a performance which was below-par at best. Sexton’s passing wasn’t as sharp and accurate as we have seen from him, his tactical kicking was poor and his punting to touch even worse.

Why Ireland refused to use Rob Kearney’s left foot repeatedly is a mystery given the lack of distance Sexton was achieving down Ireland’s right. An even greater mystery was why Paddy Jackson was on the bench if Schmidt refused to use him. Jackson may not have done anything which changed the game but he deserved 10 or 15 minutes to try given the lacklustre nature of Sexton’s attacking play to that point.

It is somewhat unfair to Sexton that his performance so often determines Ireland’s results but that is the situation in which he finds himself. Ireland’s forwards do not possess the necessary bulk to dominate teams like England up-front. Indeed that is an area Joe Schmidt may want to consider more closely prior to the French test.

Whilst Ireland’s forwards have performed exceptionally well so far there is a distinct lack of ball carrying power without Sean O’Brien. As a unit the backrow have been the match of all so far but their lack of dynamism to truck the ball up is notable. Moreover looking at the stats again, Chris Henry and Peter O’Mahony appear to have swapped roles in certain facets of the game.

Whilst Henry is certainly still the link man, he has made far more tackles to date than O’Mahony (36 v 21), whilst O’Mahony has been much more prominent at the breakdown. Does Ireland have two 7’s rather than open and blindside flankers?

Neither have been capable of making many metres running with the ball either (Henry 20 and O’Mahony 22. For comparison Jamie Heaslip has made 88 and Cian Healy 55), posing the question do Ireland need a better ball carrier at 6?

I’m not suggesting any changes should be made currently but it is surely something Joe Schmidt will be thinking over.

One other area we may see a change is the second row. Whilst I have been massively impressed by Devin Toner’s improvement in the past year, he simply isn’t a ball carrier. From 6 carries he gained 3 metres. When you compare that against Iain Henderson you find that the Ulsterman made more metres (6) from his 3 carries. Further, Toner has made just 14 metres in three games.

Nor is he the lineout option it can be sometimes assumed, trailing behind O’Mahony he received only 5 of Ireland’s 16 lineout completions.

Whilst he puts in a terrific shift (14 tackles and a turnover) it might just be that the likes of Iain Henderson, or Donnacha Ryan for that matter, bring a harder edge which would benefit Ireland more.

It is undoubtedly harsh to single out Toner when O’Connell’s stats don’t read much, if any, better, but O’Connell’s influence cannot simply be measured by post-game stats and is nigh on untouchable anyway.

I doubt at this stage Schmidt is likely to veer away from his settled pack without injuries intervening but there is a case to say others might provide more at this stage. Saturday could’ve gone either way and an Ireland victory may not have stirred such criticism despite a few below-par performances.

It is to be hoped, though, that Joe Schmidt and his team will look beyond the results and realise the areas Ireland need to improve in to make a real dent at next year’s world cup. I certainly would be surprised, given their pedigree, if they weren’t.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Conor O’Shea’s #ENGvIRL preview

Conor O'Shea is a rugby coaching ambassador for QBE, the business insurance specialist and official partner of England Rugby.

For more expert insight into the RBS 6 Nations, visit www.qberugby.com.

There is one place to be this weekend if you are watching international rugby - and that is Twickenham. France and Ireland may be the two unbeaten sides in this years' RBS Six Nations Championship but there is no doubt that the two form sides are the sides that meet in Twickenham.

A lot has been said and written about England over the past few weeks but what will Ireland or more particularly their coaches be looking for their team to do:

1.       Target the Scrum - the loss of Dan Cole is a body blow to England's scrum coach Graeme Rowntree. David Wilson is a fabulous replacement to have but is short of match fitness and Henry Thomas has a lot to learn, so from a position of strength, which the scrum could have been for England, John Plumetree will be asking Cian Healy and Ireland to target the England scrum. They will do so not just from a technical point of view but also from a psychological point of view. Two years ago Ireland were embarrassed by how England dismantled them at scrum time, this weekend, through Cole's absence, it could well be the starting point for Ireland's stand.

2.       Kicking game – expect Joe Schmidt to ask Johnny Sexton to do exactly the same to England as he did to Wales and pepper England's rookie wings who are tight and narrow defensively leaving Mike Brown lots of room to cover at the back. Ireland will not kick the ball down Mike's throat because they know it will come back with interest, instead they will target the space in behind England's wings. Every defence has a weakness, England's is this and Joe Schmidt is too smart a man to get his players to run into the brick wall that is England and will ask Johnny Sexton to turn England with kicks into space.

3.       Stopping England's power runners – England have big runners that are continuously coming around the corner in attack running off Danny Care but Ireland (and Irish sides in general) have always caused English teams issues at the breakdown. Les Kiss, Ireland's defence coach, will employ two types of tackle; firstly they will chop tackle, i.e. go for the legs, and the next man in will target the ball. The first few phases that Wales held the ball against Ireland two weeks ago in Dublin set the template for that game. First George North was hit low by Andrew Trimble and then Paul O'Connell put in a leg tackle which allowed Peter O'Mahony in over the ball to steal it, expect more of the same defensive sets. The other tackle Ireland will employ is the choke tackle, here Kiss will get Irish players to hold English players up off the ground if they are isolated one off runners, turning into a maul from which the ball cannot come back and thus giving Ireland the scrum put in. It is a frustrating law but one which Ireland are the masters at affecting.

How can England counter-act this from Ireland, well the game sounds simple but Stuart Lancaster and Andy Farrell will be working all week on firstly winning the collisions but also on England's rucking and in particular, identifying and clearing a threat.

4.       Ireland's maul – Again John Plumtree has the Ireland pack mauling really well and if they can force lineouts in attacking areas it is a real threat for Ireland. In a strange way England's perceived strength up front may well be an area that Ireland look to exploit. Joe Schmidt knows the threat Danny Care will be off quick taps and tempo, he knows Owen Farrell can control the game, he knows the pace and counter-attacking ability of Mike Brown, Johnny May et al so don't be surprised if it is where everyone believes is England's greatest strength is the area that Joe Schmidt looks to go for.

It will be one of the great Six Nations games as both teams and both sets of coaches have so much to offer. The loss of Cole makes the game even tighter to call and in Joe Schmidt I think Stuart Lancaster and his coaching staff face the best coach they have yet to face and one who will have his team prepared better than any other.

From one battle to another….

Please welcome Fergal Nolan to HoR2 and be sure and visit his new blog.  Here’s his thoughts on the weekend ahead…

First up Wales entertain France in the magical Millenium stadium. I feel a backlash is on the cards. Wales will be reeling from the defeat to Ireland in what was a fairly one sided affair, to put it lightly. France have no structure but they have individuals who ooze talent and sheer class. If only Phillipe San Andre had a proper tactical team structure, we’d be all shaking in our rugby boots. The Welsh on home turf will be well rapped by Mr Warren G. He will have the team well regulated (I’ll get my coat…). Should be an exciting game, especially seeing two tanks collide in that of North and Bastareaud. Look forward to a try fest. Wales by single digits.

Italy v Scotland. The only thing I’m looking forward to in this is the Italian national anthem. Joking aside, Scottish rugby is in a mess much worse than Murrayfield two weeks ago. Dave Denton, the Scottish No. 8 doesn’t start. A bad move in my view. He’s a good player and performs to the max when asked. The Italians, although beaten by the French, are playing good structured rugby…if only they had a decent kicker. They keep it simple. They are physical. They are a well drilled team. With the magnificent Parisse leading the team, expect heart and passion. Also expect the two try six nations debutant Campagnaro to feature quite a lot. Italy by 10.

Then there is the big one. England v Ireland. I could write for 80 minutes on this match up. Both teams are well structured in terms of defence and set pieces. Lancaster has a youthful and evolving team, gearing towards their home RWC. Schmidt has tailored a revived Irish squad. Tactically, Schmidt had it spot on against Wales. No doubt he will have a strategic game plan for the English. In a sense of irony, I believe, the forever daunting English scrum will be targeted. We have the advantage, especially with the formidable Dan Cole out injured. (Although, the weather is for dry, fine weather, rain and a weathered pitch would be more favourable for scrums).

From reading another analysis of the game , I concur that Sexton and Murray will need to be on top of their game, acute and aware at all times. They will look to dink the ball behind Danny Care, as from previous games there seems to be space in this area to be taken advantage of. This won’t work on every occasion so it must be done effectively. On another note, the English backs are elusive in attack but lack overall game experience. Our centres are more experienced and provide a greater reading of the game. This is crucial.

Conceding only nine points in our last two games, our defence will be key. Plumtree and Kiss have done a fantastic job so far. Expect some unseen back line moves. We have an experienced side who have won Triple Crowns, a Grand Slam and European Cup titles. Let’s emulate on this talent and provide a game plan so effective the English have no match. A simple kick or moment of magic could decide this game. Let’s hope it’s for the men in green. Ireland by a score with my green tinted glasses.

Fergal is on twitter as @IrishRugbyBlog

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 7 (LEIN)

This week it’s the turn of our Leinster blogger Iain O’Connor to name his Ireland team….a Triple Crown winning selection please, sir!

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Connacht, Ulster & Munster.

They say you should never make a decision while angry. On Sunday I had decided to pick Neil Francis in every position, including Top, Bottom and Reverse Cowboy but out of respect for the site and people in general I just couldn’t be arsed.

Anyway. To business. Triple Crown deciders don’t come along every year, well not any more they don’t. The Scottish game was good, the Welsh game was better and I am hoping the progression is visible again this week. It has been a very settled side thus far in the championship and I am a firm believer in if it ain’t broke… just tinker with it slightly. I don’t think we are at the stage where complacency is an issue so I would say keeping the team as is on the whole is the way to go.

I disagree with a few of the team but 2 wins out of 2 and starting to build in confidence is not the time to ring change for the sake of it. Especially when there is a recently made up bit of silverware to compete for.

I have been unimpressed with England this season. They have been weak, especially in the centre and outside backs. That is where we can hurt them so my game plan would be simple. Lineout, brief maul, flash wide eventually. I have picked the side accordingly.

1. Cian Healy – No Dan Cole means that either a very young or very unfit prop in a white shirt is in for a bad day at the office.

2. Rory Best – Not my first choice hooker but is working well and like I said above, no point in upsetting it at this stage. Needs to be on form with the darts to get the rolling maul working.

3. Mike Ross – Needs a big day out to restore a bit of faith. Not doing anything wrong per say, just hasn’t been up to the standard of recent years. Moore, McGrath and Cronin will be on around the 65 min mark.

4. Paul O’Connell – If he doesn’t get another sniffle he will start. We are grand if he doesn’t which is nice to see. Still though, chest infection? Wuss

5. Devin Toner – I would stick with the long armed monster as his prowess in the lineout may be our best weapon. Tuohy, before injury, Henderson and McCarthy have pitched good claims too but for this one I am with Dev. Ryan just back from injury doesn’t get a look in in my book.

6. Peter O’Mahony – Game Face, as he should be better known, has been great thus far. Need to shut up with the ref and to stop butchering the anthem but all in all has been playing out of his skin.

7. Chris Henry – Has been a revelation, which kinda wasn’t surprising. He has gone under the radar slightly with O’Mahony taking most of the plaudits but has gone about his business and popped up with a deserved try. Will take some moving from the back row when injuries start to return.

8. Jamie Heaslip – Solid as always. O’Donnell provides back row cover on the bench but only just ahead of Jordi Murphy.

9. Conor Murray – I don’t see what everyone is banging on about with his box kicking. I think it has been poor. For me a good box kick is one you win back but hey, I am an idealist. Playing well regardless. Redden on the bench for me, Boss is unlucky but I have to make some changes or else it looks like I haven’t tried. Would like to see Marmion on the bench for France and Italy.

10. Jonny Sexton – Laurence Dellaglio is right. If they stop/hurt/maim him they have a chance. They don’t have anyone to stop him so it’s no panic.

11. Andrew Trimble – I for one thought starting him was madness. I for one have been happy to be proved wrong. It has been great to see him back to form again and long may it continue.

12. Gordon Darcy – I am not going to lie. If Luke Marshall had a beard it would be a much tougher call. Can still make the 1 and 2 yard breaks from standing starts (against 12 trees these actually translate to 5 and 6 yard breaks) and gets you going forward when you need it most. This twilight of his career is suiting him. Must be all the pilates

13. Brian O’Driscoll – 3 more games and he is out. Enjoy him while he lasts.

14. Fergus Mc Fadden – Dave Kearney is unlucky to miss out. I really have no real reason for making the change. We will lose something under high balls but will gain something in defence and go forward ball. Let’s face it though, the English wings are of a standard that an over 40’s would keep contained and score against so it doesn’t really matter. Will cover the centre too with Kearney Jr. on the bench

15. Rob Kearney – He is the protector of boy bands. Enough said.

1. Cian Healy

2. Sean Cronin

3. Mike Ross

4. Paul O’Connell

5. Devin Toner

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

11. Luke Fitzgerald

12. Luke Marshall

13. Brian O’Driscoll

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney

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16. Jack McGrath

17. Sean Cronin

18. Martin Moore

19. Iain Henderson

20. Tommy O’Donnell

21. Eoin Redden

22. Paddy Jackson

23. Dave Kearney

Iain O’Connor (@iain_not_ian) is a Leinster fan who should have retired from playing bad standard rugby years ago. Part time stand up comedian and full time radio person he is the presenter and creator of Heave, a schools rugby show on Dublin South FM. He also likes rugby league and names Alisona Taumalolo as his hero.