Ireland and Wolfhounds

Agree with you there. If Sexton hadn't had his two brainfarts in front of the posts it would have being a lot more relaxing. He seems to specialize in bottling it from that particular angle. You'd hope that he would work on that blind spot because while we got away with it today (largely to him scoring two tries) he cost us against New Zealand. For a world class kicker to have such a fault is something that worries me. Thought we kicked to deep in the first half as well usually to far into their 22 making it easy for them to call the mark.

punditarena.com/2014/03/20/unselected-fi...s-missed-six-nations

both Henshaw and Marmion are nominted here as getting involved in the Irish team.
Dave Mcsharry is omitted, he has to go to Argentina

After getting through the 6N with a more or less clean slate with injuries. In the last week we've had McFadden, Tuohy and POM ruled out for the rest of the season with Best probably not back either with injury. Adding on top of that BOD's retirement that makes at least 5 places in the squad up for grabs. While there is still some big games to go and probably at least one or two more injuries a lot of guys who didn't get a chance during the 6N must be thinking they're going to get a chance to with Joe vs Argentina.

These are my picks:

OUT

Best
POM
Tuohy
BOD
McFadden

IN

Herring
Ferris
McCarthy
Cave
Earls

Was thinking also that some players would be given a rest over the summer since the run up to the RWC basically begins with the start of next season. Players like POC, Best and D'Arcy because of their age and Sexton because they will have little control over how much club rugby he plays plus his involvement with the Lions would be on such a list for me. Might be others but mounting injuries might curtail that. There certainly should be some spots for players that missed out on the 6N.

Early indications from Schmidt are that sexton will probably go. IMO Schmidt isn't happy with decision sexton made and equally wants to discourage others from doing same so no special treatment. The money comes at a cost.

I'd like to see some changes for this tour. Its a good tour in that they are tough but winnable games even with a weakened side. Argentina are a strong side but not at the level they used to be at. Even if we lose so what, ranking points aren't particularly important until after the next world cup

I think there is scope to give game-time to a number of players. Room for experimentation will be limited after next Autumn so time to throw some new faces into this one and try and build a good squad for the world cup. We'll never have a top quality squad of 30 but if we can widen our options further it would be useful as we are still limited in terms of quality and alternatives in certain positions.

Irfu have a ceiling and weren't prepared to go beyond that. Jonnie cash knew that but chose the money. Setting a precedent of breaking that ceiling would not have been a good move IMO. Setting one of no special treatment if you go is a good move IMO.

The only reason I might accept for bringing Sexton to Argentina is that Schmidt wants to build a winning culture and no games will be considered throwaways but even then I don't know. Sexton had a busy May with Leinster last year and then down to Australia with the Lions where he started all three tests and of course shortly after he's off to Racing. The lad can use a rest French money or not. Plus as Decadence said this will be a great opportunity to sort out Sexton's backup. I'm not 100% confident with Jackson were he called into a big game ATM and I get the feeling Schmidt isn't either.

Agree with you regarding Jackson but Madigan's form has taken a dive and Schmidt doesn't seem to rate Keatley that highly so Jackson gets its by de-fault.

Decadence wrote: Have they not gone beyond that ceiling for Heaslip and/or O'Brien now?

Robin Copeland sent off during the weekend for stamping on a players head. With his disciplinary record (which is bad) he could miss the Argentina tour/Tblisi Cup through suspension.

You can see it here:

Greg Feek will be the new National Scrum Coach in a full-time capacity next season. This could be a boon for us as he will be available to Connacht for training sessions etc.

THE IRFU HAS announced that Greg Feek will join the Ireland national coaching team on a full-time basis from the 2014/15 season onwards, having signed a two-year deal.

The former All Black has been working with Ireland part-time over the last three seasons, balancing his year-round work with Leinster. However, this new contract means Feek will end his spell with the province, focusing solely on national interests in the future.

Included in the new role is responsibility for aiding the National Scrum Development Programme, as well as continuing his control of the Ireland senior team’s scrummaging training.

The IRFU say Feek’s involvement in the National Scrum Development Programme will see him “working with the provincial and underage scrum coaches to identify and develop scrum talent” and focusing on “improving players’ general understanding of scrum mechanics and technique.” This seems a positive move for Irish rugby, given that Feek’s expertise will now be shared among the four provinces when the national team is not in camp. The 38-year-old formerly won 10 international caps as a prop and played Super Rugby for the Crusaders.

“Greg played an important role during the Six Nations and the national coaching team are delighted that he will be joining us on a full-time basis.” says Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt. “He will also be a valuable addition to the National Scrum Development Programme.”

Feek himself pointed out that there is “some good scrum talent across all four provinces but there is always plenty to work on as we attempt to maximize the growth and development of the emerging talent while also staying as competitive as possible at the top level.”

Apparently St. Joe is going to name his squad for Argentina tomorrow. Unusual time. A bunch of guys went off injured this wknd.

Felix Jones (concussion)
Fergus McFadden (concussion)
Paddy Jackson (Leg)
BOD (concussion - retired)
Dave Kearney (knee)
Sean Cronin (Neck)

Apart from BOD all of those guys would fancy their chances of making the Argentina tour. Will be interesting to see who makes it and who doesn't.