One sporting story that happened to cross the threshold from one sport to another last year was the Luis Suarez biting incident. On 21st April 2013, Luis Suarez bit Branislav Ivanovic. The incident was seen by millions around the world on replays within seconds. Suarez was later banned as the disciplinary commission regarded it as more than a red card offense. However, the officials at the game missed the incident, and Suarez stayed on the pitch, later scoring a late equaliser.
This is what the extended powers for the TMO in rugby are trying to address. If an act of foul play has been committed against a team, surely they should get most of the rewards for it (playing against one less man for a period of time) instead of the beneficiaries being the oppositions following opponents when a player is retrospectively banned. In short, the idea behind a TMO looking at foul play is brilliant and I'm all for it; but not in it's current form.
Rugby has become a lot more stop start in it's nature this season, with the primary cause being referees who are becoming too scared to make a call themselves without checking with the TMO. The game is drifting towards the pedestrian pace of American Football, and while that's exciting, a free flowing rugby game is what the audience has come to see.
One feature of the foul play TMO checking that has irritated me most is when the TMO themselves intervene to stop play, and then spend several minutes checking the footage to conclude that nothing happened. If the TMO thinks they have seen something, why not check it BEFORE they tell the referee to stop play and have the right angle ready for the referee should they wish to view it? So instead of taking several minutes to potentially look at something, it takes 30 seconds to view something definitely worth checking.
This could be extended so that the referee tells the TMO to check something while the play continues, just like the referee notices a touch judges flag and plays on, before going back to check.
Referee's are only human, and any way that helps them, like the use of a video referee should be encouraged, but not when it takes away from the spectacle.
Monday, 20 January 2014
Thursday, 16 January 2014
Meet the Wolfpuppies 2014
I tweeted as I scanned through the 28 man squad that Mike Ruddock named as his Ireland Under 20 squad for the 6 Nations that I thought that this was a very talented group of players. The more I look into it, the more convinced I am that there will be a large group of professional players from the class of 2014.
A feature of Mike Ruddock Under 20 teams is their organisation, and their ability to come together as a team to achieve results that far exceed the sum of their parts. This more often than not happens in the Junior World Cup, after a "getting to know you" period in the 6 Nations. That should temper the expectations a little, that and knowing that both Wales and England have named very very strong squads too, with England especially the favourites for this upcoming 6 Nations, as usual. A large number of their World Cup winning squad are eligible again this year, chief among them the talented spear tacklist Ross Moriarty. They will however, be without Anthony Watson, who will be with the senior squad, while Jonny Gray will also be needed for the senior Scotland squad. In fact a large number of Ireland's squad featured for the then 19s in their one point loss to England Under 19s last year in Donnybrook.
Another feature of Ireland Under 20 teams is how much smaller physically they are compared to their peers. Aside from man-beasts Dan Leavy and Jack O'Donoghue, this is no different this year and expect the English in particular to be physically superior.
One weakness of last year's group was their lack of a true kicker, with Tom Daly improving enough by the World Cup to achieve some remarkable results. His injury and the lack of a kicker was cruelly exposed to put a dampener on what was a great start to the tournament. That won't happen this time though, with both Ross Byrne and Conor McKeon excellent placekickers. One imagines though that both will be backing up the points machine that is Gary Ringrose after his flawless kicking display in last year's Leinster Schools Senior Cup campaign. Billy Dardis is also a back up option after he took the kicks for Terenure in their schools cup run last year.
A side note, it's interesting to note how many players you will read about here feature in this Ireland U18 squad from two years ago.
At full back, Ruddock has a number of options, with each able to play on the wing, it may end up with all in the team. First up is the amazingly talented Billy Dardis. Four players were mentioned as players of the Leinster School Senior Cup last year, with Terenure's Dardis being one of them. His performance's earned him a spot in the Leinster academy, and the Under 19 eligible player will surely be one of the first names on Ruddock's teamsheet. His pace and electrifying step has caught the eye of Tony Ward, who called for him to be called up to the full Ireland squad last November. One to watch then. However, Dardis's introduction to the 6 Nations will be a bit delayed, as he has a small hamstring problem. Also at full back is the talented Cian Kelleher and Munster academy back Alex Wootton. Wootton was called up to the JWC squad to replace Daly after his injury, and impressed me in this limited time on the wing. Watching Kelleher, it's obvious that he has talent, and that he's been one of the best players in his age group for many years. His pace and step rivals Dardis's, and is the scorer of one of the best live tries I've ever seen when he ghosted through 7 would be tacklers after fielding a clearance kick. It was one of those "Wait, What just happened" moments. He is all too aware of his talents though, and is liable to be selfish, and takes the ball on himself a few too many times. I've no doubt that he will end up with an academy contract in Leinster, and when he does the coaching will aid his passing and decision making and Ireland could have a star. A long way to go yet.
If Dardis gets the full back slot as expected when he returns, Kelleher and Wootton will be fighting for wing spots with Ian Fitzpatrick from Lansdowne and a feature in representative sides up to this point, David Busby from Ulster, who will be lining out with the Ravens this weekend, and Adam Byrne. Byrne is returning from last year's squad and can also play at outside centre. A former Manchester United academy player, his late taking up with the game is obvious with his defensive displays, but his talent is huge and a space for him in the team will probably be found on the wing. A rare combination of pace and power, Byrne is the youngest player to ever represent Leinster. Once he learns the game he only took up when he was 16, the world better watch out. Ian Fitzpatrick featured on the Ireland 19s last year and will be close to a spot too, especially with his Lansdowne links to Ruddock. It was a bit of a surprise not to see Munster academy players David Johnston or Greg O'Shea (U19), and Ulster Raven Ross Adair.. O'Shea especially is a talented back, has been starting for Shannon this season, is a former sprinter and will definitely be in the squad next year.
The video below shows schools highlights from last year, which should feature a sample of the dazzling skills of Dardis (2.35 &7.00), and a sideshow of Sean O'Brien, Rory Moloney (6.00) and Harrison Brewer.
With Rory O'Loughlin constantly battling injuries, and Adam Byrne staying on the wing as expected, it's a bit of a surprise that Ruddock hasn't included Connacht academy and New Zealand born Rory Parata in his squad. Parata is another pacey customer, who has the Kiwi knowledge and intelligence in his game and can't be ruled out for the summer championships. The players Ruddock is left with are Gary Ringrose, Dan Goggin, Harrison Brewer and Peter Robb. Despite his father, Brewer is a talented player in his own right. He was smashing people backwards at schools level in the back row, and since his conversion to the centre a la Jordan Coughlan, Richie Vernon and hopefully CJ Stander, he's still smashing people, albeit now, hopefully with a bit more poise and skill. It will be interesting to see how his passing skills have improved playing in the backline. It is worth noting that Brewer will be eligible for Ireland U-20s next season as well. Ringrose as mentioned is a points machine who doesn't miss kicks, while I don't think I've seen a more hyped up player on boards.ie that Peter Robb. He is one player I am looking forward to seeing for the first time, while Dan Goggin is also a name I'm not familar with, but seems to be a talented outside centre. We wait in hope.The competition for centres is clearly fierce, with Trinity's German born Sebastian Fromm, a Clongowes Wood schools star also missing out. He may be one to watch later in the year. As is Rory Parata, who improved enough in one year to reject an academy place in Munster to stay with Nigel Carolan and the productive Connacht academy. Robb and Goggin started in the recent U20s game with Leinster development with Ringrose on the bench. Ross Adair is one of only two backs in that matchday 23 not involved in the squad.
I've mentioned Ross Byrne and Conor McKeon already, yet I'm astounded that Munster's Gearoid Lyons wasn't involved. His display in last year's Munster Senior Cup final was one of the best I've seen from an outhalf, and will be one to watch next year at under 20 level. That's if he can stave off the pressure that Ross Byrne applies to him next year too. Byrne played for the Ireland U19s last month against the Australian schools and will have another year at this level. Already in the Leinster academy, the battle between himself and McKeon at representative level has been going on for years, with Byrne just about getting more starts. The reports from the schools cup last year had McKeon as the outstanding outhalf, yet Byrne was able to guide St. Michael's to within 5 minutes of the cup. His distributon skills and game management are peerless at this level. It's obvious he is one of the generation that grew up watching Ronan O'Gara play rugby. McKeon relies more on his attacking ability, and doesn't bring in his backline as well as Byrne. It will be a fascinating battle between the highly talented pair.
At scrumhalf, the Blackrock College sensation from last year, Charlie Rock isn't included, his place going instead to Ireland U18 captain from last year Nick McCarthy, and Caolin Blade, who was very impressive at under 19 level last year, and Ryan Foley from Munster aren't included, with Munster U19 academy scrumhalf Jack Cullen getting the nod. Ryan Foley, along with Adair, has been surprisingly dropped from the U20s since the recent game v Leinster in which both McCarthy and Rock played for that development Leinster side. Given that McCarthy and Byrne played 9 and 10 together in school, that may give both of them the advantage when it comes to the starting pairings.
Munster's academy second row John Madigan misses out due to injury, while Ulster's Marc Campbell misses out altogether after appearing from the bench in that Leinster development game. Their places go to former St. Michael's captain Ross Molony of the Leinster academy, Stephen Gardiner, with Connacht's Sean O'Brien and a returnee from last year, Peader Timmins able to cover 2nd row and back row. Molony reminds me a lot of Craig Clarke, a fantastic but unassuming leader, who is technically sound and possess an intelligent rugby brain. His try in the Senior Cup final involved a great awareness of space and backing himself to run a good line. He captained the Leinster 20s this year in Dan Leavy's absence, while Sean O'Brien captained the Connacht 20s. One thing is for sure, with Rory Moloney also captaining Ireland 19s last month, there will be plenty of leaders in this squad to help Leavy.
As is the case with the senior provinces in the country, the competition for back row places will be fierce. One of Timmins or O'Brien will have to be accomodated in the 2nd row, while the other joins Leavy in the back row. That leaves one spot available between Rory Moloney, Jack O'Donoghue and Ulster academy openside Frankie Taggart. It's no wonder back row starts like Lorcan Dow of Ulster's academy or Josh Murphy from UCD weren't involved. Ruddock will have a headache or two first cutting one of those from the 28 man squad for the matchday squad, and then deciding who his starting team is. If there is one reason to watch the 20s this season, it's Dan Leavy. Described as the best backrow prospect at this stage of his development in the Leinster academy since the dawn of the professional era, Leavy has that rare combination of pace, power, breakdown skills, soft hands and great link play to become a prototypical seven. He won the star of a talent packed Schools cup final in 2012 and was the difference between the teams on the day. When he appeared in the JWC last summer, it was obvious that he had added some fantastic breakdown skills to his bow. It's frightening to think how good he is now, and how good he can get. Leinster may have huge depth in the backrow, but I suspect Leavy will break into the squad next season at the latest.
One thing is for certain; this is a strong group of players, with more talented backups left out then ever before. This year's Wolfpuppies seem to have depth in a lot of areas, and led by Dan Leavy, they should do well. A number of players will realise they are fighting for academy contracts, while others will be using this as a stepping stone to senior recognition sooner rather than later. I would expect a lot of this group to be starting in their province in the next few years, a lot more than last year's group. We'll wait and see
Expected (Note the difference between expected and my) 23:
15. Billy Dardis
14. Adam Byrne
13. Dan Goggin
12. Peter Robb
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Ross Byrne
9. Nick McCarthy
1. Peter Dooley
2. Max Abbott
3. Ryan Burke
4. Ross Molony
5. Sean O'Brien
6. Peader Timmins
7. Dan Leavy (c)
8. Jack O'Donoghue
Subs:
16. Shane Delahunt
17. Jacob Walshe
18. Oisin Heffernan
19. Stephen Gardiner
20. Rory Moloney
21. Jack Cullen
22. Conor McKeon
23. Gary Ringrose.
That is a very very strong #Wolfpuppies squad. More excited for that than the 6 Nations. Preview to come this evening.
— BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker) January 15, 2014
A feature of Mike Ruddock Under 20 teams is their organisation, and their ability to come together as a team to achieve results that far exceed the sum of their parts. This more often than not happens in the Junior World Cup, after a "getting to know you" period in the 6 Nations. That should temper the expectations a little, that and knowing that both Wales and England have named very very strong squads too, with England especially the favourites for this upcoming 6 Nations, as usual. A large number of their World Cup winning squad are eligible again this year, chief among them the talented spear tacklist Ross Moriarty. They will however, be without Anthony Watson, who will be with the senior squad, while Jonny Gray will also be needed for the senior Scotland squad. In fact a large number of Ireland's squad featured for the then 19s in their one point loss to England Under 19s last year in Donnybrook.
Another feature of Ireland Under 20 teams is how much smaller physically they are compared to their peers. Aside from man-beasts Dan Leavy and Jack O'Donoghue, this is no different this year and expect the English in particular to be physically superior.
One weakness of last year's group was their lack of a true kicker, with Tom Daly improving enough by the World Cup to achieve some remarkable results. His injury and the lack of a kicker was cruelly exposed to put a dampener on what was a great start to the tournament. That won't happen this time though, with both Ross Byrne and Conor McKeon excellent placekickers. One imagines though that both will be backing up the points machine that is Gary Ringrose after his flawless kicking display in last year's Leinster Schools Senior Cup campaign. Billy Dardis is also a back up option after he took the kicks for Terenure in their schools cup run last year.
A side note, it's interesting to note how many players you will read about here feature in this Ireland U18 squad from two years ago.
At full back, Ruddock has a number of options, with each able to play on the wing, it may end up with all in the team. First up is the amazingly talented Billy Dardis. Four players were mentioned as players of the Leinster School Senior Cup last year, with Terenure's Dardis being one of them. His performance's earned him a spot in the Leinster academy, and the Under 19 eligible player will surely be one of the first names on Ruddock's teamsheet. His pace and electrifying step has caught the eye of Tony Ward, who called for him to be called up to the full Ireland squad last November. One to watch then. However, Dardis's introduction to the 6 Nations will be a bit delayed, as he has a small hamstring problem. Also at full back is the talented Cian Kelleher and Munster academy back Alex Wootton. Wootton was called up to the JWC squad to replace Daly after his injury, and impressed me in this limited time on the wing. Watching Kelleher, it's obvious that he has talent, and that he's been one of the best players in his age group for many years. His pace and step rivals Dardis's, and is the scorer of one of the best live tries I've ever seen when he ghosted through 7 would be tacklers after fielding a clearance kick. It was one of those "Wait, What just happened" moments. He is all too aware of his talents though, and is liable to be selfish, and takes the ball on himself a few too many times. I've no doubt that he will end up with an academy contract in Leinster, and when he does the coaching will aid his passing and decision making and Ireland could have a star. A long way to go yet.
If Dardis gets the full back slot as expected when he returns, Kelleher and Wootton will be fighting for wing spots with Ian Fitzpatrick from Lansdowne and a feature in representative sides up to this point, David Busby from Ulster, who will be lining out with the Ravens this weekend, and Adam Byrne. Byrne is returning from last year's squad and can also play at outside centre. A former Manchester United academy player, his late taking up with the game is obvious with his defensive displays, but his talent is huge and a space for him in the team will probably be found on the wing. A rare combination of pace and power, Byrne is the youngest player to ever represent Leinster. Once he learns the game he only took up when he was 16, the world better watch out. Ian Fitzpatrick featured on the Ireland 19s last year and will be close to a spot too, especially with his Lansdowne links to Ruddock. It was a bit of a surprise not to see Munster academy players David Johnston or Greg O'Shea (U19), and Ulster Raven Ross Adair.. O'Shea especially is a talented back, has been starting for Shannon this season, is a former sprinter and will definitely be in the squad next year.
The video below shows schools highlights from last year, which should feature a sample of the dazzling skills of Dardis (2.35 &7.00), and a sideshow of Sean O'Brien, Rory Moloney (6.00) and Harrison Brewer.
I've mentioned Ross Byrne and Conor McKeon already, yet I'm astounded that Munster's Gearoid Lyons wasn't involved. His display in last year's Munster Senior Cup final was one of the best I've seen from an outhalf, and will be one to watch next year at under 20 level. That's if he can stave off the pressure that Ross Byrne applies to him next year too. Byrne played for the Ireland U19s last month against the Australian schools and will have another year at this level. Already in the Leinster academy, the battle between himself and McKeon at representative level has been going on for years, with Byrne just about getting more starts. The reports from the schools cup last year had McKeon as the outstanding outhalf, yet Byrne was able to guide St. Michael's to within 5 minutes of the cup. His distributon skills and game management are peerless at this level. It's obvious he is one of the generation that grew up watching Ronan O'Gara play rugby. McKeon relies more on his attacking ability, and doesn't bring in his backline as well as Byrne. It will be a fascinating battle between the highly talented pair.
At scrumhalf, the Blackrock College sensation from last year, Charlie Rock isn't included, his place going instead to Ireland U18 captain from last year Nick McCarthy, and Caolin Blade, who was very impressive at under 19 level last year, and Ryan Foley from Munster aren't included, with Munster U19 academy scrumhalf Jack Cullen getting the nod. Ryan Foley, along with Adair, has been surprisingly dropped from the U20s since the recent game v Leinster in which both McCarthy and Rock played for that development Leinster side. Given that McCarthy and Byrne played 9 and 10 together in school, that may give both of them the advantage when it comes to the starting pairings.
Returning loosehead prop Peter Dooley is the highlight of the front row, which might struggle to reach the heights of last summer where it dominated against the bigger packs of New Zealand and Australia. Jacob Walshe is a technically strong scrummager, and Rory Burke will have benefitted from the Munster academy, although they were no match for Ivan Soroka in that recent Leinster match, although there is no place for Soroka in this squad. Denis Coulson and Richie Allen (can't mention Coulson and Allen without showing this outstanding try, also featuring Cian Kelleher) are two other front rowers not involved, their places going to Max Abbott, who has appeared for Munster A this season, and Oisin Heffernan. Saba Meunargia, Connacht's Georgian born acadmey tighthead also misses out to Shane Delahunt, who gets the last front row spot on the squad. RBAI's former captain Josh Atkinson who has featured for the Ravens this year is another to miss out.
Munster's academy second row John Madigan misses out due to injury, while Ulster's Marc Campbell misses out altogether after appearing from the bench in that Leinster development game. Their places go to former St. Michael's captain Ross Molony of the Leinster academy, Stephen Gardiner, with Connacht's Sean O'Brien and a returnee from last year, Peader Timmins able to cover 2nd row and back row. Molony reminds me a lot of Craig Clarke, a fantastic but unassuming leader, who is technically sound and possess an intelligent rugby brain. His try in the Senior Cup final involved a great awareness of space and backing himself to run a good line. He captained the Leinster 20s this year in Dan Leavy's absence, while Sean O'Brien captained the Connacht 20s. One thing is for sure, with Rory Moloney also captaining Ireland 19s last month, there will be plenty of leaders in this squad to help Leavy.
As is the case with the senior provinces in the country, the competition for back row places will be fierce. One of Timmins or O'Brien will have to be accomodated in the 2nd row, while the other joins Leavy in the back row. That leaves one spot available between Rory Moloney, Jack O'Donoghue and Ulster academy openside Frankie Taggart. It's no wonder back row starts like Lorcan Dow of Ulster's academy or Josh Murphy from UCD weren't involved. Ruddock will have a headache or two first cutting one of those from the 28 man squad for the matchday squad, and then deciding who his starting team is. If there is one reason to watch the 20s this season, it's Dan Leavy. Described as the best backrow prospect at this stage of his development in the Leinster academy since the dawn of the professional era, Leavy has that rare combination of pace, power, breakdown skills, soft hands and great link play to become a prototypical seven. He won the star of a talent packed Schools cup final in 2012 and was the difference between the teams on the day. When he appeared in the JWC last summer, it was obvious that he had added some fantastic breakdown skills to his bow. It's frightening to think how good he is now, and how good he can get. Leinster may have huge depth in the backrow, but I suspect Leavy will break into the squad next season at the latest.
One thing is for certain; this is a strong group of players, with more talented backups left out then ever before. This year's Wolfpuppies seem to have depth in a lot of areas, and led by Dan Leavy, they should do well. A number of players will realise they are fighting for academy contracts, while others will be using this as a stepping stone to senior recognition sooner rather than later. I would expect a lot of this group to be starting in their province in the next few years, a lot more than last year's group. We'll wait and see
Expected (Note the difference between expected and my) 23:
15. Billy Dardis
14. Adam Byrne
13. Dan Goggin
12. Peter Robb
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Ross Byrne
9. Nick McCarthy
1. Peter Dooley
2. Max Abbott
3. Ryan Burke
4. Ross Molony
5. Sean O'Brien
6. Peader Timmins
7. Dan Leavy (c)
8. Jack O'Donoghue
Subs:
16. Shane Delahunt
17. Jacob Walshe
18. Oisin Heffernan
19. Stephen Gardiner
20. Rory Moloney
21. Jack Cullen
22. Conor McKeon
23. Gary Ringrose.
Sunday, 12 January 2014
Each Round 6 games implications
Friday 8pm. Pool 1.
Leinster (17) v Ospreys (5)
Northampton (13) v Castres (9)
Nothing in this pool is confirmed other than both Ospreys and Castres are out, with the best Castres can hope for is an unlikely 2nd place. If they were to finish 2nd by winning 5-0 on matchpoints, it's very likely that they will be the 6th best runners up and out of Europe anyway.
For Northampton it's simple, they need a bonus point win to finish on 18, and hope Leinster get nothing at home to Ospreys. If they finish on the same number of points, Leinster go through with a better head to head record (5-4). Northampton are still alive in the race for second place, but are relying on other results to go their way.
That game is Saracens v Connacht. A Saracens win denies Northampton completely. A draw means that Saints on 13 points could give Cardiff a try total to match with a bonus point win. A win for Saints in this case means that Cardiff can go through with a bonus point win, or if they overhaul Northamptons one try advantage over them. This case would open the door for Harlequins and Edinburgh to record bonus point victories and leapfrog them, but more on that later. A Connacht victory with no bonus point puts them in the equation, but due to their disadvantage in the try scoring column it's unlikely. A Connacht win with a try bonus means that Northampton have to get a bonus themselves, and score two tries less than Connacht or more. Got that? Me neither.
Leinster will be looking to finish with as many points as possible, in their unlikely bid for a home quarter. They'll need two of Toulon, Toulouse, Clermont and Munster to slip up for that to happen.
Saturday 1.35 Pool 3
Saracens (15) v Connacht (13)
Zebre (0) v Toulouse (19)
A Toulouse losing bonus point or more confirms them as pool winners. Anything less, and a Saracens bonus point win will see them top. In that case, Toulouse will still be the second best runner up.
As mentioned before, Saracens v Connacht is the key game of the round. A Saracens win and they are through as second best runner up. Unless Toulouse get nothing from Zebre, or Ulster pulverise Leicester and Saracens get a bonus point, which lifts them to best runners up.
A draw between Connacht and Saracens eliminates Connacht, and opens the door for the other 2nd placed teams, as does a draw with a Saracens try bonus point (18), but Saracens have a significant lead in the try scoring stakes (18).
Connacht can go through with a win, if Northampton fail to win, which they will know already, or if Cardiff lose, which they won't. Or if Harlequins and Edinburgh fail to get the bonus point, which they won't know. A bonus point increases their chances, and allows Northampton to win without a bonus and still have Connacht through. Connacht will already know what Northampton do. Cardiff will need a bonus point win in the game immediately after this one. Everything hinges on this game.
Saturday 3.40 Pool 2
Cardiff (13) v Exeter (8)
Glasgow (10) v Toulon (20)
Toulon will win the group and can be seeded anywhere from 1st to 6th. A bonus point win means only Ulster or Leicester can beat them, giving them at least a 2nd seed, while a win can allow Clermont and Toulouse a chance to overhaul them, but would still give them 4th seed and a home quarter final. Anything less and Munster and Leinster have a chance to drop them down to an away quarter final.
Glasgow have no chance of finishing as one of the two best quarter finalists, but a win can secure them an Amlin Cup quarter final.
Cardiff will already know what's at stage having watched Connacht and Northampton. Their scenarios have been discussed thoroughly already, Exeter are already free in April and May.
Saturday 6pm Pool 6
Leicester (20) v Ulster (22)
Montpeiller v Treviso
Both Montpeiller and Treviso are out of everything.
The winner at Welford Road will be hosting a quarter final with the loser as one of the two runners up.
Leicester win, and Ulster are 7th seeds. Leicester could be anywhere from 1st to 4th seeds. A bonus point win for Leicester guarantees them one of the top 2 seeds.
Ulster win, Leicester are 7th or 8th depending only on Saracens, with Ulster definitely 1st seeds.
Draw sees Ulster with a home quarter, 1st to 4th, and Leicester are definite 7th seeds.
An unlikely Leicester win with two Ulster bonus points is the same as a draw.
Sunday 12.45pm Pool 6
Munster (18) v Edinburgh (12)
Perpignan (7) v Gloucester (9)
Perpignan are out and cannot make the Amlin quarters either. A win for Gloucester and a loss for Edinburgh keeps them in the hunt for an Amlin spot, but it will be unlikely. They will already know if Northampton, Cardiff, Saracens and Connacht have a spot, and will be posting a target for Harlequins for the last spot. Quins will not need much to overhaul them.
Munster will be hoping for a slipup from Toulon, Toulouse or Clermont, and are first in line to benefit with a home quarter final. A bonus point win aids them, and they will already know if thats enough to beat Toulouse or Toulon. Clermont play the following game and will know what they need to go ahead of Munster.
Edinburgh are in the hunt for a 2nd place, as long as Saracens slip up and Connacht, Northampton and Cardiff don't get try bonus points. If any of them win, they need a bonus point and to score more tries than all of those and Harlequins
Sunday 3pm Pool 4
Scarlets (10) v Harlequins (12)
Clermont (19) v Racing (7)
Racing are out of everything.
Scarlets could be out of everything at this stage, but there is a small chance that a win gets them into the Amlin quarters.
Harlequins need Saracens to slip up and Connacht, Northampton and Cardiff don't get try bonus points. If any of them win, they need a bonus point and to score more tries than all of those and Edinburgh.
Most likely:
1. Toulouse v Saracens
2. Toulon v Ulster
3. Leicester v Leinster
4. Clermont v Munster
Best results for Irish provinces:
In matchpoints:
Leinster 5-0 Ospreys
Saints 0-4 Castres
Saracens 0-5 Connacht
Toulouse 0-5 Zebre
Cardiff 0-4 Exeter
Glasgow 4-0 Toulon
Leicester 0-5 Ulster
Montpeiller 0-5 Treviso
Munster 5-0 Edinburgh
Perpignan 4-0 Gloucester
Scarlets 5-0 Harlequins
Clermont 1-5 Racing
Leading to
Ulster v Connacht
Munster v Leicester
Leinster v Toulouse
Toulon v Clermont
And yes, I know that isn't going to happen, but I can dream.
Most likely:
1. Toulouse v Saracens
2. Toulon v Ulster
3. Leicester v Leinster
4. Clermont v Munster
Best results for Irish provinces:
In matchpoints:
Leinster 5-0 Ospreys
Saints 0-4 Castres
Saracens 0-5 Connacht
Toulouse 0-5 Zebre
Cardiff 0-4 Exeter
Glasgow 4-0 Toulon
Leicester 0-5 Ulster
Montpeiller 0-5 Treviso
Munster 5-0 Edinburgh
Perpignan 4-0 Gloucester
Scarlets 5-0 Harlequins
Clermont 1-5 Racing
Leading to
Ulster v Connacht
Munster v Leicester
Leinster v Toulouse
Toulon v Clermont
And yes, I know that isn't going to happen, but I can dream.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Candidates to replace Sean O'Brien for Ireland
 |
| Sean O'Brien has been ruled out of the 6 Nations |
But are any of those contenders ready for the international stage? I wouldn't be sure either. So what may have advantages for Leinster, there isn't much for Ireland who will surely miss the ballast that O'Brien provides. Here are the other contenders to replace O'Brien in the 6 Nations in ascending order of likelihood:
Form Choice: Sean Dougall
In O'Donnell's absence, Sean Dougall has moved on from his impressive 2012/13 form into something a bit special. He has a fight on his hands to retain the 7 jersey for Munster now that O'Donnell is back, but something tells me that if he wins that battle, he will have more than a few supporters in his corner for international recognition.
Reshuffle for most options: Peter O'Mahony
A few years ago O'Mahony was being heralded as a potential solution to our (Ireland's) lack of an openside. While that hasn't panned out and he's been marvelous on the blindside and at 8, O'Mahony still has the breakdown work, ball carrying and link play to make an effective replacement for O'Brien in the 7 jersey. The number of potential candidates for blindside is a lot more than openside, so this is a potential runner.
Best Choice: Tommy O'Donnell
Entering the season, I was hoping that Ireland would start to give O'Donnell a chance. Fresh off a great season, a back row of O'Brien at 6, O'Donnell at 7 and O'Mahony or Heaslip at 8 filled my dreams. Alas, an injury to O'Donnell scarpered any chance of that in November, and while O'Brien is out, a POM/ TOD/ JH backrow would be my choice. You heard it here first.
Leinster Favouritism Choice: Shane Jennings
A safe choice. Jennings is experienced and a leader. He's worked with Schmidt before, and Schmidt can use his backrows for more flashy stuff with Jennings around. No where near the impact levels of the rest of the contenders, but a Schmidt favourite, so remains a distinct possibility.
Safest Choice: Chris Henry
Just back in training for Ulster, Henry was 4th choice back row throughout the November internationals. His game has improved massively in the last few years and his breakdown work would be vital against the likes of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Chris Fusaro.
Saturday, 28 December 2013
End of a great '13
As 2013 draws to a close, it's with a tinge of sadness because one of our sport's greatest players will retire in the following year. Brian O'Driscoll's long and distinguished career is winding down, and he will be remembered as one of the best 13's, but it will be the Brian O'Driscoll from 2001 to 2010 that will be remembered, not the O'Driscoll of 2013.
Kieran Read has delivered exceptional performance after exceptional performance in 2013 to earn his IRB Player of the Year crown. Read has grown year after year, and when he retires, will be compared favourably to other No.8's when people talk about the best No.8's ever.
It's not just Read of the current players that will be compared favourably to other players in their positions from different eras. Dan Carter, Will Genia and Richie McCaw will forever be remembered as some of the best players to have ever played.
The same can not be said of the current Outside centres of the world. O'Driscoll is not the player he was, but the fact that he is still one of the best in the world, is more a reflection on the reduced standards of 13s available.
In his best, O'Driscoll displayed everything that is expected of an outside centre. The attacking lines, good passing skills and handling; pace and acceleration from the mark; spatial awareness, both in attack and defense, ferocious tackling, and defensive organisation. O'Driscoll had no fear, and often lead from the front doing the dirty work, as well as being able to produce the X factor in attack. He was also fantastic at the breakdown to boot.
Conrad Smith is the current best in the world. His defensive reading and support lines are what you'd expect from the best in the world, but he isn't what he was in terms of pace and attacking threat. No other current outside centre comes close. Jonathan Davies can't pass or defend to a high enough standard. Manu Tuilagi is close, but gets caught out too much in defense to be considered.
New Zealand have tended to try to convert wingers into the 13 channel, with Tim Nanai Williams and Rene Ranger having moved in there in last year's Super Rugby, and Ben Smith moving in for the November internationals. Nanai Williams and Ranger looked extremely dangerous in that channel, and while they surprised me defensively, they still got caught out more than you'd allow for a top class 13. Smith is doing well defensively so far, but his attacking influence has been significantly reduced, and his best position is definitely at full back.
So where will Ireland be left when O'Driscoll retires?
Will Ireland convert a winger like New Zealand, will they use the next best outside centre, will they invest in youth, or will they do something left field?
The next best outside centre is Darren Cave. At 26 years old, the Ulster centre is at the age where most international players become regulars. He hasn't got a huge amount of international experience, and four of his five caps have been against North American opposition. His recent form for Ulster has been good, and it's hard to understand why he hasn't been given a chance. He is sparkling around a very exciting Ulster backline at the moment, and certainly doesn't shirk his defensive responsibilities. Eoin Griffen is the only other Irish qualified centre that consistently gets game time there.
There are three contenders that might move in from the wing - Tommy Bowe replaced O'Driscoll when he was rule out of the third Lions test in 2009, his defense is always solid, and when given the chance has shown some creative spark. A replacement winger would be much easier to come by. Luke Fitzgerald has long been touted as a possibility, and impressed in his 30 minute cameo there against New Zealand in November. While talented, Fitzgerald offers more impact on the wing and should be left to string some uninjured seasons together playing there. Simon Zebo is another outside chance. Zebo flourishes when he comes off his wing, and and opportunity to get him more involved should be looked at.
Two Irish 13's that play outside of Ireland are Danny Barnes and Eamonn Sheridan, but neither are as talented as the indigenous options available to Schmidt.
There are also the overseas contenders that will be Ireland qualified in a few years, Connacht's Danie Poolman, and Jared Payne. Poolman started off his Connacht life in great form, and was a big reason why Connacht finished in their best position in the league yet. He has been sorely missed in Galway this season so far. Jared Payne is most people's favourite to get the starting outside centre berth for Ireland when he qualifies, what is certain is that he is capable, but in the times I've seen him there, I can't help but think, like Fitzgerald. his influence is greatly reduced compared to his impact in his normal position.
A stopgap solution could be the one used by Leinster in recent seasons, or by Ireland back in 2004, where Gordon D'Arcy moves out. While this has proven to be a successful option, it would be nothing more than a short term solution with D'Arcy also close to retirement.
Left field choices include shifting Luke Marshall, Stuart Olding, Chris Farrell or Ivan Dineen out one from inside centre. Marshall and Olding have shown great attacking promise in their short careers so far, but both should focus on nailing down their own positions, with Marshall at inside centre, and Olding either at outhalf or inside centre.
Other youngsters that have potential are Brendan Macken, whose finishing ability could be better suited to the wing, or Adam Byrne, who is a few years away from a finished product, but needs some work on his defensive abilities.
If all else fails, Michael Allen could move back into outside centre. His shift to the wing has been good, but the competition for wing spots in Ulster is very high with Bowe, Gilroy, Trimble already established and McIlwaine, Andrew and Scholes behind him.
Kieran Read has delivered exceptional performance after exceptional performance in 2013 to earn his IRB Player of the Year crown. Read has grown year after year, and when he retires, will be compared favourably to other No.8's when people talk about the best No.8's ever.
It's not just Read of the current players that will be compared favourably to other players in their positions from different eras. Dan Carter, Will Genia and Richie McCaw will forever be remembered as some of the best players to have ever played.
The same can not be said of the current Outside centres of the world. O'Driscoll is not the player he was, but the fact that he is still one of the best in the world, is more a reflection on the reduced standards of 13s available.
In his best, O'Driscoll displayed everything that is expected of an outside centre. The attacking lines, good passing skills and handling; pace and acceleration from the mark; spatial awareness, both in attack and defense, ferocious tackling, and defensive organisation. O'Driscoll had no fear, and often lead from the front doing the dirty work, as well as being able to produce the X factor in attack. He was also fantastic at the breakdown to boot.
Conrad Smith is the current best in the world. His defensive reading and support lines are what you'd expect from the best in the world, but he isn't what he was in terms of pace and attacking threat. No other current outside centre comes close. Jonathan Davies can't pass or defend to a high enough standard. Manu Tuilagi is close, but gets caught out too much in defense to be considered.
New Zealand have tended to try to convert wingers into the 13 channel, with Tim Nanai Williams and Rene Ranger having moved in there in last year's Super Rugby, and Ben Smith moving in for the November internationals. Nanai Williams and Ranger looked extremely dangerous in that channel, and while they surprised me defensively, they still got caught out more than you'd allow for a top class 13. Smith is doing well defensively so far, but his attacking influence has been significantly reduced, and his best position is definitely at full back.
So where will Ireland be left when O'Driscoll retires?
Will Ireland convert a winger like New Zealand, will they use the next best outside centre, will they invest in youth, or will they do something left field?
The next best outside centre is Darren Cave. At 26 years old, the Ulster centre is at the age where most international players become regulars. He hasn't got a huge amount of international experience, and four of his five caps have been against North American opposition. His recent form for Ulster has been good, and it's hard to understand why he hasn't been given a chance. He is sparkling around a very exciting Ulster backline at the moment, and certainly doesn't shirk his defensive responsibilities. Eoin Griffen is the only other Irish qualified centre that consistently gets game time there.
There are three contenders that might move in from the wing - Tommy Bowe replaced O'Driscoll when he was rule out of the third Lions test in 2009, his defense is always solid, and when given the chance has shown some creative spark. A replacement winger would be much easier to come by. Luke Fitzgerald has long been touted as a possibility, and impressed in his 30 minute cameo there against New Zealand in November. While talented, Fitzgerald offers more impact on the wing and should be left to string some uninjured seasons together playing there. Simon Zebo is another outside chance. Zebo flourishes when he comes off his wing, and and opportunity to get him more involved should be looked at.
Two Irish 13's that play outside of Ireland are Danny Barnes and Eamonn Sheridan, but neither are as talented as the indigenous options available to Schmidt.
There are also the overseas contenders that will be Ireland qualified in a few years, Connacht's Danie Poolman, and Jared Payne. Poolman started off his Connacht life in great form, and was a big reason why Connacht finished in their best position in the league yet. He has been sorely missed in Galway this season so far. Jared Payne is most people's favourite to get the starting outside centre berth for Ireland when he qualifies, what is certain is that he is capable, but in the times I've seen him there, I can't help but think, like Fitzgerald. his influence is greatly reduced compared to his impact in his normal position.
A stopgap solution could be the one used by Leinster in recent seasons, or by Ireland back in 2004, where Gordon D'Arcy moves out. While this has proven to be a successful option, it would be nothing more than a short term solution with D'Arcy also close to retirement.
Left field choices include shifting Luke Marshall, Stuart Olding, Chris Farrell or Ivan Dineen out one from inside centre. Marshall and Olding have shown great attacking promise in their short careers so far, but both should focus on nailing down their own positions, with Marshall at inside centre, and Olding either at outhalf or inside centre.
Other youngsters that have potential are Brendan Macken, whose finishing ability could be better suited to the wing, or Adam Byrne, who is a few years away from a finished product, but needs some work on his defensive abilities.
If all else fails, Michael Allen could move back into outside centre. His shift to the wing has been good, but the competition for wing spots in Ulster is very high with Bowe, Gilroy, Trimble already established and McIlwaine, Andrew and Scholes behind him.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
What I'll miss most about the Heineken Cup
From harpinonrugby
Before you start, this isn't another article about the blame game that is ongoing in European rugby circles. There will be no mention of splits in revenues, qualifying by merits, governance or power grabbing.
When the competition gets going, in it's current format it's close to perfect. Close to, because really with all the outside fuss about it, it can't really be called perfect can it? I believe that reducing the number of teams from 24 to 20 will compromise the excitement of the pool stages.
What other sporting competition creates the excitement that the Heineken Cup raises with each gameday? What other sporting competition in the world keeps every fan of every team on the lookout for every result, while attempting to calculate every permutation?
Two things give the Heineken Cup as it is this selling point. Firstly, the fact that not every 2nd place team qualifies for the quarter finals. This gives every team the emphasis to keep pushing and ensure they secure first place in their pool, while at the same time giving second place teams the incentive to try and get as many points as possible to be one of the lucky two. In no other competition are bonus points as treasured as in the Heineken Cup, and it really works.
Even for first placed teams, the quarter final draws gives further incentives to collect as many points as possible to ensure a home draw, and an "easy" as possible draw. I say "easy" because with all 6 countries participating, there are no "easy" games in Europe anymore.
There is no resting of players like in soccer's equivalent the Champions League once you are qualified after Round 4. Every fan looks at every game, in every round, and every bonus point.
Already in round 4, I'm mentally ruing bonus points that got away, or delighted that bonus points for other teams never arrived. I know that this mental calculations will be ongoing until the final whistle of the last game in Round 6. It's only then that everything is known.
Why lose this excitement?
Before you start, this isn't another article about the blame game that is ongoing in European rugby circles. There will be no mention of splits in revenues, qualifying by merits, governance or power grabbing.
When the competition gets going, in it's current format it's close to perfect. Close to, because really with all the outside fuss about it, it can't really be called perfect can it? I believe that reducing the number of teams from 24 to 20 will compromise the excitement of the pool stages.
What other sporting competition creates the excitement that the Heineken Cup raises with each gameday? What other sporting competition in the world keeps every fan of every team on the lookout for every result, while attempting to calculate every permutation?
Two things give the Heineken Cup as it is this selling point. Firstly, the fact that not every 2nd place team qualifies for the quarter finals. This gives every team the emphasis to keep pushing and ensure they secure first place in their pool, while at the same time giving second place teams the incentive to try and get as many points as possible to be one of the lucky two. In no other competition are bonus points as treasured as in the Heineken Cup, and it really works.
Even for first placed teams, the quarter final draws gives further incentives to collect as many points as possible to ensure a home draw, and an "easy" as possible draw. I say "easy" because with all 6 countries participating, there are no "easy" games in Europe anymore.
There is no resting of players like in soccer's equivalent the Champions League once you are qualified after Round 4. Every fan looks at every game, in every round, and every bonus point.
Already in round 4, I'm mentally ruing bonus points that got away, or delighted that bonus points for other teams never arrived. I know that this mental calculations will be ongoing until the final whistle of the last game in Round 6. It's only then that everything is known.
Why lose this excitement?
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Two birds, One Stone
Published for wordinsport
Two seemingly unconnected stories passed by the rugby world this week.
The first was Munster's capture of Robin Copeland. Wexford born Copeland has been outstanding for Cardiff this season, winning 2 Man of the Match awards in 4 Heineken Cup games, as well as several in the Pro 12. At times, he's been the shining light in some rudderless displays from the Blues. There have been calls for Copeland to be called into the Irish set up, and the general consensus is that Munster have signed a very good Irish player.
But his capture has sparked a small bit of unrest. Munster weren't exactly in need of another backrow player, specifically one that plays either blindside or No.8. A combination of Peter O'Mahony and James Coughlan is keeping the wonderful CJ Stander out of the side, with the young, but bright talent of Paddy Butler also pushing hard for selection when he's not injured. Add in Copeland, and it's a case of 5 into 2 doesn't go.
Most of this frustration was because there are places where Munster could do with strengthening. An extra body covering Conor Murray and Cathal Sheridan would be useful, or even backing up Ian Keatley and JJ Hanrahan. As seen with Murray's lay off, one injury here stretches Munster's resources a bit too much. The same can be said in the centres, where behind Downey and Laulala, there isn't a whole lot of cover. Ivan Dineen is making the step up, and both Hanrahan and Earls can cover, but are needed elsewhere. Both Downey and Laulala are out of contract at the end of the season, which makes the need for a centre all the more pressing.
The second news story was that of Richie Vernon. For those who haven't seen it, Richie Vernon, the 20 time capped Scottish backrower is moving to outside centre for what appears to be the rest of his career. He's been unable to regain his place in the Glasgow team in the back row, and with his pace and power, Gregor Townsend has seen his potential in the centres to revitalise his career.
Why could these stories be connected? Simple; CJ Stander is the answer to Munster's centre needs. This would help ease the selection dilemmas in Munster's back row, and could finally get Stander onto the Munster first XV. There's no doubting the pace and power that Stander possesses, and he certainly doesn't have a passing game that is worse than James Downey's. It would be the only area of his game that would need work, but it's not a huge improvement needed.
It seems a crazy idea, but Vernon's isn't the first case of this, with Leinster's Jordan Coughlan another promising backrower that was moved to 12 a year ago. Joe Schmidt foresaw the overload of backrow talent coming through at Leinster with Ruddock, Ryan, Jordi Murphy, Dan Leavy and Jack Conan, and decided that Coughlan had the skills to move to 12 and provide some needed cover.
Rob Penney, you can take this idea. You're welcome.
Two seemingly unconnected stories passed by the rugby world this week.
The first was Munster's capture of Robin Copeland. Wexford born Copeland has been outstanding for Cardiff this season, winning 2 Man of the Match awards in 4 Heineken Cup games, as well as several in the Pro 12. At times, he's been the shining light in some rudderless displays from the Blues. There have been calls for Copeland to be called into the Irish set up, and the general consensus is that Munster have signed a very good Irish player.
But his capture has sparked a small bit of unrest. Munster weren't exactly in need of another backrow player, specifically one that plays either blindside or No.8. A combination of Peter O'Mahony and James Coughlan is keeping the wonderful CJ Stander out of the side, with the young, but bright talent of Paddy Butler also pushing hard for selection when he's not injured. Add in Copeland, and it's a case of 5 into 2 doesn't go.
Most of this frustration was because there are places where Munster could do with strengthening. An extra body covering Conor Murray and Cathal Sheridan would be useful, or even backing up Ian Keatley and JJ Hanrahan. As seen with Murray's lay off, one injury here stretches Munster's resources a bit too much. The same can be said in the centres, where behind Downey and Laulala, there isn't a whole lot of cover. Ivan Dineen is making the step up, and both Hanrahan and Earls can cover, but are needed elsewhere. Both Downey and Laulala are out of contract at the end of the season, which makes the need for a centre all the more pressing.
The second news story was that of Richie Vernon. For those who haven't seen it, Richie Vernon, the 20 time capped Scottish backrower is moving to outside centre for what appears to be the rest of his career. He's been unable to regain his place in the Glasgow team in the back row, and with his pace and power, Gregor Townsend has seen his potential in the centres to revitalise his career.
Why could these stories be connected? Simple; CJ Stander is the answer to Munster's centre needs. This would help ease the selection dilemmas in Munster's back row, and could finally get Stander onto the Munster first XV. There's no doubting the pace and power that Stander possesses, and he certainly doesn't have a passing game that is worse than James Downey's. It would be the only area of his game that would need work, but it's not a huge improvement needed.
Rob Penney, you can take this idea. You're welcome.
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