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Gerry Thornley is reporting an unchanged 23 for Ireland, he is usually in the know for these kind of things. Ireland are in trouble if D'Arcys injury flares up early don't like the prospect of Earls defending against Tuialgi for 70 minutes!

An interesting development that could affect this move is that Leinster have been given the go ahead to sign a top class 10/12 from the IRFU, some people in the know on the Leinster forum are touting Barnes as a target. They are hoping the lure of playing for one of the top teams in Europe could...

what he said

I understand your point but for example playing away to Chiefs they will lock to blow you out of the game early, would it not be best to pick a physical centre over a more creative ball playing one like Barnes to keep it tight for the first half, bring on Barnes as the game breaks up, as...

I would be delighted with the Samoan on the bench, between this and Morgan also out my confidence is increasing for this one. Although all it will take will be Ross to go down injured and we're in serious trouble. The first scrum could be worth watching in this one, England will want to get at...

Thats true it is hard to know Gatlands influence. They had better get their selection against France, unlike Ireland the French won't let up and will keep going at Wales for the full 80, if Wales have a repeat performance it could get very ugly for them.

I think if Gatland was in charge of Wales St Sam wouldn't have started, he is more inclined to make the big call then Howley. At this stage would be shocked if Warburton even toured in the winter, too many back rows in better form and he isn't needed for his captaincy.

Horses for courses I think, play Barnes at home and against the weaker teams away and bring in Horne to shore up the D against the better ranked teams. If we have the squad, we should use it!

Gun Show really weakens them I think, they'll be lining out with 3 6's. SOB, Heaslip and Best could make hay at the breakdown

Row 4 in ANZ in the corner so hopefully advertising won't be a problem. Row 1 in Etihad so thats the biggest issue not worried! Roll on June! Cant come soon enough at this stage

The Samoan is back for England but looks like Ben Morgan is out. If the Gun Show is lining up at 6 and Wood at 8 I'd fancy Ireland to have a serious upper hand in the back row

Did anyone get their tickets through todays presale? Got Melbourne and Sydney test tickets although the seats available for both games just seemed to restricted view (in the Bronze category anyway). Has anyone had these restricted view category in ANZ or Etihad before? Just want to make sure...

well played sir! :D

I'd like to think the first choice XV could get at least 50 minutes together against the Crusaders to iron out as many kinks in their combinations so we can hit the ground running against the Reds.

Italy usually ship a heavy beating away to England which plays havoc with their points difference, I'd fancy Ireland to put a few tries on them if we are still in with a shout of the championship. In short I'd fancy they'll need to beat Scotland and Wales to finish in the top 3

So with the Wallabies reportedly returning to the Tahs squad for the next trial how many will go straight back into the starting line up? Or will it be the Crusaders game when we see a full strength Tahs line up?

they'll need to get their selection and tactics a lot better if they are to avoid it!

Wouldn't think so, I doubt he'll even tour with Kearney and Halfpenny ahead of him. Added the likes of Zebo, Goode and Brown can cover full back just a well and offer options elsewhere.

Do they Tahs make an effort to connect with kids in the West? For example they could be sending players and coaches out to schools giving out free tickets, merchandise etc. Theres nothing better for a 7 year old who is mad about sport meeting a player. Surely this is the first step they should...