Yeah I was disappointed to see that Joe is going for a D'Arcy & BOD midfield just over a year out from the RWC. At least this year D'Arcy has been playing well enough to justify a spot on form.
I think Marshall does everything that D'Arcy does and more its just that there is more instinctive trust in the Sexton, D'Arcy, BOD defensive system which will be crucial this week. Last week BOD came inside to Marshalls man a few times because he didn't trust Marshall to make the tackle, Wales would have punished these mistakes.
Its disappointing we are still persevering with them but I expect we'll see a lot more of Marshall in this tournament, BOD's successor for the 2015 World Cup is not yet Irish qualified and his long term replacement is injured.
He needs to use his influence to keep his centre partner out, if BOD starts shooting, as he has been doing this season, the giants on the wing will tear Ireland to shreds.Disappointed Marshall has been dropped, his kicking game would have been useful. D'Arcy needs to get the defensive line up quickly and aggressively.
From a purely selfish welsh perspective I'd like to bod continueSurprised to see Marshall omitted but can see the reasons in selecting D'Arcy.
Is BOD definitely calling it a day ? If he's still performing to a good standard won't the RWC be a good way too bow out ? It's not too far away.
I guess he's hoping for an Irish championship/slam to go out in style this season maybe.
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Apparently Adam has sustained a head injury and may wear a scrum cap. Could be a great ploy to distract the Irish, who will be falling about laughing
I remember that! Priceless. The man is a legendCan't possibly be as funny as RWC in 2003 (i think or was it 2007) with his fully braided head of hair !
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The run up to this game has been strangely free of the usual hatred and loathing. I blame the lions tour. There's significant proportion of this Irish team that I greatly admire. Fortunately I despise Barnes the ref
Heh, except for the hatred of the Englishman.The run up to this game has been strangely free of the usual hatred and loathing. I blame the lions tour. There's significant proportion of this Irish team that I greatly admire. Fortunately I despise Barnes the ref
BOD's successor for the 2015 World Cup is not yet Irish qualified and his long term replacement is injured.
The press are trying to dredge up the Gatland BOD rivalry but it is a load of bollix. There are a fair whack of Irish supporters who couldn't give a fuck about the Lions anyway.The run up to this game has been strangely free of the usual hatred and loathing. I blame the lions tour. There's significant proportion of this Irish team that I greatly admire. Fortunately I despise Barnes the ref
I think he's referring to Jared Payne and Stuart OldingWho are these two players alluded too?