McCloskey ahead of Olding - explanation please?

[Ulsterscall]

I am not for a moment saying that McCloskey does not look like a fine young talent with all the amo to make (to use football parlance) a top top player, but I think Olding is currently a cut above again and looked like Irelands number 12 in waiting. What has happened that he is now warming the bench, I'm sure I am missing something but can't for the life of me work out what it is?! Also, apart from the obvious fact that they both prefer 12, could these two play together in the centres with McCloskey in the Nonu role??

[jackthelad]

I am not for a moment saying that McCloskey does not look like a fine young talent with all the amo to make (to use football parlance) a top top player, but I think Olding is currently a cut above again and looked like Irelands number 12 in waiting. What has happened that he is now warming the bench, I'm sure I am missing something but can't for the life of me work out what it is?! Also, apart from the obvious fact that they both prefer 12, could these two play together in the centres with McCloskey in the Nonu role??

..and Payne in the No No role.....

[bazzaj]

I am not for a moment saying that McCloskey does not look like a fine young talent with all the amo to make (to use football parlance) a top top player, but I think Olding is currently a cut above again and looked like Irelands number 12 in waiting. What has happened that he is now warming the bench, I'm sure I am missing something but can't for the life of me work out what it is?! Also, apart from the obvious fact that they both prefer 12, could these two play together in the centres with McCloskey in the Nonu role??

There is a strong possibility that with two of main ball carriers out in Hendo and big Dan, McCloskey has been brought in for his physical prescence and for someone else to threaten the line.
Note McCloskey was jettisoned straight in after Tuohys injury.
Case in point against Edinburgh he was the only one of our players that threatened the gain line until Williams arrived.

Williams is currently the one forward who can give us go forward which the oppo will know and prepare for.
With McC in the centre it gives them something else to think about and something Olding doesnt offer as much for all his other talents.
So at the minute its a horses for courses selection in my view, rather than someone saying that Olding is not as good as McCloskey.

I agree Olding could play 13 but 12 is just where I see him and the analogy would be the way England used Tindalls physicality or Mike Catts footballing ability at 12, depending on the circumstances required.
As a partnership McCloskey and Olding would be worth at least a look if either isn`t selected for the AIs as they could well click.
You never know unless you try and we might as well as they have looked at every single other possible one going!

[Harold7]

I suppose with Tuilagi and Basteraud coming up you can make an argument for McCloskey who has done well but Olding is a cut above and having him on the bench seems a total waste of resources. Then again nothing surprises me about the centre selection process at the minute. We seem determind to deliberately handicap ourselves in midfield for some reason.

I suppose it could also just be that Olding is being managed back after a very serious injury. He has 12 plus years agead of him after all. He is an exceptional talent and maybe the medics don't want to risk his potential by rushing him too intensely. In the meantime McCloskey is doing a fine job.

[Rooster]

Very simple as Olding is our back-up 10 today and a big strong lump not scared to tackle forwards is required in the center to make up for iHumph and also Payne on each side of him

[rorybestsbigbaldnoggin]

In a textbook scenario, I'd certainly have Olding ahead of McCloskey at the minute. However, springing Olding and his footwork from the bench for the last 20 may prove decisive tonight.

[chris d]

Olding's game time is being carefully managed due to his knee. No point putting his career under threat when we've got such a healthy amount of centers to chose from, and Payne.

[BaggyTrousers]

Roll on the AI s.

[Castlereagh]

Very simple as Olding is our back-up 10 today and a big strong lump not scared to tackle forwards is required in the center to make up for iHumph and also Payne on each side of him

Thats the correct reason

[Rooster]

Very simple as Olding is our back-up 10 today and a big strong lump not scared to tackle forwards is required in the center to make up for iHumph and also Payne on each side of him

Thats the correct reason

Not only that but if I was picking next weeks team I would have McCloskey and Cave in the center, narrow pitch and boshfest the points will come from the boot and forwards with a slight chance of a break by wing or Payne if he is fullback.

[Cornerfleg]

Will Paddy be back for the Soup Cup?

[rocky]

Think so.

[Cornerfleg]

Phew... I really dont want to bad mouth big stu, in fact I hope he continues to progress, but I must say I'm at real loss to see the logic in not playing our best 13 and imho a real change of direction with Olding as a 2nd 5/8 as the kiwis play i . It may sound inflated or biased but for me olding is the most gifted back Ireland have seen since BOD . And yes pine surfing .....

[Setanta]

Could be a rotational thing - Olding and Cave; McCloskey and Payne. Don't say I agree with it if that is the thinking but it is possible.

[MattMo]

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if we lost Olding by the end of the year, he's being given no time in the same position, and with the current centre farce, I'd say at least 3 of them would be considering a move to France unless big changes come.