Who will be there?

[BuckRogers]

I think he is better than POM. I also think Ireland can't afford not to start him, somewhere.

[Shan]

I think he is better than POM. I also think Ireland can't afford not to start him, somewhere.

We shall have to agree to disagree horse, on both counts above. I am comfortable with that. Ultimately our views won't impact on Joe and that may be for the best.

[Snipe Watson]

I think he is better than POM. I also think Ireland can't afford not to start him, somewhere.

We shall have to agree to disagree horse, on both counts above. I am comfortable with that. Ultimately our views won't impact on Joe and that may be for the best.

He is more dynamic than POM, but POM has a level of pure mongrel that exceeds what Hendo brings. They simply deliver different things. Something else I like about O'Mahoney is that he has learned to channel his anger in a good way, most of the time. Ireland needs a dog in the pack and he is it.

[Spiffsson]

You are probably right, but anothet possibility, and one I'd like to see, would be POM to 8 and Hendo in at 6.

What is the benefit of that, either for the RWC or longer term?

The benefit is giving someone else a run at 8 in case Heaslip gets crocked, and trying to determine who the best replacement 8 might be. I am not suggesting that POM displace Heaslip,who was great against Wales. Just probing the alternatives for best possible backrow balance if he's not around. POM has played well at 8 for Munster when asked. And Hendo is a very good 6.
Joe does not need to know anything more about Heaslip at this stage. He's a nailed on starter when fit. The warmup games are a time for some experimentation and he can be rested/cotton-wooled.
Are you suggesting he should play every game?

[Rooster]

Chad will be in the squad

[Snipe Watson]

The only real questions in the front line 23 are Jones and the sub hooker.

[BuckRogers]

There's probably a good bit of discussion around the make up of the bench.

Do you include Henry, Jordi Murphy or Donncha Ryan alongside Henderson in the squad?

With Earls' probable inclusion does this mean he is a bench option? If Earls is included do you worry about having Madigan in the match day squad?

[Snipe Watson]

My bench for a notional final, with everyone fit, would be Moore, Cronin, McGrath, Henderson, Henry, Reddan, Jackson and Earls. Group games would be different.

A fit and functioning Earls does take the need for Madigan and Jones out of the equation.
I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think Earls is a smashing player, the kind of player that Madigan may become. He's not fantastic in any position, but is very good in several.

[Russ]

My bench for a notional final, with everyone fit, would be Moore, Cronin, McGrath, Henderson, Henry, Reddan, Jackson and Earls. Group games would be different.

A fit and functioning Earls does take the need for Madigan and Jones out of the equation.
I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think Earls is a smashing player, the kind of player that Madigan may become. He's not fantastic in any position, but is very good in several.

Urls is dung
Urls > wee mads × f jones

[bazzaj]

The next few games are vital for some of these players.
It used to be these warm ups were a little more than a chance to blow the cobwebs off before the big event but now they are very much make or break for a lot of these guys as there is little between them in our squad.

Earls or Madigan is interesting choice as both are good impact bench options.
Personally I would go for Madigan between the two as he can play 10 which is specialist cover.
Most outside backs should be able to cope with playing centre- full back- wing if needed but half back is a different matter entirely.

[Snipe Watson]

The next few games are vital for some of these players.
It used to be these warm ups were a little more than a chance to blow the cobwebs off before the big event but now they are very much make or break for a lot of these guys as there is little between them in our squad.

Earls or Madigan is interesting choice as both are good impact bench options.
Personally I would go for Madigan between the two as he can play 10 which is specialist cover.
Most outside backs should be able to cope with playing centre- full back- wing if needed but half back is a different matter entirely.

I would suggest that Madigan cannot play 10 at this level. Selecting Earls as the bench cover for the backline frees up a spot for PJ as a genuine specialist 10.

[Dublin4]

Tommy O'Donnell dislocated his hip and is ruled out of the RWC.
Very unfortunate.
Am I correct in thinking that a hip dislocation is a very unusual injury in rugby?

[Snipe Watson]

My bench for a notional final, with everyone fit, would be Moore, Cronin, McGrath, Henderson, Henry, Reddan, Jackson and Earls. Group games would be different.

A fit and functioning Earls does take the need for Madigan and Jones out of the equation.
I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think Earls is a smashing player, the kind of player that Madigan may become. He's not fantastic in any position, but is very good in several.

I have always liked the athleticism and footballing skills of Earls. I think he is a cracking player save for a big question mark over his top 3 inches. His decision making in defence and attack in prone to the odd brainfart. I think that's the query Joe and others have always had. Am I right in thinking Munster had a shrink involved with him over his confidence? I like Earls whereas I dint like Madigan. Madigan has all the tools but none of the rugby smarts to go with it. He'll cost you as many points as he will gain you.

That's about how I see it too. Interesting if Munster has a sports psychologist working with Earls. I think all players should have access to some help on the mental side of the game.

[bazzaj]

The next few games are vital for some of these players.
It used to be these warm ups were a little more than a chance to blow the cobwebs off before the big event but now they are very much make or break for a lot of these guys as there is little between them in our squad.

Earls or Madigan is interesting choice as both are good impact bench options.
Personally I would go for Madigan between the two as he can play 10 which is specialist cover.
Most outside backs should be able to cope with playing centre- full back- wing if needed but half back is a different matter entirely.

I would suggest that Madigan cannot play 10 at this level. Selecting Earls as the bench cover for the backline frees up a spot for PJ as a genuine specialist 10.

Is there not room for both?

[rorybestsbigbaldnoggin]

I would suggest that Madigan cannot play 10 at this level.

We all know this. Joe knows this too. Versatility is Madigan's only asset at this stage.