Heineken Cup round three review

Halftime Report

So on Friday morning I was expecting one win and hoping for three losing bonus points on this cold Tuesday morning I have finished reflecting on three excellent wins for Connacht, Ulster and Munster. While Leinster for the first time in seventeen games failed to win but they put in a stellar performance against Clermont and brought home a losing bonus point which could prove crucial in their qualification hopes.

Connacht

For the second season in a row the Western province have upset the apple tart by beating French side Biarritz and in doing so have done Munster and Leinster a huge favour. Dan Parks is proving a very astute signing as he kicked seven points in another famous win for the province. What is critical know is they kick on in the Rabo Pro Direct and ensure they qualify for the Heineken Cup on their own this season. Their team had one teenager and one thirty year old with the rest in their twenties. If they can keep this bunch together and add a couple in the summer the future really is bright for the province. That teenager, Kieran Marmion  is another member of the fantastic under twenty side from last season and on my count he is already the fourth member of the side to make an appearance in the Heineken Cup this season.

Ulster

Ulster produced the most complete performance of the week and for many cemented themselves as a serious contender to win the competition but for me I think a little change in their game plan will be required to win it. I feel they rely on their defence too much and against the better teams who would be able to break them they won’t quite have enough. I would like to see them attack a little more as opposed to leaving the opposition have the ball and force mistakes. Next week’s game against Northampton should be interesting because Iain Henderson will play in the second row which I consider to be his best position. In the backs Trimble, Bowe and Cave were fantastic but for me Jared Payne was a class apart. It is going to be a long two years before we see him in a green shirt sadly.

Munster

Overrated English team come to underrated Munster team’s backyard Thomond Park wait I have read this book. In reality this wasn’t the case Saracens were overrated but they left the win behind them. Munster will need to learn from their mistake in a week to have a chance next week. This game highlighted where Munster are now in the middle group (6^th – 14^th) of European teams. Their fanatical supporters and media can say what they want about this win but in reality it was two teams from that middle group who will hope to sneak through into the quarter finals but won’t make a dent in the knockout stages. Given this is the provinces second season in serious transition qualifying for the knockout phase will be quite an achievement. The likes of Kilcoyne, Sherry, Ryan, Dave O Callaghan, Peter O Mahony, Zebo, Earls, Murray and Jones will play a major role in bringing the province back to the big time in the next three or four seasons but for now they lack at least four or five players to contend.

Leinster

I’ll openly admit I thought they would get pummelled on Sunday. I couldn’t see how they would handle the Clermont backs given the makeshift backline they lined out with but Kudos to Joe Schimdts men they stopped Clermont and will probably kick themselves for not grabbing at least a draw. For the second time in a year Schimdt completely out thought Cotter and will fancy his team’s chances in the Aviva. Leinster set piece moves are way ahead of everyone else in Europe and this along with another huge defensive effort will be key in defeating the French team. It is a different story for Clermont as Sunday will be hugely frustrating as they failed to kill of Leinster on their home patch again.

Irish six Nations selection

At hooker we had Best, Cronin, Strauss and Sherry who are probably are four best options lineout over the weekend. Best led his Ulster pack in destroying Northampton’s forwards and laying down the foundations for the win. Sherry done well in all aspects but is still a couple of seasons experience from being international standard. Sean Cronin was maybe an eyebrow raiser but given how poor Strauss’s throwing was when he came on he could finally be Leinster’s numbers one hooker.

The second row is a worrying position for me. Of the eight locks that started for the four provinces only three Dan Tuohy, Donnacha Ryan and Mike McCarthy will be in contention for the World Cup squad in 2015. Given Iain Henderson seems to be the only young lock getting regular game time it has to be a worry for the international management.

In the centres we had a mixture of the young and the old. Six of the eight who took to the field were Irish qualified, three over thirty with three under twenty five. Gordan Darcy his having best season sense 09 and is really showing us how much we are going to miss him when he retires. James Downey and Paddy Wallace put in huge defensive performances to help their provinces to wins. The younger brigade performed well too with McSharry really showing he can be a huge part of Connachts future. Keith Earls continues to impress as  a thirteen for Munster but for me Darren Cave was the best of the lot as he gave one of his best performances in an Ulster shirt on Friday night.

Lions Selection

This weekend the provinces players went head to head with many of the players they will battle against to try and make the tour in Australia. Dylan Hartley proved why he isn’t a Lions test hooker Friday night by losing the plot and will be rightly cited this week.

Lee Byrne reminded us why he was the number one fullback in 2009 and could make a potential late push to make it down under.

The Saracens back line had four of English backs that played against New Zealand but for many reasons none of them looked like Lions. Brad Barritt and Farrell are a lot of things but they are certainly not Lions test centres.

Foot notes

It came to my attention that Munster in the seventeen years of the competition have still failed to name one of the eight forwards that started the final in 2006 in a Heineken Cup match. That is staggering. Donnacha O Callaghan carried the flag on Saturday.

Watch this guy he is lethal if you like sprinting rugby players!

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Have no doubts the futures bright.

Tossing and turning last night in bed I was thinking over Declan Kidneys selection. I then began to wonder what will the future be after likes Brian O Driscoll, Gordan Darcy, Ronan O Gara and Tommy Bowe move on. The thought worried me, they are the end of the "golden generation." Would we slip back into the doldrums of the nineties where winning in Murrayfield would be considered a good achievement? The answer is no. The deeper I looked at the age profile of some of the squads and the experience some young players have already garnered  in Europe's elite competitions it is clear there is another golden generation on the way. This week I will look at the future of Ireland's back line.

Possible provincial back lines in four years.

Connacht              Leinster                 Munster                Ulster

K. Marmion           J. Cooney             C.Murray             P. Marshall

I. Madigan             J. Sexton               I. Keatley             P. Jackson

T. O Halloran         L.Fitzgerald          S.Zebo                 C. Gilroy

D. McSharry          F. McFadden        J. Hanrahan          L. Marshall

E. Griffin               E.O Malley           K. Earls                D. Cave

R. Henshaw           D.Kearney            L. O Dea              T. Bowe                

S. Layden              R.Kearney            F.Jones                 J. Payne

I know the possibility of all four provinces ever playing these four back lines on the same weekend is very remote for many reasons like injury, loss of form and new unheard of geniuses popping up between now and 2016. I transferred Ian Madigan to Connacht mainly because he is so good he can't be a sub for Leinster for ever and there isn't an outstanding prospect for the ten shirt at Connacht at the moment. In my selection I played a couple of players out of position trying to fit all the best prospects into the sides. The twenty eight players will be all Irish qualified by 2016 and will be available for international selection. There really will be fearsome competition in the next few years. 

Possible Irish back line in four years.   

K. Marmion

J. Sexton

C. Gilroy

J. Hanrahan

K. Earls

D. Kearney

R. Kearney

The range of players being produced is rather exciting too. Breaking scrumhalfs like Marshall and the bigger Mike Phillips type like Connor Murray. We have the controlling flyhalfs like Sexton and Jackson and then the more attacking running type flyhalfs like Keatley and Madigan. We have classic finishers like Gilroy and O Dea and the more modern type wingers like Zebo and David Kearney. In the centres we have the solid types like Marshall and McFadden while also having the creative types like JJ Hanrahan and McSharry. At outside centre again we have a mix of different styles of centre and at fullback we have the aerially dominant players like Rob Kearney and the counter attacking types like Layden. We really have the talent play many different types of game plans and adjusting quickly to the changes of modern rugby.

The key point when realising how bright the Irish teams future is you must also realise that all four provinces are producing  international standard players and not just two. With the right support from the IRFU we can have four provinces competitive in Europe with home grown players that can bring the National team to the next level.

Team of the the future.

Even do the season is only four games old many supporters have been enthralled by their provinces younger players who are excelling at the start of the season. As many of the first team players are unavailable for the start of the season it has given many youngsters an excellent chance at making their name, which many have taken with both arms which can be only good for Declan Kidneys Ireland team.

Here is a team of players under the age of twenty five who have appeared in the RaboProDirect this season but have not been capped by the senior national team who are going to push hard for a place in the squad in the coming seasons.

15) Andrew Conway Leinster

The young Blackrock man probably faces the most daunting challenge in Irish rugby trying to wrestle the Leinster and Irish number fifteen shirt off Rob Kearney. Explosive pace and the feat of the dancer, Conway has all the attributes to make it to the very top of the game. He has been in and around the Leinster squad sense 2010 without making a huge impact mainly due to lack of game time but this season he has already made the same amount of starts as last season. Confidence will only grow from regular first team action and with that bucket loads of tries will follow.

14) Craig Gilroy Ulster

The Ulster speedster is probably the unlucky not to have gotten a full cap already but the 2012/13 season is huge for Gilroy with the return of Tommy Bowe, being an automatic starter for Ulster may not be as easy as foreseen  last season. His try against Munster in last years Heineken Cup highlights the majority of his skills. A strong runner, nifty feet and incredibly quick off the mark he will push Bowe hard for a place in the team.

13) Brendan Macken Leinster

Another gifted Leinster back with incredible ability. He is battling with Fergus McFadden and Eoin O Malley to be the number one back up to Brian O Driscoll and Gordan Darcy. To say Leinster have depth in the centre position would be an understatement. Macken unlike many of the Irish backs well over six foot and with recent trends in rugby showing the bigger, more powerful player are becoming essential at international level Macken could be a key member of the Irish squad.

12) Luke Marshall Ulster

Marshall  has really grown into a twelve.His creativity and strength are two of the main features of his game, while he is a solid defender and has a decent kicking game when required. He is something very rare in Irish rugby a play making centre who could really get a back line firing on some go forward ball.

11) Luke O Dea Munster

Munster who have traditionally not produced outside backs with gas but they have defiantly found one in o Dea. His strike rate at senior level is incredible for rookie, five tries in his first eleven games. He has so far made his name at eleven but his preferred position is fullback. Will defiantly be a major player in Rob Pennys revolution at Munster and senior caps will follow.

10) Paddy Jackson Ulster

Jacksons incredible rise from Ireland an Ireland under twenty to starting out half in a Heineken Cup final was astonishing last season.  After an extremely difficult final against Leinster many questioned how it would effect Jackson in the long term. So far this season he has been very solid and his goal kicking has come on leaps and bounds evidenced by his performance against Munster in the Rabo. He has no doubt got the mentality to  learn from last season and became a full international.

9) John Conney Leinster


Another young scrum half in the Eoin Reddan mould. Slick passing and quality link up make Conney difficult for opposition defences. He is especially quick at the base of rucks and scrums which makes him an very good impact sub. Cooney who is currently third choice at Leinster is going to push Boss hard for his place on the bench this season.

8) Paddy Butler Munster

A young number eight from Shannon. No pressure. Butler has so far dealt well with expectations and is beginning to become a regular in the Munster twenty two. The back row is probably the most depth Ireland have in any position but Butler is benefiting from the retirements of Leamy and Wallace in the last year. He is a naturally gifted athlete and a powerful runner. Expect big things from this man in the near future.

7) Jordi Murphy Leinster

The Spanish born flanker is a very interesting prospect. Good on the ground and with the seven shirt on his back no doubt the general public will follow his progress intently as the fascination with that position grows. He has made just nine appearances for Leinster but more chances should follow this season as he looks to break into Leinsters match day twenty two on a regular basis.

6) Dave O Callaghan Munster

O Callaghan first came on the radar as a substitute against Northampton Saints in the Heineken Cup and then start against Leinster in the Rabo. He done well without setting the world on fire and it was thought he needed to bulk up and a little more experience before he could compete for a regular start. O Callaghan has done both this season and it will be some player to wrestle the six shirt back off him. Deservedly included in  Irelands November training squad.

5) Tom Denton Leinster

Probably one of the lesser known Joe Schmidt signings but one of the most astute. Second row is one of the few areas where Leinster are not producing many players. Irish qualified due to his mother Denton is already the veteran of  sixty games for Leeds. Neil Back rated him as a future international class second row, something Leinster could do with. With Brad Thorn leaving the 2012/13 season is going to be huge for Denton.

4) Dave Foley Munster

Foley is a real giant of a man with underrated handling skills but has struggled with injuries in the past two seasons. With O Connell, O Callaghan, Ryan and Nagle ahead of him in the pecking order it is hard to see him making the Munster team in the near future without injuries. Could benefit from a stint in the west coast or in England.

3) Stephen Archer Munster

Archer is going to be a major asset to the Irish nation team in the near future. Archer is improving all the time in scrum and is good in the loose. Has established himself as Munsters second choice tight head as he serves his apprenticeship under Bj Botha one of the best scrummagers in the world. His importance to Munster and Ireland can not be understated.

2) Mike Sherry Munster

Sherry like many other young Munster men has benefited from injuries and retirements. He is accurate with his darts, strong in the scrum and a good ball carrier. One thing that sets him apart is his ball handling ability which is quite incredible for a hooker. Will battle Sean Cronin for a place on the Irish bench this year.

1) David Kilcoyne Munster

The "Killer" Kilcoyne is really stepping it up this year. He signed a new contract full time contract over the summer and isn't looking back.  He held his own against John Afoa, one of the best tightheads in the world. He will only get stronger and stronger as he plays more games. I defiantly would not be surprised if he is scene in a green shirt before the season is out.

So there it is my Ireland under twenty five team. One thing is for sure these fifteen players if probably never all start the one international together but many of them will dawn the green shirt in the coming years. I for one can't wait to see them progress.

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Heineken Cup Reforms

So as the rugby season draws to a close I have decided to open one last decide, some food for thought if you'd like during the summer break.

The structure of the Heineken Cup is very topical at the moment after the French and English teams threatened to pull out once again, if this was to happen Europe's  premier rugby competition would cease to exist.

Also the recent draw for the Heineken Cup competition highlighted the lopsided  nature of the group phase.

I for one believe the competition needs many reforms and not just how teams qualify for the competition but also how the group phase works. I do believe the best team has won the competition over the past number of the years but their is too much good fortune involved during the competition that makes  the latter stages far more predictable then the group phase.

Current Qualification Format:

Places are awarded by country, with each country deciding how to allocate their allotted places:

• England: six teams (selected by performance in Aviva Premiership and Anglo-Welsh Cup)
• France: six teams (selected by performance in Top 14 Championship)
• Ireland: three teams (selected by performance in Pro 12)
• Wales: three teams (selected by performance in Pro 12)
• Scotland: two teams (selected by participation in Pro 12)
• Italy: two teams (selected by participation in Pro 12)
Starting with the 2009–10 season, the remaining two places in the 24-team tournament for the following season are filled by the winners of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup.

Is the group phase ranking system working for the Knock-out stages?

No it does not if you look at the past three years of the competitions knock-out phase. Cardiff who were obliterated by Leinster in the Heineken Cup last season but are still number one seeds yet Clermont who were a whisker away from beating the champions are second seeds this time around. A far better system would be the winners of three leagues and the winners of the previous year’s Heineken Cup would be automatically be the top seeded teams for the following years. This format is clearly unfair and for the competition to reach its full potential it is essential the qualification format is fair for all teams and also the ranking system for the quarter finals needs to change. I think the simplest way is for the competition to move to a twenty  teams with four groups of five.

Some examples of the problems with the current format:

In the 09/10 season Munster played Northampton saints twice in the group phase and again in the quarter finals. The familiarity of the teams with each other made it boring for the neutral. The current seeds means this can happen any season if results fall a certain way.

12/13 draw for the competition was the clearest example of how good fortune plays far too much of an important role in the Heineken Cup. Look at Biarritz and Harlequins group who were drawn alongside Connacht and Zebre. Its Connacht's second year in the competition and Zebres first year in existence. Already these teams have a far better chance of qualify then say the teams in group six who are all evenly matched.

The current seeding system for the quarter final also handicaps the top seeded teams. Take this season’s draw for example. The number top two seeded teams will more than likely play either Leinster or Clermont in the quarter finals as one of them will qualify as the one of the best runners up. That is some reward for the so called top seeded teams.


Reforms Required:

Six teams from each of the RaboProDirect 12, Top 14 and Aviva Premiership qualify along with the Amlin Challenge winners and the Heineken Cup winners from the previous year would qualify.
The top two teams would qualify for the quarter final.

The teams would play each other once with two games away and two games at home.
The top seeded team in each group would play the third and fifth seeded teams away and play the second seeds and fourth seeds away.
The four group winners get a home quarter final. There would be an open draw to decide the pairing for the quarter finals.


Teams that finish third would qualify for the Amlin Challenge Cup

Some might say it’s not a European Cup without all countries being represented but akin to the Champions League it is not feasible for a team from every country to be represented in the group phase of the competition.


Closing notes:

People might think it is unnecessary to tinker with the current system but remember professional rugby is in its infancy and like its soccer counterpart, the champions league will undergo changes throughout the years to ensure it still provides the excitement, drama and most importantly high quality rugby matches to keep the fans in the stands happy.

Ireland's future

A three test tour of New Zealand on the back of what will be a twelve month season by the third test is hardly what the Irish squad needed especially when you consider the difficult six nations they had, where Kidneys squad selection and style of play came underfire but of course if it could be a chance for some of the younger squad members to impress. It is not just on the field where the Irish set up are facing some difficulties, with many of Ireland's younger prospects sitting on the bench or even in the stand as they struggle to get first team rugby, the lack of innovation or even just common sense by the IRFU mean it looks increasingly difficult to see how we are going to cope without the likes O Gara, O Driscoll and O Connell in the near future.

Kidney is under a lot of pressure with his recent squad selections. His loyalty to Donnacha O Callaghan and Gordan Darcy looks bizarre when think Devin Toner, Craig Gilroy and Ian Madigan were all left at home maybe Ferris and O Connell's injuries played apart but it didn't have to stop him from selecting a larger squad. Ireland's management just needed to look across the pond and see Stuart Lancaster is bringing a 42 man squad to South Africa, a mix of youth and experience. Kidney has only picked twenty nine players eight of which are front row forwards. That means to fill seventeen of his match day squad he has the choose from twenty one players. That is slim pickings to say the least and  you would imagine many of the players will be carrying slight injuries going on tour it looks like another another massive chance to breadth some fresh air into the squad missed.

In many ways Kidneys hands are tied by the IRFU policies and the way in which players are distributed across the provinces. Kidney most look at Warren Gatland with envy as he seems to have an never ending supply of young, talented and powerful players that are  seamlessly adopting to international rugby, continually defying  the cliché that you won't win anything with kids. While Warren Gatland and his management team deserve a lot of credit the WRU are playing a blinder and the Welsh clubs seem to be also helping their national squad. Look at the recently crowned Rabro Pro Direct twelve champions the Ospreys. Last season they let the likes of Mike Phillips, Marty Holah, James Hook and Lee Bryne left and  you would think the clubs future is bleak instead those headline players have being replaced by Rhys Webb, Justin Tipuric, Dan Diggar and Ashley Beck all of whom will step up to the international arena into the next twelve months. If you look the Irish provinces where similar younger players like Paul Marshall, Dom Ryan, Ian Madigan and Eoin O Malley are similar ages to their Welsh counterparts but when Ulster and Leinster have their full squad to choose from these players are all on the bench or not even in the match day twenty three. I have no doubt if all these players signed for Connacht  next season they would have twenty games ( six in the Heineken Cup) under their belt by February and would be pushing for inclusion in the Irish six nations squad. Only one of Leinster's starting fifteen in the Heineken Cup final and two of Ulster's have earned their first international caps in the past two years indicating their isn't a whole raft of new players for Kidney to choose from despite Ireland's dominance of the Heineken Cup.

On topic of players going to Connacht it is good to look at the WRU's use Newport Gwent Dragons who are considered the fourth team in Wales. Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau were stars at the World Cup but it is one of their summer signings that intrigued me, Tom Prydie. I first came across Prydie alongside Andrew Conway of Leinster who were listed as stars of the future in a rugby magazine. Prydie has made twelve senior appearances for the Ospreys and Conway has made sixteen for Leinster and  at the moment both are at a similar standard but by the end of next season it will be no surprise if Prydies development is rapidly accelerated by first team exposure at the Dragons. Conway on the other hand will no doubt make a halve dozen appearances next season while players are on international duty. It is not like sending players to Connacht for a season or two is a major risk as Jerry Flannery, Sean Cronin, Ian Keatley and Fionn Carr all benefited from their spells out west.

Next year three Kiwis will be managing Ulster, Leinster and Munster. I wonder would Mark Anscombe take a risk like Brian Mclaughlin did in selecting Paddy Jackson for a Heineken Cup semi final, I doubt it very much. Anscombe will be under pressure from the very start of the season and is he really going to invest in youth when he is looking to carry on from where Ulster left of last year, unlikely. Another problem is down in Munster where Wian Du Preez and Bj Botha are two very important players to the teams short term success but as they have no international commitments they expect to be starting every game. When will Rob Penny find the games to develop the likes of David Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer? As Keith Wood often mentions on Off the Balls Wednesday night rugby props need to playing week in week out to develop.

Of course Connacht isn't the only option for players to find first team rugby as Tomas O Leary signs for London Irish and also look how Tommy Bowe during his stint at the Ospreys. Indeed Bowes return to Ulster was seen by all as a major boast but when you realise one Craig Gilroy, Andrew Trimble and Darren Cave won't be starting regularly next season you wonder how much it benefits Declan Kidneys national team.  It will be interesting to see if Bernard Jackmans Grenoble take on board some of Ireland's younger players for a couple of season's. Indeed it would be prudent for the IRFU to create a partnership with a ProDivison 2 team in France. It is regarded as the home of scrummaging and offers younger Irish players to learn new training methods and exposes them to first team rugby a season earlier which would benefit the provinces over time. In Austrailia, who have a similar playing pool to Ireland all International standard players are spread across their five Super 15 teams ensuring they are starting every game in their optimum position giving Robbie Deans options in every position of his team. Currently there are at least fifteen International quality players on the subs at Irish provinces, until that changes it is hard to see the fortunes of the national team changing.

Ireland's tour to New Zealand could have been the turning point for Declan Kidney's side but instead a whitewash beckons and the long, drawn out end to some of Ireland's stalwarts stellar careers will continue, painfully. The blame will probably  be put squarely on the Kidneys shoulders but the IRFU need to take long look at their own management of Irish rugby and realise not only is change required on the field but also the way it which they run rugby in the country.

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Heineken Cup Awards 2011/2012

A look back at another vintage Heineken Cup year.

Team of the Year:

Leinster Rugby. Third Heineken Cup in four years says it all. One of the greatest European teams ever, they don't know how to lose and seem have ten more points then they deserve in every match. Absolutely ruthless. Eight different players started the 09 final to the match on Saturday. They are evolving while winning the Heineken Cups, incredible.

Player of the Year:

Rob Kearney. The couple of times his team were in trouble this season he came up with the goods whether be a drop goal, rampaging run or an audacious catch Kearney has turned into the complete player. A man in the bar beside me said on Saturday "Einstein said definition of stupidity was do the same thing twice and expect different results, well then why hell does anybody bother kick the ball high to Kearney". I think the man was right it is borderline stupidity to test Kearney in the air. 

New player of the year:

Wesley Fofana. Only for a serious case of bad luck Fofana in the Semi Finals could well be the European player of the year but the young French man will have to be content for now. An explosive runner with an incredible off loading game has taken Europe by storm this year. Don't let this guy start because he is bloody hard to stop. 

Try of the Season:

Craig Gilroy. Incredible opportunistic effort by the young winger. Evading four tacklers with elusive feet while keeping his head up and two hands on the ball to ensure no more Munster defenders would commit was a real joy to behold. One of the best solo tries you will see in a long time.

Kick of the season:

Ronan O Gara. Pienaars in the final from 60 metres on Saturday was class but O Garas 45 metre drop goal into a swirling wind was one of the finest strikes of a ball you will ever see. One of the most memorable moments in the competitions history.

Tackle of the Season:

Rory Best. Ulsters captains tackle on the rampaging Sean O Brien five metres from his own line was one of the best individual displays of skill I have ever seen on a rugby field. O Brien who at the best of times is difficult to stop looked destined to cruise over for a try until the Best managed to bring him down with an incredible around the waist tackle. 

Moment of Genius:

Brian O Driscoll. He have lost a yard of pace but Dricos inside pass to Sean O Brien was a joy behold and reminded us all that class is permanent. In many ways that moment was a symbolised Leinsters performance this year, brute force combined with skill.

Shock of the season:

Edinburgh. Not many gave them a chance against Toulouse but Michael Bradleys charges proved that there is still a kick in Scottish rugby. Despite being down to 13 men at one stage the Edinburgh team never gave up and kept tackling and hounding to pull one of the biggest upsets in the competitions history. 

Underachievers: 

Northampton Saints. Incredible to think that last years runners up were so near to beating to Munster in Thomond Park but ended up only winning two of their six group games. The Saints were reeling for the opening three rounds after Rogs drop goal and with Downey, Ashton etc moving on its hard to see this exciting team being competitive in Europe for a while.

Team of the Year:

15. Rob Kearney

14. Tim Visser

13. Brian O Driscoll

12. Wesley Fofana

11. Sitiveni Sivivatu

10. Jonny Sexton

 9.  Ruan Peinaar

 8.  Peter O Mahony

 7. Chris Henry

 6. Stephen Ferris

 5. Dan Toughy

 4. Nathan Hines

 3. John Afoa 

 2. Rory Best

 1. Cian Healy

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Foreign Heroes 2000 - 2012

The 2000 - 2012 period in provincial rugby has been nothing short of astonishing. With 4 Heineken Cups in the bag and another on the way in the past twelve years it is likely we will never see such dominance by the Irish provinces again. Munster kicked it all of in 2000 when losing to Northampton, they lost another final in 2002 before finally winning their Holy Grail in 2006. In 2008 Munster won the trophy again versus a star studded Toulouse. In 09 Leinster got in on the act with their first trophy and then stormed to another victory in 2011 against Northampton. At the moment we are ten 10 days out from the first all Irish final between Leinster, who are looking to become only the second team to defend the title and Ulster who have really pulled up their socks and are beginning to repay the faith their supporters have shown over the past 12 years. Of course discussing the times Irish provinces won the cup is forgetting some amazing moments including the all Irish battles in 06 and 09, Leinster's incredible victory against Toulouse in 06 and some hearth breaking moments for Munster. One consistent part of all the provinces wins, draws and losses has been foreign players who arrived in Ireland and have played a major role in the provinces fortunes. I have assembled the best team from all the foreign players who plied their trade in Ireland over the 12 years. It was a lot more difficult then I had first imagined.

Fullback: Shaun Payne



Winger: Doug Howlett



Outside Centre: Rua Tipoki




Inside Centre: Trevor Halstead














Winger: Isa Nacewa



Fly Halve: Felipe Contepomi



Scrum Halve: Ruan Pienaar



Number 8: Pedrie Wannenburg



Flanker: Jim Williams



Flanker: Rocky Elsom


Second Row: Nathan Hines



Second Row: John Langford



Tight Head: Bj Botha



Hooker: R Strauss



Loose Head: Stan Wright


Others:  David Howell, Paul Warick, Brad Thorn, Christian Cullen, Jean De Villiers, Justin Harrison, John Afoa, Wian Du Preez, Lifemi Mafi, Olly Le Roux, Jan Muller and Cj Van Der Linde.



Note: Team Picked on impact at province, lasting impact and overall performance. Reputation had no impact on selection.


When complying the list it is amazing to think of the quality players and we have seen down threw the years and their impact on Irish players. Would Sexton be the player he is today if not for Felipe ? John Langford changed what was acceptable and what was not acceptable in the Munster dressing room and Ruan Pienaar has revolutionised the way in which Ulster play. I would go as far to say that neither Munster or Leinster would have won Heineken cups to such an extent if not for the quality of their imports.Even Ulster in the past two seasons  have their strongest contingent of foreign players during the 2000 - 2012 period and have qualified for the Heineken Cup knock out phase on both occasions. If we take Wales as an example they have had nowhere near as many quality foreign players in the 2000 - 2012 period as Ireland  and have never had a team in the final of the Heineken Cup albeit their National team continues to stand toe to toe with Ireland. So are the foreign recruits covering over the gaping holes in the Irish provincial game or are they hindering the development of the national team? With rules changing regarding Non Irish Qualified players in 2013 we will soon find out.

Follow me at @Tommykennedy93 to discuss the selection and thanks.

Heineken Cup Review

After another thrilling weekend of Heineken Cup rugby the dust is beginning to settle on what was an eventful weekend for the Irish provinces. For the third time in four years there will be two Irish teams in the semi final of the Heineken Cup but for the first time in thirteen years its Ulster who will be in the semis at Munsters expense.

Leinster v Cardiff

On Saturday we had two games one was a shock, the other was a formality. People were comparing Leinsters performance against Cardiff to Munsters demolition of Ospreys in 09 but in reality Leinster never got out of second gear and cruised to what was probably one of the easiest quarter finals they have played. Indeed Leinster have not been tested all year and despite putting Bath to the sword in the Aviva and patches of brilliance against Montpelier in the opening game they have being operating at around seventy per cent in the majority of their match's this year.

Can Leinster win the Heineken Cup in second gear?


No, they can not because despite being a great team they are facing a daunting task in the semi finals against a Clermont side who beat Saracens rather easily on Sunday. Leinsters biggest challenge is to raise their intensity and play eighty minutes at 100 per cent to beat a star studded Clermont team in Bordeaux. Clermont and possibly Toulouse are the only two teams in Europe that can go toe to toe with Leinster and survive. Clermont have in their locker not only a back line to trouble Leinster but also a dogged pack that can eek out results. Its hard to remember the last time this Leinster defence was stretched but against Clermont they will have to conjure something special to qualify for their third final in four years. One might feel this could be Clermonts year but it is not impossible for Leinster to win. I would imagine the winner will come from this intriguing tie.

Munster V Ulster

On Sunday we Ulster performed the ultimate robbery by becoming only the second team in Heineken Cup History to defeat Munster in fortress Thomond Park. Ulster started impressively and commanded a nineteen point lead mid - way through the second half. Despite Simon Zebo squeezing in for his 4th try of the season before half time Munster could never get ahead of an extremely stubborn Ulster team. Ulster gave an epic defensive display to win out 22 - 16. Led by the possessed Dan Tuoghy and Stephen Ferris Ulster  never relented. Ulster disrupted Munsters supply by targeting Connor Murray at ruck time.  Ruan Pienaar gave a great goal kicking display to keep Ulster ticking over. In the end it was an one miracle too far for Munster as finally they could not conjure up the winning score in the dying minutes.

Strange Munster decisions?

Paul O Connell and Ronan O Gara should have to answer why they decided to take on massive kick from the corner of the half into the teeth of a stiff breeze? Even on a calm day that kick is difficult I couldn't quite understand there thinking especially when Munster were winning all their own line out ball. I also did not understand when O Gara put in a couple of sweepers in behind the Ulster defence and then the pack did not challenge  Rory Bests throw. I could also not understand why Keith Earls was left on the field despite being clearly unable to continue.

Can Ulster go all the way?

I think they will have much too much for a plucky Edinburgh especially  in the Aviva but I am not sure they  could beat Leinster or Clermont in a one off match. One thing Ulster need to do is copy Leinster and consider their beating of Munster as a small step towards their ultimate goals. This can be the beginning of something special for the Ulster men. With the signing of Tommy Bowe already confired everything points to a bright future.

Munsters future bleak?

In my opinion no it is not bleak. When you look at the team that got beat by Leinster in 09 at Croke Park the average was 30, against Ulster on Sunday it was 26. Only four of the team remain and unlike the defeat of 09 it is clear Munster have quality coming threw evidenced by the defeat of a fancied Leinster A team on Friday night. Luke O Dea, JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Butler, Ian Nagle and John Ryan all look like breaking into the team in the coming years. Despite the defeat on Sunday I think the knowledgeable Munster fan will quite optimistic about the future. 

I would also like to say that I attended the Munster match on Sunday and what I witnessed in the Ulster fans was the best travelling support I have ever seen in Thomond Park. It was also lovely to see people from both sets of supporters shaking hands at the end of the game. It was a great day for the city of Limerick.

A short 6 nations review and the summer tour preview

The RBS six nations will probably be forgotten by must Irish rugby supporters very quickly but for the management it is critical they learn from these last five matches.

Even do it is one of the most disappointing  seasons which included one of the worst defeats in the professional area it was defined by a few major calls by referees. Ireland could well have been going for a Grand Slam against an extremely lucky England side on Saturday only for a terrible decision against Stephen Ferris in the opening game.

The Positives:


Keith Earls

Keith Earls had a solid campaign and considering Darcy was well below his best it was good to see Earls put in a good showing in the four games he played in.

Stephen Ferris


Brent Pope once said he could see Ferris in a black shirt, which is probably the greatest complement a player can receive. He reminds of Keith Wood who also had no regard for his own safety. We need to wrap this guy in cotton wool and unleash him in September 2015.

Rob Kearney

Kearney along with Halfpenny and Israel Dagg are the best fullbacks in the world. He took games by the scruff of the neck and lead the Irish backs in all the games. I wont even mention his ability under the high ball.

Negatives:


Gordan Darcy

A great servant but his form has dropped of again from the world cup and was very lucky to keep his place throughout the tournament. His best years are definitely behind him.

Jamie Heaslip

A slight improvement against England but was outplayed by his opposite number in all 5 games of this years championship. Is it simply the balance of the back row that is root of his poor form or something deeper?

Declan Kidneys Selection

I think everybody was disappointed he left Donnacha Ryan on the bench for so long, never tried a Ferris O Mahony O Brien combination and persisted with Darcy at 12. He does deserve credit for trying O Gara at 10 and Sexton at 12 but surely that should have been tried before the World Cup considering O Garas age. 

Three things to remember:


The great English side of 2003 only ever won one Grands slam.

In 2003 when England won the world cup they had only two teams in the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup and none in the Semi Finals.

The most important thing for 2012 is that were in top 8 of the IRB rankings come the end of September.

Summer Tour


The summer tour is a good chance to do a little bit of experimenting because sadly what ever team we do put out we will probably lose to New Zealand whereas in November it is critical we get two wins so there is little room for tinkering then.

My team V New Zealand Saturday 9th of June

R. Keanrey
T. Bowe
K.Earls
B.O.Driscoll
A.Trimble
J.Sexton
C.Murray
C.Healy
S.Cronin
M.Ross
D.Ryan
P.O.Connell
S.O.Brien
P.O.Mahony
J.Heaslip

T.Court
D.Varley
S.Archer
D.Tuoghy
R.Ruddock
P.Marshall
I.Madigan
S.Zebo

......and the debate/abuse begins.

I think the main talking point in the backs is obviously the inclusion of BOD but I think he could really create  room for the outside backs provide leadership and sure up the defence. It would be great to see Keith Earls work of some of does offloads and Johnny Sexton try his famous loop move with Drico outside him.In the front row I'd leave Rory Best at home for the simple reason we have so much depth in the hooker position we need to decide which candidates are able to step up to International rugby. There are doubts about Cronins throwing but there is only one way to find out if he can handle the pressure and that's by putting him in the deep end. I think Varley has been very solid all season for Munster and the summer tour gives him a good opportunity to taste international rugby.  I think we have to give O Mahony a run at 7 and why not do it against the best in the world? I would also give Ferris the summer of due to his injury history.  I would put Archer on the bench because like all tight heads he needs experience and also there isn't many others around. Tuoghy has been fantastic all year for Ulster and has been very unlucky to be considered 5/6 choice by the management. Having Paul Marshall and Ian Madigan on the bench may be risky but I think its worth the gamble. Both men have proven they can make an impact from the bench for their provinces and it would be a great experience for the duo. I would love to see Madigan play with Sexton at 12 as they could share the kicking duties and allow Madigan to express himself just like Copper and Barnes for Australia except without the back yard spectaculars. Simon Zebo has been electric for Munster since December and is now the form winger playing in Ireland at the moment. Yes there are concerns over his defence/concentration but his ability to finish is nearing world class. He is also a strong ball carrier and like Rob Kearney has a massive left boot.

Thanks for your time.



 

A new dawn?

Ireland 42 Italy 10

Ireland stormed to one of their biggest six nations wins ever. Paul O Connell gave a captains performance for from the second row while Bowe, Ferris , Kearney and Johnny Sexton gave fine displays. 

While watching the first half I was surprised Ireland didn't play for more position inside the Italians 22. Any time Rob Kearney and Bowe got the ball in hand they looked like scoring. Ireland spent a lot of time battering away around the half way line, maybe it was a tactical decision from Kidney who is slowly turning to an expansive game plan. At half time Ireland lead 17 10 with tries from Bowe and Earls. After half time the Italians inevitably began to tire and with Botes inability to kick for touch their game fell apart. Eoin reddan and Donnacha Ryan were introduced and livened up the proceedings immediately. Tommy Bowe scored in the corner after exquisite hands from Johnny Sexton. A visibly fired up Tom Court rumbled over for the 4 try and Andrew Trimble struck from distance late on to secure the 5th try. Immediately after the final whistle the topic of discussion was selection for the French game.

 The debate mainly surrounded the number 4, 9 and 13 positions. Donnacha Ryan has really turned up the heat on O Callaghan, who was below par again. Eoin Reddan definitely speeded up the game when he came on albeit the Italians resolve had well and truly cracked. I think Murray done enough to hold onto his place. It is always tougher against the Italians for the first 60 minutes then the last 20 minutes. He is still developing an understanding with Johnny Sexton and it must be remembered this is only there 4th start together as a partnership. Reddan always stroke me as an impact player, a role he often plays for Leinster away from home in the Heineken Cup for Leinster away from home. Switching Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls might be considered to counter act Alien Rougerie but as we will see against Scotland Frances two wingers aren't exactly journey men and can't be ignored. I think due to Bowes fantastic form at 14 and Earls heartening display at 13 the switch will not be made. Earls and Darcy done very well at the Aviva and could form a strong partnership. The one change I would make for the French game is Ryan for O Callaghan as he speeds up the breakdown and is a very good ball carrier. The breakdown will be the key area against the French next week

Positives:

Rob Kearney is looking like him old self and is really leading the Irish backline in O Drisscols absence.

Johnny Sexton gave a fantastic kicking display and is finally nailing down the number 10 shirt.

Peter O Mahony made his Irish debut and had a solid 20 minutes at number 7.

Negatives:

Gordan Darcy went of injured with an arm injury which would be a major blow to Irelands chances in Paris if he is ruled out for next week. 

Sean O Brien is a player of immense quality but for some reason can not get his running game going for Ireland like he does week in week out for Leinster. He also gave away 3 penalty's.

Man of the Match: Declan Kidney gave a great display, used his bench early gave Bowe a run at 13, Sexton at 12 and gave decent game time to O Mahony, Cronin and Court. 

I was very impressed with Stuart Lancasters England, they were very unlucky not to grab at least a draw in the triple crown decider. England's midfield of Farrell Barrit and Tuilagi took the game to the Welsh physically. Farrell looks like he has all the qualities to be an international 10. He was unlucky to be injured when attempting his final kick before going off as it could have put the game beyond Wales. Wales will be pleased to get out with a win which looked unlikely with 10 minutes to go especially after Roberts went of injured. The one worry for Gatland will be the form of Rhys Priestland since the World Cup. He got a silly yellow card, missed touch from penalties three times and gave away what could have been a crucial penalty.  Over all it looks like the a French v Wales Grandslam showdown on Paddies weekend.

Thanks for Reading!

Irish team selection

After the disaster of Saturday night the dust is beginning to settle on what was an embarrassing episode for the 6 nations and the French rugby union. The match has been re fixed for Sunday the 3rd of March. I see this as a blessing in disguise as it gives Ireland a chance to build a little momentum for the French game. I don't buy the players will be fatigued, they played 5 games on the bounce in New Zealand. It also presents the ever so conservative Declan Kidney a chance to experiment. If I was to select an Irish team there would be a few personnel and positional changes.

15) Rob Kearney
14) Andrew Trimble
13) Tommy Bowe
12) Fergus McFadden
11) Keith Earls
10) Johnny Sexton
9) Connor Murray
8) Sean O Brien
7) Peter O Mahony
6) Stephen Ferris
5) Paul O Connell
4) Donnacha Ryan
3) Mike Ross
2) Sean Cronin
1) Cian Healy

I would not say I am dropping Darcy, Heaslip, O Callaghan and Best. I just think Cronin, Ryan and O Mahony would allow us to play a more expansive game. At the moment the Irish team are struggling at ruck time and struggling to make linebreaks. On current form are lineout is as good as any in the world so I would have no worries about Cronin. He has done well in an unsettled Leinster pack.Cronin is as quick as any Irish winger and nearly makes a line break in every match he plays, Irelands problem for years is making linebreaks. The majority of are tries are coming from set pieces,this makes the Irish backline very easy to defend, especially without a James Downey or Jamie Roberts type centre. O Mahony and Ryan have been fantastic for Munster this season. O Mahony is probably are best option as an out and out 7. He is also a very secure lineout jumper at the tail. I think if Ireland are to play the game the fans grave we need to take the calculated gamble. Ryan is cut from the Quinlann/ Leamy cloth and adds an extra bite to any pack he plays with. He has also played a lot of rugby at 6, this gives him the edge at ruck time over O Callaghan in my opinion. Ireland have are committing too many men at ruck time just to retain are own ball, I believe O Mahony and Ryan could give us the edge at rucktime, speed up the ball and in turn reduce the numbers we need to commit. If Sexton and Murray get quick ball they could be devasting, there is not many halfback pairings in the world who are both capable of making breaks. Tommy Bowe and Sean O Brien are the ball main carriers at the moment. In an ideal world Bowe and O Brien would be coming onto offloads from Cronin, Sexton and Murray who are all capable of breaking the line consistently. Behind the definsive line O Brien and Bowe are virtually unstoppable.

Do I think Deccie will make 4 changes from the Welsh game?no but I would give Ryan and O Mahony an outside chance of starting. At the moment Ireland are trying to play the right game plan with the wrong team.