Ireland and Wolfhounds

Thought Henshaw was really poor to be honest. He seemed to be perpetually in the wrong place first half, but I think a lot of that was down to how well England played him, and also down to Earls' injury; I thought Henshaw continually over-covered on the right side (and that cost us for Daly's try) in the first half.

Some of the criticism was witless, particularly Matt Williams' "I've seen milk turn quicker" soundbite. Problem wasn't speed it was poor reads.

Regardless, I'd be hugely surprised if Joe doesn't pick exactly the same side, barring injury changes (Roux for Toner, Larmour for Earls, SOB for Stander).

Think England scored 3 tries from kicks either directly or within a few phases off the top of my head? Henshaw isn't entirely to blame because it's the first time he's played full back since he was with us basically but definitely not a great showing. He probably still has the skillset for it but needs to be playing there more often.

Bundee was good, smashed Tuilagi and big Billy in tackles, you just don't see that happening. His carrying was strong too.

salmson wrote: Thought Henshaw was really poor to be honest. He seemed to be perpetually in the wrong place first half, but I think a lot of that was down to how well England played him, and also down to Earls' injury; I thought Henshaw continually over-covered on the right side (and that cost us for Daly's try) in the first half.

Some of the criticism was witless, particularly Matt Williams' "I've seen milk turn quicker" soundbite. Problem wasn't speed it was poor reads.

Regardless, I'd be hugely surprised if Joe doesn't pick exactly the same side, barring injury changes (Roux for Toner, Larmour for Earls, SOB for Stander).

From what I have heard, this was down to Earls injury in the first half, and therefore unable to cover his own wing, meaning Henshaw was forced to cover more space at the back

Thornley:

IRELAND (possible v Italy): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; David Kilcoyne, Seán Cronin, Tadhg Furlong; Quinn Roux, Ultan Dillane; Peter O’Mahony (capt), Seán O’Brien, Jordi Murphy.

Replacements: Rory Best, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Iain Henderson, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Jack Carty, Andrew Conway.

Never gonna make it.

Evil_g wrote: Thornley:

IRELAND (possible v Italy): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; David Kilcoyne, Seán Cronin, Tadhg Furlong; Quinn Roux, Ultan Dillane; Peter O’Mahony (capt), Seán O’Brien, Jordi Murphy.

Replacements: Rory Best, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Iain Henderson, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Jack Carty, Andrew Conway.

Never gonna make it.

I've been hoping all week that Jack would make the bench for this game. It would be so well deserved, and give him an extra boost of confidence going into the rest of the season. I'm not going to count any chickens yet, but the "possible" line ups are normally bang on. Fingers crossed.

Sean Cronin makes first Six Nations start while Joey Carbery ruled out of Ireland's trip to Rome

www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-natio...o-rome-37843011.html

Delighted for Jack if someone told me this would happen 3 seasons ago I would have had them committed.

Delighted for him - haters gonna hate and ainters gonna aint!!!

I know he was working the the Ireland kicking coach last summer and I'm told he had some sessions with a sports psychologist too. A lot of his kicking woes were between the ears. Great for him and for Connacht rugby.

Well done Jack.

Jack Carty interview on the Rugby Pod with Andy Goode & big Jim Hamilton if anyone's interested in some v light entertainment! aca.st/38cf87

Didn't know where else to put this, but what are people's opinions on the new world league? I think the international game is fine as it Is, while world rugby may feel fans want more meaningful games I would say we are fine as we are. There are very few meaningless internationals as it stands. With the lesser games giving opportunities for others.

Then there is the can of worms that is the club game. How will it be impacted, I'd be very surprised if it was positive. There doesn't seem to be any answers as to what is going to happen in that regard. For a plan that seems in fairly advanced stages it is very worrying. Like when the restructure in the pro12/14 happened we were left in limbo as fans; and while I'd say it's not been as bad as first feared I wouldn't say it's been a success on any other level the a financial one. A quick job again could end up turning more fans away from the sport than bringing them in.

All in all I hope this gets brushed under the carpet but just interested to hear what others feel.
P.S. I was informed by somebody who claims to be in the know that there is a good chance that Carty may be in line to start against France, even if Sexton is fit, but that may change if Carbery is also fit. Don't know how reliably the source is, just food for thought.

twitter.com/WorldRugby?ref_src=twsrc%5Et...p-4526962-Mar2019%2F
Interesting developments in the furture of the international game.