Ireland coach Declan Kidney has seen his reputation sink even further with his squad announcement, says Kristian Ross
As another Ireland squad was announced on Wednesday, the focus was on who would be included and who wouldn't be. Needless to say that all eyes once again fell on Declan Kidney. And once again, Kidney failed to pick some of the current form players in Ireland angering many. Including me.
The biggest omission being Paul Marshall. Marshall has been in incredible form this season for Ulster, has even been tipped for a Lions place and has been regarded as one of the very best form number 9's in Europe at the time. Yet Kidney has completely overlooked this. An absolute ridiculous choice.
Next up is Paddy Jackson, currently keeping the Ulstermen ticking over every week, looking cool under pressure and becoming more and more confident every week. Ronan O'Gara is one of my favourite players, but to include him yet again seems stupid. Jackson deserves a chance. Now you may be thinking, this is becoming completely Ulster biased but before I go onto explain many fans across the four provinces are angry. Why wasn't Ian Madigan of Leinster or Ian Keatley of Munster included. What about Dave McSharry at Connacht ? Tiernan O'Halloran is currently injured, but again he's another player that shows fantastic potential ! Would Kidney have picked him ? Probably not.
Yet still Kidney picks players such as Gordon D'Arcy. Don't get me wrong, he's been a terrific servant for Ireland, but it's time the younger players out there were given a chance. With so many promising young stars out there, Kidney overlooks them every time.
It may be harsh to say, but in my opinion Ireland haven't moved forward at all since Kidney won the Grand Slam. Domestically we are superb, Leinster dominating the Heineken Cup, making PRO12 finals, Ulster getting to the final along with them last year. But internationally we haven't went anywhere as a unit, and have had nothing to really cheer about since the Six Nations win in 2009.
It's time Ireland took a step forward and not two steps back. People may believe that I'm being to critical. But there comes a time when you know that a change is needed. In order for Ireland to progress, for things to become different, there's needs to be a turnaround.
Declan Kidney needs to go.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
