Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 10 (CON)

Since the start of the season four bloggers, one representing each province, have taken turns selecting their ideal Irish matchday 23 for a test match to take place the following weekend (so current injury status must be taken into account).

This week it’s the turn of Connachtman to look ahead for the Six Nations champions, while comparing his current choices to the ones he made back at the start of the season.

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Leinster, Ulster & Munster.

Seeing as how this is my last round of selection it seems a fine time to expose the fickle nature of online punditry and expose me for the charlatan that I am by doing a quick compare and contrast post with my original selection, all those many months ago. Here goes, let the slagging commence!

Loosehead Prop

Original Selection: Cian Healy

Current Selection: Cian Healy, aka DJ CHURCH

What I got right: Ok so at the start of the season I took the really bold option of picking Healy to start and the only thing that has really changed is that now I'm backing him as a chooser of choons too. Sorted.

So wrong: On the bench I selected Dave Kilcoyne, who had a difficult second season, and failed to foretell the emergence of Jack McGrath as a serious contender on the international stage. Callum Black has been good too...

Hooker

Original Selection: Rory Best

Current Selection: Rory Best

What I got right: There were a few doubts concerning his form coming into this season and he proved once again that he has the nerve to operate manfully on the biggest stage. Got through some amount of work in the six nations!

What I got wrong: Poor Mike Sherry has been injured all season but may have missed out to an in form Sean Cronin in any case. Also, didn't consider Rob Herring as a viable candidate.

Tighthead Prop

Original: Mike Ross

Current: Mike Ross

What I got right: OK so the front row wasn't a hard call but I have consistently stuck by this guy from the start and I think he had his best ever season! Last year he looked flogged and this year he was getting around and tackling like a world class player.

What I got so very, very wrong: Jamie Hagan. Give me a break! It didn't seem like there was a single truly viable option at the start of the season, and now we have Marty Moore pushing hard. Unfortunately Declan Fitzpatrick looks like he could have a serious injury, but fair play to Rodney 'Dave' Ah You for having a great season out west and getting to train with the big boys in January!

Second Row

Original: Donnacha Ryan & Paul O'Connell

Current: Devin Toner & Paul O'Connell

What I got right: Paul O'Connell. Obvz.

What I got wrong: Devin Toner? I thought he'd give it a go but I don't think anyone predicted just how good a season he would have! Credit to Dan Tuohy too for a good showing. Obviously Ryan was unlucky with injury, but Mike McCarthy didn't really show up this year.

Back Row

Original: Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien & Jamie Heaslip

Current: Sean O'Brien, Chris Henry & Jamie Heaslip

Right: Pretty much got this one bang on actually! It must be noted that O'Mahony is left out of the current one because he's injured and that my first post mentioned all four of these players as my back row options for the season. I even mentioned that I thought Henderson would see some game time at 6.

Passing mention was given to Tommy O'Donnell and Jordi Murphy too.

Wrong: Enough gloating, could not have predicted just how well O'Mahony would get on this season!

Scrum Half

Original: Conor Murray

Current: Conor Murray

Right: Wasn't a hard one to call really, and I'd still stick with Reddan on the bench because he's playing great rugby. I suggested Marmion would push one of Reddan or Boss out of the top three based on age profile and I'm sticking with that call as Boss hasn't had the greatest season.

Also, thinking that Paul Marshall could miss his chance to make a mark, he probably has.

Wrong: Thinking Cathal Sheridan would displace Duncan Williams at Munster. It turns out Duncan Williams can really play and I would like to retract everything bad I ever said about the guy. There, I said it, I feel better...

Out Half

Original: Jonny Sexton

Current: Jonny Sexton

Right: Yes

Wrong: Ian Madigan did not kick on as expected and claim the reserve spot. As far as I'm concerned, Paddy Jackson is firmly in place as the number two, even if Madigan is more versatile off the bench.

Centre

Original: Stuart Olding & Brian O'Driscoll

Current: Gordon D'Arcy & Brian O'Driscoll

Right: BOD

Wrong: I was so terribly wrong about Darce being past it! I should have known, he's been proving people wrong for so many years now. As far as Olding goes, he was my wildcard selection thrown in for interests sake and I like to think he would have been in contention if it weren't for a season-ending injury.

Back Three

Original: Simon Zebo, Craig Gilroy & Rob Kearney

Current: Dave Kearney, Andrew Trimble & Rob Kearney

Right: Rob Kearney. Although, I did say I thought he was in only on reputation and that his form wasn't really up to scratch, but he's had a great season.

Also, I said that McFadden would make the bench a lot because of his work ethic and that Henshaw would get a look-in somewhere.

Wrong: Pretty much everything else! I originally went for the glamour pairing on the wings and I didn't even give a mention to the two solid lads who were outstanding in the Six Nations! I don't think anyone could have predicted just how well Trimble would perform, or that he would keep a fit Tommy Bowe out of the team. Magical selection calls really, and ones that really do prove you have to be inside a training camp to really see who merits selection.

And on that rather sombre note I will sign off, here's to a Grand Slam in a World Cup Year and all our dreams for 2015 coming true!

Original Selection

1: Cian Healy

2: Rory Best

3: Mike Ross

4: Donnacha Ryan

5: Paul O’Connell

6: Peter O’Mahony

7: Sean O’Brien

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Jonny Sexton

11: Simon Zebo

12: Stuart Olding

13: Brian O’Driscoll

14: Craig Gilroy

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements:

16: Mike Sherry

17: Dave Kilcoyne

18: Jamie Hagan

19: Ian Henderson

20: Chris Henry

21: Eoin Reddan

22: Ian Madigan

23: Fergus McFadden

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

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Many thanks to Connachtman for his contributions throughout the season…next week on Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan we hear from our Leinster blogger Iain O’Connor.

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 9 (CON)

Since the start of the season four bloggers, one representing each province, have taken turns selecting their ideal Irish matchday 23 for a test match to take place the following weekend (so current injury status must be taken into account).

This week it’s the turn of Connachtman to look ahead for the Six Nations champions.

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Munster, Leinster & Ulster.

Only two more weekends remain of the greatest Rugby competition on the planet (IMHO!) and unfortunately Irish interest has been whittled down to the lowest denominator.

A fine Ulster team were dealt a cruel hand and could find the path back to the top of the European game a good deal harder next season with the departure of Court, Afoa and Muller. To me the red card was a freak occurrence, but dangerous play none the less. In any event, it's heartbreaking for the Ulster boys, I was really hoping it was their year.

Leinster always had the hardest draw and turned up with a gameplan designed to weather the initial storm in the first half, and it could've worked too, had they been able to up the gears in the second half. As it was they were blown away and shown to be far too one-dimensional in attack with Gopperth at Fly Half. I'm sure many a head was scratched at the late involvement of Ian Madigan. Besides this I felt Eoin Reddan should've been called ashore earlier as he looked well-worn from continual Toulon harassment at the coalface. Joe Schmidt's tactical nous was sorely lacking in more than one aspect of the game.

Munster were at their breathtaking best and look a serious machine moving forward. Whether or not they can deal with what awaits them in the South of France is another matter. This Munster pack has found an edge that has been absent in recent years, but there's no denying the lack of experience when you compare them to Leinster and Ulster. Leinster may have been an outside chance of getting into the semi's, but Ulster were the best bet for an Irish Heineken Cup win in my opinion, and from that point of view it's disappointing. I hope that goes some way towards explaining my selection! Nonetheless, come on Munster!

My Ireland XV to play this weekend

Loosehead Prop: Cian Healy

Was close to his best in a losing performance. Jack McGrath is still an able deputy and holding off Dave Kilcoyne's challenge

Hooker: Sean Cronin

Starting Sean this week as he's served his time on the bench well this season for Ireland. Behind him is Richardt Strauss who for me is ahead of Damian Varley despite the latter having a fine game in Thomond

Tighthead Prop: Mike Ross

Will not be moved from this position this season while I have anything to say about it. Marty Moore keeps his bench spot.

Second Row: Devin Toner and Paul O'Connell

Toner was defensively superb in the first half in Toulon and Paulie chipped in with a rare try. I thought Mike McCarthy had a good showing and so too did Dan Tuohy. Saying that I'm giving the bench spot to Iain Henderson for versatility.

Back Row: Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry and Jamie Heaslip

I just can't resist picking Ferris for Ireland for the first time in years, I don't care what his form is like. He tackles like a wild animal and runs like a back. He basically defies nature every time he takes to the Rugby pitch. He's in!

Chris Henry holds off Tommy O'Donnell but the young Munster Tyro is good enough for a bench spot ahead of Jordi Murphy for me. Jamie stays, end of.

Scrum Half: Conor Murray

Playing great stuff in Red as in Green. Reddan stays put on the bench. A hard day at the office for him but still having a good season.

Fly Half: Jonny Sexton

This one is a no-brainer. I'm backing him up with Paddy Jackson who for me should always be on the bench regardless of Madigan's versatility. Paddy is playing great stuff with Ulster this season.

Centre: Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll

It's getting hard to justify all the Blue in this Ireland selection when you consider all the missed tackles we saw on Sunday, but these guys will not be moved in fairness.

Back Three: Dave Kearney, Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney

I'm taking it that Trimble has concussion and making my job slightly easier here. The Kearney brothers are in on recent form and their first half performance was a suitably precise execution of the gameplan for Leinster. Tommy Bowe looked good too and holds off Fergus McFadden who gets the bench spot based on versatility and holds off Simon 'hot-stuff-but-still-working-on-things-for-Joe' Zebo for the twenty-three jersey.

Ireland Team

1: Cian Healy

2: Sean Cronin

3: Mike Ross

4: Devin Toner

5:Paul O'Connell (c)

6: Stephen Ferris

7: Chris Henry

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Jonny Sexton

11: Dave Kearney

12: Gordon D'Arcy

13: Brian O'Driscoll

14: Tommy Bowe

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements:

16: Richardt Strauss

17: Jack McGrath

18: Martin Moore

19: Iain Henderson

20: Tommy O'Donnell

21: Eoin Reddan

22: Paddy Jackson

23: Fergus McFadden

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

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NEXT WEEK ON LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN…OUR LEINSTER BLOGGER IAIN O’CONNOR, HOPEFULLY HAVING RECOVERED FROM THE TRAUMA OF TOULON, OFFERS US HIS LATEST SELECTION.

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 8 (CON)

Since the start of the season four bloggers, one representing each province, have taken turns selecting their ideal Irish matchday 23.

This week it falls to Connachtman to select BOD for the last time…

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Ulster, Munster & Leinster.

Another great day for Irish Rugby, though one with a fair degree of sadness. There were a fair few emotional faces as I glanced around the bar towards the end of the game, and even my American friends seemed to understand the gravitas of the moment when I explained it to them. [My explanation went something along the lines of, 'if there was a vote tomorrow he'd be crowned King and that attractive lady in the crowd who he's married to would be Queen.']

Besides all that, it was a great performance. Sometimes these games can seem a little empty when they come with the caveat that 'the Italian performance was somewhat lacking', and 'you can't learn anything from a game like that', but I actually thought the Italians played quite well, and the Irish team were just too much for them.

There were a few missed tackles in that first half, and I'm pretty sure Joe and Les will be highlighting that during the week, but other than that the gameplan was executed magnificently. I was the 'selector' after that superb performance against Wales and so it falls to me once again to simply re-select a winning side, but I'm pretty sure that's one of those 'good problems' I've heard people talk about.

When Declan Kidney was supremo it seemed second nature to question and argue every other decision he made, and it can be a strange predicament for the opinionated Rugby-mad quasi-journalist keyboard-warrior to defer to the superior knowledge of a good coach... but that is exactly what I shall do! I'm going to pick the team I think Joe will pick! And if he happens to select anyone different... well, I'll just know I was wrong! And I won't mind admitting it, even from the safety of my laptop, and in my underwear. Fair play Joe...

Ireland Team to DO IT FOR BOD'S SAKE!

Loosehead Prop: Cian Healy

Healy carried extremely well on Saturday, and by all accounts he should be fighting fit and we'll need him at the weekend, even if McGrath is primed and ready to go in his stead!

Hooker: Rory Best

Besty has been superb all Championship and he's a shoe-in here. His quiet, manful leadership and unfailing accuracy and workrate is now a cornerstone of this side.

Nugget will continue on the bench after getting a deserved first try for Ireland at the weekend. Will probably come on at Hooker and not Outside Centre though.

Tighthead Prop: Mike Ross

I think Rossy has been quietly magnificent this season! He may have looked shagged at the tail-end of last season but he's playing with a focus and a consistency which is astounding when you remember he spent his formative years in the professional wilderness! He is clearly enjoying himself and enjoying playing under a coach who trusts him. I couldn't be happier for him!

Like every other replacement in this Six Nations, Marty Moore has looked comfortable and assured and is putting in bit-parts that speak to a satisfaction throughout the larger squad. He's knocking on the door but he seems to be happy in his work.

Second Row: Devin Toner and Paul O'Connell

The dream second row partnership at the back end of the golden generation, who would have thought it?! Big Dev is playing a blinder and deserves all the plaudits coming his way. The praise for the big man has been so cautious and disbelieving that it has jumped straight past the hype stage and settled right onto the level of totally justified. What a great story! Paulie is crucial to us seeing this championship out, let's hope he has at least one great eighty-minute performance left in him!

I believe Joe will stick with Iain Henderson as his lock replacement given his versatility and his clear integration into the group this year. It's easy to forget that this has been one of the least injury stricken squads in years [probably since '09] and Hendo is a crucial part of that group mentality. He's also a damn good impact sub, wherever he comes on!

Back Row: Peter O'Mahony, Chris Henry and Jamie Heaslip

It looks like O'Mahony will be back for another badly sung anthem and, here's hoping, another inspirational performance. It's a tested unit at this stage and the balance has been really great from the three lads. Henry has taken his chance extremely well and shown he can recreate what he does for Ulster in the green of Ireland. Jamie has once again shown his chameleon like ability to fulfil the roll that is required from him in the back row, and in the greater team as a whole, and has enjoyed carrying the ball for Ireland once again.

Despite some fine form from Rhys Ruddock I believe Joe will go with Jordi Murphy on the bench on Saturday. I have to admit, this is the one area of the team I am unsure about, and I have a feeling Murphy will be kept very much in reserve right until the end. I rate the guy pretty highly, but he's untested at this level, and if it's a close one at the death he may not be risked unless he is needed.

Scrum Half: Conor Murray

After Eoin Reddan's superb performance this could be seen as an area of debate for Ireland, but I think Joe will select the more physical Murray for this one. Physicality aside, Murray is actually more consistent these days. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Reddan and always have been, but the guy is known to have his off days, and they can be pretty woeful when they come. Add to this Reddan's ability to lift the tempo off the bench and it becomes a bit of a no-brainer for me.

Fly Half: Jonny Sexton

Will be 'at home' in Paris [get it?] and a sure starter, but Paddy Jackson may be called into action earlier than perhaps we at home may like. Expect this one to be physical, and expect Jonny to have to make a few hard tackles in the midfield.

Centres: Gordon D'Arcy and King Brian O'Driscoll

One last tango in Paris for the el dude brothers. It's seems fitting that he finish his career here after announcing himself to the Rugby world so emphatically all those years ago. I should add that that is one of my earliest Rugby memories and that I am indeed one of those Rugby fans who has been a Rugby fan for the entirety of Brian O'Driscoll's career, in fact for approximately just that length of time! Regardless of the result this weekend I believe I shall cry, and I don't think I'll be alone in that regard...

Back Three: Dave Kearney, Andrew Trimble and Rob Kearney

This unit of the team is almost the biggest success story of the Championship! Two unheralded wingers holding off flashier competition, seemingly one of many tactical masterstrokes from Herr Schmidt, a point now truly driven home by the decision to omit Tommy Bowe from the training squad for Paris. [I can't help but wonder what Warren Gatland would have done in the same circumstance?] Joe has faith in this group, and they have rewarded him throughout. This may be the most 'boring' triumvirate available for selection, but it sure can do those basics well! I for one will be happy to see Andrew Trimble collect his medal if we do win. He's been on the fringe for most of his career, and had his fair share of detractors, but he's never stopped working, nor asked for anything more than fair treatment. He is just one of many players in this team who is being trusted by this coach, and who is rewarding him in kind. Good on him.

Fergus McFadden is the quintessential squadman and will again support manfully from the bench. He's a fit and committed professional who's also great craic. He'll never complain about holding a tackle bag, and will always play well no matter the player you ask him to replace.

Ireland Team as selected by best buddies Joe Schmidt and Connachtman

1: Cian Healy

2: Rory Best

3: Mike Ross

4: Devin Toner

5: Paul O'Connell

6: Peter O'Mahony

7: Chris Henry

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Jonny Sexton

11: Dave Kearney

12: Gordon D'Arcy

13: Brian O'Driscoll

14: Andrew Trimble

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements

16: Sean Cronin

17: Jack McGrath

18: Marty Moore

19: Iain Henderson

20: Jordi Murphy

21: Eoin Reddan

22: Paddy Jackson

23: Fergus McFadden

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Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

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NEXT WEEK ON LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN…it’s up to our Leinster blogger to select the first Ireland 23 of the post-BOD era.

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 7 (CON)

This week’s Ireland selection is courtesy of Connachtman

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Leinster, Ulster & Munster.

I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse to have to pick the team after a performance such as the lads put in on Saturday, but needless to say I won't be making any changes!

With this win we have seen the Joe Schmidt tactical genius come to the fore for Ireland, and you'd have to say it was a performance reminiscent of the '09 team. I'm not jumping to conclusions, I'm just saying that the kind of rugby we played on Saturday was the Championship winning kind of vintage, that's all! It's still incredibly hard to see how we can win in both Twickenham and Paris but the point I'm making is that we should be heartened by the style of the performance.

The Irish pack were on top all afternoon, the half-backs kicked with precision and at the right times, the back-three were outstanding in the air and the centres were defensively sound. Everything about this Irish team now screams experience, tactical nous and solidity. My, oh my how far we've come!

My team to play at the weekend [read: my team to play England]

Loosehead Prop: Cian Healy

He's experienced, he can scrummage and he carries ball like a bull, I think he's in the team...

Jack McGrath once again looked really comfortable off the bench.

Hooker: Rory Best

Best was exceptional once again as part of a dominant pack and a wickedly effective defensive system. Joe is utilising the experience of the Ulster players in the team and getting more out of them than his predecessor.

Cronin again backs him up from the bench.

Tighthead Prop: Mike Ross

Rossy has had his finest season to date and deserves his place. His experience at scrum time and his increased work ethic around the park make him crucial to this team's success. He seems to have found a rhythm in the loose and looks to be comfortable as part of the unit. Good on him!

Marty Moore continues his internship.

Second Row: Devin Toner & Paul O'Connell

Big Dev is a Leinster lock who drinks Gin and Tonics and handles superbly. He's a Joe Schmidt man through and through and he's improving all the time. Schmidty trusts him and he's rewarding that trust with gusto.

Paulie was exceptional once again and is so crucial to our success in this tournament. It is a pity Tuohy is out because it was great to see him trusted to come on so early in the second half.

With Tuohy out, Henderson comes back onto the bench and provides a great impact. Joe may look to include Mike McCarthy or maybe even Donnacha Ryan later in the tournament though. Their experience could be needed.

Back Row: Peter O'Mahony, Chris Henry & Jamie Heaslip

The back row were exceptional and worked incredibly well as a unit on Saturday. O'Mahony put in a beast of a performance and he's another player who seems to be benefiting from the micro-coaching of Joe Schmidt. Henry was employed as a defensive bludgeon and O'Mahony was able to turn over ball with sheer passion! Once again Jamie ties the whole pack together by never missing a step.

Tommy O'Donnell did not look out of place when he came on and he will surely benefit from being part of such an experienced bunch of winners in his first international season.

Scrum Half: Conor Murray

The distance Murray got on some of his box kicks was so impressive but so was the accuracy. He looked classy out there and always comfortable.

Isaac Boss will continue to deputise. His experience will be valuable as this tournament goes on, but Eoin Reddan may yet come into contention for the France game.

Fly Half: Johnny Sexton

Sexton was superb as part of a half back combination who kicked sublimely from hand and did his part defensively as well. His ability to build on his packs dominance and execute the gameplan is important.

Paddy Jackson will get some more game time and he deserves it. Another guy who will benefit from this environment.

Centres: Gordon D'Arcy & Brian O'Driscoll

Part of the gameplan on Saturday was surely protecting the centre from the big Welsh backs and these guys didn't have a problem doing their bit. The rest of the team were wise to the threat too, but what these guys give you is a security in decision making which buys everybody else time to respond to the threat. Luke Marshall may have to wait until the Italy game to get another chance, and that's fair.

Back Three: Dave Kearney, Andrew Trimble and Rob Kearney

This back three may be boring [see a certain twitter account] but it's bloody solid under the high ball! Schmidt's decision to include Trimble over Zebo, Gilroy and McFadden now seems inspired! This writer isn't sure if it should stay like this for the whole tournament but sometimes boring is what you need!

Fergus McFadden should remain the outside back option from the bench because he'll always give everything he's got when brought on and I don't think you really need to worry about his form and lack of gametime in that regard.

Whether or not this Ireland team reminds you of the Grand Slam winning side of '09 or the All Blacks team that won the last World Cup, let's just get behind Joe Schmidt and Peter O'Mahony and the lads and try and enjoy it, it's been a long time since we've had a good tournament. In fact, the last time, if I remember correctly, it was about five years ago, and, well....

Ireland Team to win the Grand Slam 2014

1: Cian Healy

2: Rory Best

3: Mike Ross

4: Devin Toner

5: Paul O'Connell

6: Peter O'Mahony

7: Chris Henry

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Johnny Sexton

11: Dave Kearney

12: Gordon D'Arcy

13: Brian O'Driscoll

14: Andrew Trimble

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements

16: Sean Cronin

17: Jack McGrath

18: Marty Moore

19: Iain Henderson

20: Tommy O'Donnell

21: Isaac Boss

22: Paddy Jackson

23: Fergus McFadden

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

My Beloved Connacht and the HCup Privilege

Care to win a pair of match tickets to Saracens v Connacht this weekend courtesy of Heineken?

Then by all means click here to find out how.

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One fan certainly not taking the Heineken Cup for granted is @Connachtman87…

My beloved Connacht fell short in Galway this weekend, and my heart sank to think of all the lost opportunities! Having said that, if you would have told me a few years ago that we would be going into Round 6 with a chance of qualification, even a mathematical one, I'd have thought I was dreaming!

It has been a tough season out West, and I for one think there are big question marks around the Coach, but to be in this position is something I could never take for granted. Hopefully the boys will be made well aware of the significance of this match, particularly in light of the imminent change in format for the European Cup next season.

The next game the province plays at the top level in Europe could well be many years off, a sobering thought after the highs of the last three years. Indeed, this could be a one off opportunity to make our mark on Europe. A glorious opportunity to make a stand against a team who are at the centre of the political wrangling which has threatened our precious game and this most wonderful of competitions. To throw it in the face of a certain so-called journalist who doesn't rate us - indeed he hates us! - by winning at a venue which has no history in this competition; a venue which is a product of the inherent commercialism in the English game, right down to its hybrid, fake-grass playing surface.

The Saracens can never understand what it means to us to play in this reverential competition. They cannot appreciate what a privilege it is for us to participate in the Heineken Cup because we could never take it for granted. We watched on from the Challenge Cup wilderness for so many years as the other Provinces had their glory days and asked only to be allowed to dine at the same table as those legends. The very system itself conspired to keep us out for so long before, mercifully, that same system, and the same Irish provincial success, granted us the keys to the gates of heaven and let us in! Such was the sense of celebration and the outpouring of emotion the day Thierry Dusatoir and Toulouse came to the Sportsground that the defeat against the giants of European Rugby felt like a noble moral victory against the odds! They came to the Sportsground, and they came in force, as Guy Noves recognised the occasion and paid us the highest compliment.

That wasn't the best of seasons for us, but it mattered for a few very important reasons. It has been said that the average Irish Rugby fan has come to feel more connected with their Province than the National team in recent years, and I can attest to this. Declan Kidney and his men seemed so far removed in Carton House and the Aviva Stadium, but when I leant my voice to the crowd in the Sportsground on a rain-soaked night in January 2012, I felt like I mattered!

I've never felt anything like it before or since but on that night I felt like every ounce of energy I could put into roaring at the top of my lungs helped Michael Swift stand up and make another tackle, as we downed the mighty Harlequins in a ferocious battle of determination and will! Quins were at the height of their abilities, but we did more than just beat them that night, we knocked them out! Word went around after the final whistle that Gloucester had beaten Toulouse in the other pool match and our little 3-penalty victory on the edge of the Rugby World had put the mighty Rouge et Noir into the Quarter Finals. They loved us for that, and word came back that they thought our fans were some of the best that had ever visited their mighty Ernest-Wallon fortress.

Of course, that wasn't to be the end of that particular saga. Before we would meet again we had taken down the once great Biarritz and we were on the Sky Sports map! By the time we came full circle and returned to Toulouse once again we had added a few new weapons to the armoury and our fledgling internationals out-gunned the once-great Galacticos before settling down to grind out a win with blood and guts defence. It was magic!

The league results have never matched-up, a sticking point for all us hardcore Rugby heads! When you spend as much time analysing the game as some of us Twiterati do you just don't appreciate the one-off results as much as some people, and that's a shame. I shouldn't care about a disappointing home loss to Scarlets that much, but I just do! We may not have the pedigree of the other three Provinces have, we have to make do with what we have got; and that's heart! I am as weary of the 'plucky' moniker as the next Connacht fan, but when I think back to that rainy night in January 2012 I remember the sheer bloody-mindedness of it all! We've tried to develop some flash over the last couple of seasons, but like every Rugby team ever, you are at your best when you're revved up and ready to smash a few lads!

So when I say I hope the Connacht lads understand what this fixture means to us, I really mean it! Someone needs to get them in a room this week and spell it out: this game can never mean as much to Saracens, or anyone else for that matter, as it means to us. This game is for every fan who has every stood in the Sportsground on one of those miserable Friday nights only Galway can produce. For every Connacht fan who has ever watched a Munster match with envy and admiration, shouting the lads on with every yard won, desperately hoping for the day that it could be his men in green scaling the European Heights. For every tackle Michael Swift has ever made where you thought there was nothing more the man could do only to see him get up and make another, get up and make another and never ask for anything from you, though he deserves every last bit of your respect and admiration.

The Heineken Cup journey may come to an end this weekend for Connacht, and it may be the maths that does for us in the end. But we have a chance to go out on our terms. So much of this opportunity has been granted to us because of the achievements of our neighbours. But we have proved our worth in this competition. We have proved the naysayers wrong. We have proved we can compete, and win. And now to have a chance to win once more and return to the Challenge Cup, not as leftovers of the Professional game in Ireland, but as true men of European Rugby's highest echelon. That would indeed be a fitting conclusion to our European odyssey.

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 6 (CON)

With the Six Nations around the corner, our Ireland selection project fittingly enters its sixth round, this week, Connachtman…

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Munster, Leinster & Ulster.

Remember…the general rule is to select a team based on current fitness for a test match to be played the following weekend.  The contributors are allowed some leeway however, since it’s all to get debate going.  Once it’s friendly debate of course! JLP

What a great weekend of Rugby it was, and a great weekend for the Irish Provinces once again, albeit with a disturbing lack of bonus points! Leinster will be delighted to have left Castres with four points in the bag after an immense performance from the home team.

The Leinster defending was sloppy at times but what more should you expect when the opposition Flankers and Centres are playing out of their skin! Jordi Murphy was found a little wanting at 7, a cautionary tale about what works in the League not necessarily transferring to the European stage.

Leinster won the game with their 8, 9, 10 axis, all of whom were superb in attack and in metres gained. Indeed, Eoin Reddan hasn't played like that since his Wasps days when he was one of the paciest breaking 9's around! Ulster will be worried once more about their mauling frailties, but have so much quality throughout the side that they can still pull it off in Welford Rd.

Munster put in a great showing at Kingsholm as Paulie inspired a hard shift of work from the young lads around him. My beloved Connacht fell short, but there is so much to be grateful for about where we are at coming in to the last round of the knockout stage that I am feeling upbeat about it! More to follow on that point...

Here's my Ireland selection for this week!

Loosehead: Cian Healy

Healy is back in straight into the starting pack. Without Sean O'Brien we need some top quality carrying and he's the man to provide it!

On the bench we have Jack McGrath who holds off a return to form Dave Kilcoyne down South.

Hooker: Rory Best

Rory is back and he's straight in! Ireland could use his work-rate around the park and he brings a shed-load of experience too.

Nugget Cronin will be sprung from the bench and produce eye-catching runs in midfield which will be fun to watch.

Varley is unlucky here as he put in a valiant effort on his return from injury.

Tighthead: Mike Ross

Rossy holds his place despite looking like he was under pressure at the weekend. His industry this season has been immense for such a big man. Good lad.

Deccie Fitzpatrick is having a solid season and holds his place.

Second Row: Iain Henderson and Paul O'Connell

Going against the grain here and selecting the Henderson in the Second Row. This team needs another top class carrier in the pack and with SOB out that means the big Nordy Monster is in! That leaves the big Ginger Monster to do what he does best and work incredibly hard around the park while making the lineout his own and pushing hard behind Mike Ross. Beautiful.

Devin Toner is rewarded with a bench spot. He's been defensively excellent this season.

Backrow: Peter O'Mahony, Chris Henry and Jamie Heaslip

O'Mahony returns and will be allowed some freedom to do whatever he wants given the hard-working, hard-carrying balance to the pack elsewhere, though we will expect to see him employed in the lineout more with Henderson being such a big unit. Jamie will revert to ruck mode and Henry will frustrate the bejaysus out of everybody on the opposition side, whilst charming the referee with a winning smile.

Tommy O'Donnell put in a great performance on Saturday and claims a bench spot.

Scrum Half: Conor Murray

Reverting to the incumbents in a very safe selection this week. If Rob Penney can do it, so can I! Class is permanent so who cares about form, etc. etc.

Eoin Reddan will come off the bench and if he's anything like he was at the weekend he'll be a handful around the fringes. Mind you, Redser seems to play under the assumption that teams will forget about his breaking threat if he only does it once a season so expect him to just stick to passing the ball, which he does very well in fairness.

Kieran Marmion is unlucky to drop out altogether, but I don't think we've seen the last of him...

Fly Half: Jonny Sexton

See reasons for picking Murray above. It is getting more and more frustrating for me to pick him every month when his team is such a shambles!

Paddy Jackson is putting in some mature performances this season and edging away from the competition behind Sexton. Special mention for Ian Keatley and his deft grubbers. Gwan Keaters!

Centres: Luke Marshall & Brian O'Driscoll

Marshall is in fine form for Ulster and once again just about holds off D'Arcy. Brian had one of those quiet outings on Sunday, though he did look mad for a fight at one point.

Wings: Luke Fitzgerald & Keith Earls

Luke is in great form at the moment and is an easy selection. Gilroy may be injured, and Zebo is only just back, meaning that a sharp-looking Keith Earls comes into the reckoning for the first time this season. I still have issues with his defensive game, but he holds off Dave Kearney for the right wing spot.

Fullback: Rob Kearney

Ugly drop-goals aside, he's playing pretty well at the moment. Seriously though Rob, could you please make them look prettier! Put some effort in like...

Robbie Henshaw will back up the backs from the bench. He's in great form.

Ireland team selection

1: Cian Healy

2: Rory Best

3: Mike Ross

4: Iain Henderson

5: Paul O'Connell

6: Peter O'Mahony

7: Chris Henry

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Jonny Sexton

11: Luke Fitzgerald

12: Luke Marshall

13: Brian O'Driscoll

14: Keith Earls

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements:

16: Sean Cronin

17: Jack McGrath

18: Declan Fitzpatrick

19: Devin Toner

20: Tommy O'Donnell

21: Eoin Reddan

22: Paddy Jackson

23: Robbie Henshaw

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 5 (CON)

Of all the weeks for one of our provincial bloggers to be away and unable to watch the Heineken Cup action, it had to be Connachtman and it had to be this week!!!!

I will post his team on this page once he can get it to me, but he has given me permission to name a special Irish Test matchday 23 in his stead, and for the week that’s in it, I doubt anyone will have any objections…

Click this link for his last selection and these for the latest from Ulster, Munster & Leinster.

UPDATE DEC 12, 3013 : As promised, Connachtman has provided his selection below!

Better late than never! Unfortunately life got in the way of rugby this week, and I know this is no excuse... But please feel sorry for me, I mean, not only did I miss a clean sweep and bags of tries but I missed the most incredible result in my dear Province's history!

First off, let me just say thanks to JLP for filling in for me, and what a great job he did of putting a lot of thought and deliberation into filling each position and coming up with all of the right answers at the end of it! Some job! Seriously though, it was a great team performance from the lads and that was the main thing, as was true of all four provinces. Leinster in particular impressed as they seemed to morph back into the irresistible machine of old with a pretty complete performance. I told JLP I could have selected a Leinster XXIII and just sent that in. Anyways, let's put some real selection work in and divvy up our beloved provinces before meshing them back together to form some kind of greater whole! Or something...

Here is my side to play a Pacific Island Select XV at the weekend, let's hope they don't ship any major knocks before their respective Heineken cup matches!

Loosehead: Jack McGrath

With Healy out for the weekend it falls to McGrath to take on those South Sea behemoths. He carries and scrummages and wins some turnovers, all while remaining rock solid in defense. Sound lad.

Dave Kilcoyne wins the battle for the bench, coming back into some form. He's got all the raw ability and just needs to get the consistency right. Once unleashed off the bench he proceeds to smash every opposition player consecutively.

Beats able benchers from the weekend such as Callum Black, James Cronin and Roscommon dynamo Denis Buckley. Behave Denis!

Hooker: Sean Cronin

We're running out of hookers and we can't import them fast enough to fill the vacancies. But all this is good news for budding Centre Sean Cronin who finally gets his shot at the big time. Wreaks havoc in an open style game against those crazy islanders!

With Best, Strauss and Sherry all out of action, I'm handing the 16 jersey to Rob Herring who had a great game at the weekend, albeit against soft opposition. Fair play to him.

Tighthead: Mike Ross

Because of the need to take this Pacific Island team seriously at the set-piece, we have to go with Rossy here. Wait, what?! Seriously though, wasn't he great against BNZ! What a hero.

On the bench we've got steady man Declan Fitzpatrick who is holding off hot young thing Marty Moore, although we will need to cap him soon as once he moves to France and becomes naturalised that's the end of that story...

Second Row: Dan Tuohy and Paul O'Connell

Trying a new partnership and rewarding Tuohy for some good showings, let's see if we can figure out what our options are for the Six Nations. Tuohy has a great time running amuck with the ball tucked under one arm, closely followed by an angry ginger giant who blasts any would-be poachers out of the way. It's gonna be great.

On the bench I'm going for big Dev as this is a match which will suit his rangy style. We've sent Mike McCarthy to the gym to lose some weight and he'll be ready to take on Romania next week when we'll need a bit of grunt. Saying that, he did have his best game of the season so far on Saturday...

Backrow: Rhys Ruddock, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip

A rock solid unit which will dominate the opposition, Ruddock finally comes good on his promise and offers a lot more hard graft and power on the blind flank, allowing Seanie to reap the rewards further out, while Jamie will run around and pretty much do everything perfectly while simultaneously listening to Kanye West on his headphones unless he's speaking to the ref in a really relaxed and all too laid back manner.

On the bench is Peter O'Mahony, who has been informed by Joe Schmidt that if he doesn't make tackles like Rhys Ruddock does then he won't get in the team. This inspires an unbelievable showing from Peter off the bench, guaranteeing that he does indeed start next week or there will be a rebellion in Munster. This National Coach gig is tough isn't it Joe?!

Missing out we have the return of the army of blindsides as BNZ hero Kevin McLaughlin and Toulouse here John Muldoon can't be considered. Meanwhile we have a No.8 in Cardiff who seems to be inspiring his team to greater things and will be inspiring Munster next season. Let's not forget miniature openside Sean Dougall who is a warrior and a half and who will pretty much continue to harass every team he plays against at provincial level for the next decade at least. Good on him.

Scrum Half: Kieran Marmion

A home town decision here as I reward Marmion for some exceptional displays of poise, leadership and no little skill. Joe Schmidt finally heeds my advice and caps the young man from Wales, as he provides structure and a breaking threat to the game before making way for the continuity machine that is Eoin Reddan, having taken a knock pulling down Nico Matawalu as he was haring off down the pitch seemingly getting in for a certain score in the first half. Hero.

With Redser on in the second half, the tempo of the game increases and Ireland cruise to victory.

Fly Half: Ian Madigan

Jonny Sexton hasn't been released by his club so he can't be selected. But Joe wouldn't have selected him anyways as he knows how tired he is on account of their nightly phone calls. Poor Jonny...

Having rewarded his new provincial coach with a truly outstanding performance last weekend, Madigan's season really takes off as he carries, runs and passes everything, forming an exciting partnership with Marmion and just frustrating the Islanders as they try to defend the midfield. Every time Ireland fumble or overplay their hand, MadDog appears and jinks and puts the head down as he carries bravely into contact, earning the respect of the bigger men up front.

Paddy Jackson runs on in the second half and together with Reddan they set about dismantling what's left of the South Sea defence with clever angles and razor sharp passing. It's a playbook clinic based on quick ball and the identification of space.

Centres: Luke Marshall & Brian O'Driscoll

Marshall beats old man D'Arcy to the jersey this week and impresses his hero O'Driscoll outside him with an all-round skill set that beggars belief as Marshall kicks well tactically, uses his footwork to capitalise on midfield dog-legs and passes the ball to Brian when he should, and in the best possible way that he could. All this allows Brian to be Brian and he has a great time showing off his range of passes to others, and even to himself sometimes. It's a performance for the ages.

Robbie Henshaw is sprung from the bench and makes a couple of decent breaks, after which we are provided with a cheap reaction shot of O'Driscoll looking modestly impressed, though he seems more eager to find his wife and child in the crowd.

Wings: Luke Fitzgerald & Craig Gilroy

Luke is back! And he's just like we remember! It's so great to see him score two tries and display a well rounded skill set of kicking, catching and tackling that George Hook is actually lost for words. Meanwhile, on the other wing, young Craig Gilroy arcs infield and picks up a pass from Luke Marshall to scythe through the defence and jink and spin to his heart's content, it's great to see him back really.

Fullback: Rob Kearney

Rob Kearney is angry. He's angry and he wants you to be angry too. Running back kicks like a Tailback he puts away a couple of chances after creating breaks and then has to get coaxed into the dressing room at half time as he appears to be trying to stare down everybody in the ground. He starts the second half with a 60 metre drop goal which stretches the Irish lead after they weather a Polynesian purple patch, subsequently deflating the opposition and basically winning the game. In the post-match press conference he is the picture of tranquillity and finds time to acknowledge his less handsome brother who was unlucky to miss out on selection.

That's all folks, as you can see, it's gonna be a great game! ;)

Ireland team to take on Pacific Island Select XV at Ravenhill

1: Jack McGrath
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Dan Tuohy
5: Paul O'Connell
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Jamie Heaslip
9: Kieran Marmion
10: Ian Madigan
11: Luke Fitzgerald
12: Luke Marshall
13: Brian O'Driscoll
14: Craig Gilroy
15: Rob Kearney
Replacements:
16: Rob Herring
17: Dave Kilcoyne
18: Declan Fitzpatrick
19: Devin Toner
20: Peter O'Mahony
21: Eoin Reddan
22: Paddy Jackson
23: Robbie Henshaw

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

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Cheers Connachtman!  Below the line you can see my own contribution from Tuesday…we’ll be back next Tuesday with the latest from our Leinster blogger. JLP

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My perfect Irish matchday 23 if there was test coming next weekend:

1. Brett Wilkinson
2. Sean Henry
3. Nathan White
4. Michael Kearney
5. Craig Clarke
6. John Muldoon
7. Jake Heenan
8. George Naoupu
9. Kieran Marmion
10. Dan Parks
11. Matt Healy
12. David McSharry
13. Eoin Griffin
14. Fionn Carr
15. Robbie Henshaw

    ---

16. Jason Harris-Wright
17. Dennis Buckley
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Michael Swift
20. Eoin McKeon
21. Frank Murphy
22. Craig Ronaldson
23. Gavin Duffy

Yes, that is the Connacht matchday 23 from their historic win over Toulouse.  And yes, I am well aware that not all of them are Irish qualified.

But surely what with President Michael D hailing from Galway and all, a few strings can be pulled for a special occasion!

What a result.  And what a weekend for the four proud provinces.

And don’t get me wrong…there’s plenty in that Connacht squad who should definitely feature in the national set-up…Henshaw and McSharry have already done so and should again, plus there’s Marmion and Matt Healy showing they are more than ready to step up from Under 20 level.

I will allow Connachtman to elaborate when he is ready, stay tuned to HarpinOnRugby on social media and we will post when he has added his thoughts. JLP

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 4 (CON)

Our Ireland selectors have each had 3 goes this season but now it’s November and the Schmidt just got real.  This week Connachtman kicks off round 4…

Click here for his last selection and these links for the most recent ones from Leinster, Ulster & Munster.

After a real sense of excitement leading into the first international of the season, the much anticipated dawning of the Joe Schmidt era was something of a letdown.

There were positives aplenty in the second half but the gaffer himself summed it up pretty well in his post-match interview when he said it was by and large an untidy performance from Ireland.

As it turned out the Samoans looked emotionally drained and physically flat by the second quarter and Ireland were able to build into the game and began to show some sound structure and cohesion.

The analysis, however, has very much centred around the point that a similar shaky first half will cost us dearly against a side like Australia, particularly when you consider the porous nature of our defence in the early stages of the Samoan encounter.

With this in mind, we're bound to see a stronger starting side named and there are a couple of decisions on the bench which could have a really big impact on the game!

Front Row

1: Jack McGrath

This call may cause some consternation but I believe it would be entirely unfair to drop a guy after a performance like that. In a crunch Championship match you would go for Healy but as things stand McGrath has all the form and momentum and takes nothing from the side in terms of quality, albeit without Healy's ferocious carrying and experience. I think this would be a positive selection and one which would very much suit the Schmidt selection philosophy at the moment.

2: Rory Best

Brilliant around the park when attacking the breakdown, a crucial part of this pack in terms of set-piece precision and in the leadership stakes. Maybe Cronin could be sprung a bit earlier this week as he deserves some recognition for his fine form this season.

3: Mike Ross

I thought Ross had one of his better games for Ireland and is still our number one Tighthead. Having said that, it would be nice to give the chosen understudy a go at some point in the series, but seems unlikely at this stage. I'm a little torn on this one and perhaps Joe will spring a surprise. If he does pick Deccie Fitzpatrick, don't be surprised if we see Healy picked on the other side, all part of some sort of prop-blooding master plan!

Second Row

4: Devin Toner & 5: Paul O'Connell

Toner gets partnered with Paulie this week and obliges the older man with a jersey swap! I thought Mike McCarthy looked a little off the pace this week, as he has done all season, and will lose out to O'Connell. Indeed, I'm going to pull Macca from the 23 altogether in light of the fact that he doesn't provide enough of an impact off the bench where I'm going to opt for Dan Tuohy. Schmidt may want to give another guy a chance to audition for a spot against BNZ and I'd like to see Tuohy given a shot.

Back Row

6: Peter O'Mahony, 7: Sean O'Brien and 8: Jamie Heaslip

I thought Chris Henry was exceptional while he was on the pitch, and I'm a big fan of him, but man is he unlucky with injury! As a small consolation I think Joe Schmidt will happily keep him in his plans going forward, but in his absence the backrow pretty much picks itself!

O'Mahony was excellent at the breakdown and we know O'Brien will carry ball and Jamie will fill in in-between. But it still is a bit weird in terms of the balance of the trio, seeing as how our 6 is jackaling over the ball at every other ruck and the 7 is being destructive with ball in hand, but there you go!

On the bench I'm going for Shane Jennings! Schmidt brought him back in from the international wilderness and he can provide that alternative option late in the game when it opens up. Gwan Jenno!

Half Backs

9: Conor Murray & 10: Jonny Sexton

I thought Murray didn't control the tempo of the game as well as he might have but nor did he have a bad game. He was quick to look for and find Sean O'Brien to set up the try after BOD's ridiculous piece of skill. Reddan was great when he came on and upped the tempo considerably. It remains to be seen what Schmidt requires of Murray as the starting Scrum Half and whether he wants a playmaker or a conduit. Regardless of all this, he starts.

Jonny will come back into the fold this week but not because Jackson had a bad game, and that's as pleasing a piece of analysis as I've made all year! The only question really is whether we will see Paddy off the bench and if this will initiate a change to first centre for Sexton. Hmm...

Centre

12: Luke Marshall & 13: Brian O'Driscoll

To be honest I think I would have picked Marshall here regardless of whether D'Arcy had a bad game or not, I just think he's the right selection for the game in hand. D'Arcy had some good touches at times, but there's been an erratic side to his game of late that may reflect him coming to terms with what stage he's at in his career. OK I'm just going to say it, he's gone maverick since the beard. Anyways I like Marshall for this particular challenge and Schmidt can decide then whether he wants to go for experience or youth against BNZ.

Sticking with Brian at 13... shock horror!

Back Three

11: Fergus McFadden, 14: Dave Kearney & 15: Rob Kearney

Tommy Bowe is a doubt for the weekend and I'm taking it that Joe won't risk him as that's been his tactic so far, especially when he has had in-form replacements. And I believe this is the case for Dave Kearney who will be flying with confidence after his two-try debut! Rob had some good touches too and Ferg was as industrious as ever with one lovely little offload in the lead up to D. Kearney's first try. It may not be the very best back-three we could have had, what with the injuries to Gilroy, Zebo and now Bowe, but it's good for continuity and it's solid!

On the bench I'm struggling a bit with the 23 jersey. I would like to go with Henshaw as he deserves a shot during the series but there are a couple of issues there. For one, we know Robbie was carrying a knock and Joe has been reticent to pick guys who weren't ready, as was shown by his benching of O'Connell, Healy and O'Brien at the weekend. He prefers to pick a guy who's fit when the margins are tight clearly. Also, Robbie doesn't really cover the wing and this is the area where we most need back-up, considering that McFadden can cover centre and D. Kearney can cover fullback. With all this in mind I'm going to suggest that he may plump for Luke Fitzgerald on the bench. He's the most versatile and he's got experience and quality, something which we are running out of on the wing at the moments with all the injuries. That's my take on it, but it was a close call!

Final Team Selection:

1: Jack McGrath

2: Rory Best

3: Mike Ross

4: Devin Toner

5: Paul O'Connell (c)

6: Peter O'Mahony

7: Sean O'Brien

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Jonny Sexton

11: Fergus McFadden

12: Luke Marshall

13: Brian O'Driscoll

14: Dave Kearney

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements:

16: Sean Cronin

17: Cian Healy

18: Declan Fitzpatrick

19: Dan Tuohy

20: Shane Jennings

21: Eoin Reddan

22: Paddy Jackson

23: Luke Fitzgerald

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 3 (CON)

With November getting closer our provincial bloggers are now in their 3rd round of Ireland selections - this week it’s Connachtman…

Click these links to find the most recent selections from Ulster, Leinster & Munster.

After a great weekend of Rugby action I was thrilled to be the one picking the Ireland team this week! That was, until I actually sat down to do it! Boy was this selection tough, and still is as I type! There have been a number of injuries to key men who were nailed-on starters such as BOD, POM (whom I am disregarding due to concussion), Zebo and Mike Ross, meaning that there is plenty of experimentation in my line-up. With this in mind, and with the great weekend of European Rugby we enjoyed, I've gone for a few marginal decisions largely based on the first round of the Heineken Cup and little else. Not everyone's going to agree with every selection - what else is new! - but I think it's a fun team none the less. Let me know what you think!

Jersey 1: Cian Healy

Part of a dominant Leinster pack in Swansea, DJ CHURCH keeps his place, but the competition is coming strong.

Rob Penney selected Dave Kilcoyne to start on Saturday, but The Killer is yet to find any real form this season, he hasn't really had a chance. Just pipping him to the bench spot then is the very promising James Cronin, who has impressed and surely has potential.

Working his way back into contention, and even unlucky to lose out, is Tommy Court, who put in a fine performance against Leicester's Dan Cole. He may be out in the wilderness at the moment, but the guy has some rugby left, good on him! Brett Wilkinson appears to have rediscovered the form of earlier days for Connacht on Friday night, and deserves a mention.

Jersey 2: Rory Best

Sean Cronin was incredible on Saturday and only really loses out because of the type of game he plays, being better suited to coming off the bench. Rory was good enough on Friday to barely keep him out, however, and will show experience and accuracy around the park for sixty minutes before Nugget gets unleashed. Cronin is playing the best rugby of his life at the moment and will nab the jersey outright if he keeps this up!

Sherry was pretty pedestrian for Munster, a backwards step! Special mention for Straussy here, lest we forget him, here's hoping he returns in good health!

Jersey 3: Martin Moore

Stephen Archer had worked his way into my plans with some assured performances of late, and would have probably been handed the start had Munster gotten over the line against Edinburgh. He's been impressive around the park in the early stages of the season and has shored up prior scrum deficiencies. Having said that, I couldn't not have picked Moore after what he's done so far this season! The blogosphere were rightly worried about the long-term state of Mike Ross's body it seems, but Moore has shown himself an able replacement so far. He may be inexperienced, but so is everyone else in contention so get him in. Could be a divisive selection though, and understandably so...

Special mention for Deccie Fitzpatrick who also put in a good shift for Ulster on Friday, but I want to see if he can stay fit first.

Jersey 4: Iain Henderson

Donnacha Ryan was holding on to his place based on reputation, experience and the knowledge that he would put in a hard and aggressive shift around the park, but again we've dropped him based on the Murrayfield game. Dropping players based on one performance may be a little harsh, but Hendo has been incredible so far this season, carrying like a man possessed and improving on last seasons form. He sneaks it.

Dan Tuohy was also impressive, starting ahead of Henderson, and has done enough to get back into contention. Meanwhile, Mike McCarthy is getting stuck in and will definitely be considered for the 'donkey work' role down the line.

Jersey 5: Paul O'Connell

Some players can be dropped for not following through on their reputation, some can't. While it is worrying to see a forward performance not lifted by Paulie's presence, he will always get another chance.

Toner has been impressive enough, but I want to see more.

Jersey 6: Kevin McLaughlin

Since I'm not considering O'Mahony this week, Locky gets in based on his ability to get through the hard graft and win ball at the tail of the lineout, complimenting his Leinster mates in the backrow and adding balance to the pack as a whole. Doesn't sound like a resounding pick I know, but I think he'll get the job done, and allow others such as Healy, Hendo and O'Brien to go for a rampage.

Also in contention was Roger Wilson who had a good game. I'm a little unsure of this guys reliability though and I'll be looking for some consistency first. He certainly has the physicality.

Jersey 7: Sean O'Brien

There can be no doubt about this one, he was immense and getting back to his best. Just looked comfortable. Well, until Will Greenwood got hold of him anyways...

Chris Henry waits in the wings but will continue to put in manful performances for his beloved Ulster. Both players should continue to get better in the coming months.

Jersey 8: Jamie Heaslip

Completing an all-Leinster unit this guy really did look comfortable at the weekend! There's very little you can say here, he's gonna work hard, organise the troops, lead from the front when allowed to and just...perform! Why did people doubt him last season? Haters gonna hate...

Jersey 9: Conor Murray

Upped his team's performance when sprung from the bench last week in Thomond and has just looked imperious ever since. Untouchable really.

The reserve scrum-half has caused me some consternation this week I have to say. I was quite impressed with Paul Marshall for Ulster, a player who I've doubted in the past, but he was hauled off all too early. Isaac Boss proved why he should be starting for Leinster, he's in good form and has buckets of experience at this stage. Eoin Reddan drops out of contention altogether with no real form. I've gone with a home-town decision on this one and picked Kieran Marmion on the back of his try-scoring performance on Friday night. He dragged his pack around the park with more control than he's shown so far this season and has a heck of a lot of potential. Go on!

Jersey 10: Johnny Sexton

Not going to dwell on this one, the closing match of the weekend was poor and best forgotten, we all know Johnny's the man.

Ian Madigan is a hapless victim of the player welfare programme at the moment and can't be selected on the back of a non-performance this week and a non-performance last, if for different reasons. I'll be honest, I wanted to pick Keatley here as an old Connacht favourite and as a guy who deserves a break after his hard work has paid off with a rich vein of form. His inability to close out the game on Saturday could be ascribed more to his shackling at the hands of Greig Laidlaw as through any fault of his own but, for whatever reason, he loses out. Step up Paddy Jackson! I watched the guy put in a shoddy first half performance in Galway a few weeks back, but he's come on a bit since then. Deserves his spot on the bench and a chance to show why he's rated so highly.

Jersey 11: Tommy Bowe

Not Tommy's favourite jersey in the past but he loved it on Friday! One wayward pass early on aside, he was a class act, and great to watch too!

There aren't a whole lot of options left here so sturdy and reliable Dave Kearney will be in contention, although we've yet to see him really shine so far this season.

Jersey 12: Luke Marshall

Stuart Olding hasn't had much of a chance yet, but Marshall has looked pretty assured in midfield for Ulster. His passing game is superb and you'd have to say Joe Schmidt will like this about him.

Jersey 13: Robbie Henshaw

I have to admit, I like the guy as a fullback, but he put in a really good performance in defence the other night, with 13 tackles. It's a good omen. I was really tempted to put McFadden in here, as the international coach will be too no doubt, but again I've let my heart rule after the weekend we've had. Alternatively, could be sprung from the bench, still has a lot to learn...

Jersey 14: Fergus McFadden

Gets selected on the wing where he's played so much rugby. Has pace, a work-ethic in defence and an all-round reliability that will always see him considered. With all the injuries, it's good to have someone like Ferg to step up.

Jersey 15: Rob Kearney

Looks to be returning to something near good form, although don't ask him to tackle too much! Seriously though, his form and tackling deficiencies are cause for concern, but this is offset by his fielding, his tactical kicking and his ballast on the counter-attack. Let's hope he continues to improve.

I'm a little suspicious of the Felix Jones praise sometimes as I think he can be quite ordinary, but I'm going to give him credit for some decent performances. The younger Kearney will again provide cover from the bench, however.

FINAL SELECTION!

1: Cian Healy

2: Rory Best

3: Martin Moore

4: Iain Henderson

5: Paul O'Connell

6: Kevin McLaughlin

7: Sean O'Brien

8: Jamie Heaslip

9: Conor Murray

10: Johnny Sexton

11: Tommy Bowe

12: Luke Marshall

13: Robbie Henshaw

14: Fergus McFadden

15: Rob Kearney

Replacements:

16: Sean Cronin

17: James Cronin

18: Stephen Archer

19: Donnacha Ryan

20: Chris Henry

21: Kieran Marmion

22: Paddy Jackson

23: Dave Kearney

Connachtman [@connachtman87] - sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.