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

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).

Much like the careers of legends like Brian O’Driscoll, Leo Cullen & Johann Muller, all good things must come to an end and that sadly includes this feature!

Last but certainly not least offering her final opinion ahead of the Argentina tour, it’s Ulster blogger Laura Johnston.

Click this link for her previous selection and these for the latest from Connacht, Munster & Leinster.

I have been given the honour of bringing the ‘Let the Schmidt hit the fan’ series to a close. Since my last blog the greatest centre of all time has retired and Leinster won yet more silverware (please share it with us), and the squad has been announced for the tour to Argentina.

As Leinster played in the Rabo final last week and as some people have pointed out, the English players who played in the Aviva final are getting a week off . I thought I would give as many first team Leinster boys as possible a week off too. Sorry Leinster fans there won’t be too many boys in blue in my team.

I am also going to base my Ireland team on the squad that is currently on the plane to Argentina. A squad that has already lost Paddy Jackson, Robbie Henshaw, Keith Earls and Marty Moore to injury.

My Front Row consists of Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Mike Ross. I think this is the best front row Ireland has to offer on tour, with Cian Healy being given a rest and Marty Moore being injured, as I would have picked Marty over Mike ,if fit, to give Mike a rest.

1. Jack McGrath

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

16. Damien Varley

17. David Kilcoyne

18. Rodney Ah You

My second row is made up of Paul O’Connell and Iain Henderson. Devin Toner is on the bench as I am giving him a rest, after last week’s final also think it will be good experience for Henderson, playing alongside O’Connell.

4. Iain Henderson

5. Paul O’Connell

19. Devin Toner

My back row is Rhys Ruddock, Chris Henry and Jamie Heaslip with Robbie Diack on the bench.

6. Rhys Ruddock

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

20. Robbie Diack

My half back partnership is again unchanged and my replacements are Kieran Marmion and Ian Madigan.

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

21, Kieran Marmion

22.Ian Madigan.

I am sticking with Ireland and Ulster player of the year Andrew Trimble on one wing and Simon Zebo is on the other. Unfortunately Dave Kearney picked up a nasty injury against Ulster and is unable to travel. Speedy recovery Dave 

My centre partnership is Ulster Centres Luke Marshall and Darren Cave. Cave has continued to impress with Ulster and in my option deserves his chance in the Ireland no 13 shirt. Rob Kearney is still my first choice Ireland full-back but as he played in the Rabo final last week, I am going to start with Felix Jones and give Rob a rest on the bench.

11. Simon Zebo

12. Luke Marshall

13. Darren Cave

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Felix Jones

23. Rob Kearney

Ireland team for 1^st Pumas Test

1. Jack McGrath

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

4. Iain Henderson

5. Paul O’Connell

6. Rhys Ruddock

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

11. Simon Zebo

12. Luke Marshall

13. Darren Cave

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Felix Jones

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16. Damien Varley

17. Dave Kilcoyne

18. Rodney Ah You

19. Devin Toner

20. Robbie Diack

21. Kieran Marmion

22. Ian Madigan

23. Rob Kearney

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

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Many thanks to Laura and also Connachtman, Iain and Kate for all their excellent contributions to this project throughout the season.

The makeup of any team will always be the subject of debate among fans but to actually put your name to your opinions and have them published throughout the season takes a great deal of courage so bravo to all four of them.

Sadly this is not the only HarpinOnRugby feature to come to a close, more on that tomorrow…

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

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 Ulster fan Laura Johnston to look ahead for the Six Nations champions.

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

Since my last blog, we have had both the Heineken cup Quarter finals and Semi-finals and a few key games in the Pro 12.

From an Ulster point of view I thought the boys played valiantly against Heineken cup finalists Saracens, although they did pick up injuries to key players and the subsequent ban for Jared Payne’s red card has left them weakened. They put in a good shift against our Western cousins Connacht.

Unfortunately they lost to Glasgow and other results really haven’t gone their way. They now face two tough games against Leinster (in front of a full Ravenhill and Mullers last home game) and Munster in Limerick. Now is the time for the likes of Herring, P.Marshall etc to step up and fill the boots of Best, Pienaar etc.

Leinster lost to Heineken cup finalists and current European champions Toulon in France. Unfortunately Munster faced the same fate in sunny Marseille in the Semi-finals. Both played really well, especially Munster who hung in there to the very end, but alas neither could beat the stars of Toulon.

Due to Rory Best picking up an ankle injury against Saracens, I have made two changes to my front row and replacements. Sean Cronin gets promoted to the first team and Munster captain at the weekend Damien Varley comes onto the bench. Strauss and Herring both miss out, but are playing well for their provinces.

1. Cian Healy

2. Sean Cronin

3. Mike Ross

16. Damien Varley

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore.

Dan Tuohy broke his hand against Saracens, ruling him out for selection. I have kept Toner and O’Connell as my locks and have brought Mike McCarthy on to the bench

4. Devin Toner

5. Paul O’Connell

19. Mike McCarthy

 

Due to Peter O’Mahony, Stephen Ferris and Sean O’Brien being injured, and CJ Stander not being Irish qualified (I’m impressed by him), I have brought Iain Henderson into the no 6 jersey. Tommy O’Donnell is my replacement

6. Iain Henderson

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

20. Tommy O’Donnell

 

My half back partnership is again unchanged and my replacements are Eoin Reddan and Paddy Jackson.

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

21, Eoin Reddan

22. Paddy Jackson.

I am sticking with Andrew Trimble and Dave Kearney as my wingers. As much as I would love to bring in Tommy Bowe, I just don’t have the heart to demote Kearney to the bench. So I have put Bowe on the bench, as it’s good to have an experienced winger to come off the bench and add a calm head to the game. Injuries to Fitzgerald and McFadden have ruled them out of selection.

My centre partnership is Gordan D’arcy and Darren Cave. Cave has continued to impress and with the prospect of Jared Payne maybe playing 13 for Ireland next season, I’m sure Darren will try everything in his power to show Schmidt why he should be the heir to O’Driscoll’s shirt. Rob Kearney is still my first choice Ireland full-back.

11. Dave Kearney

12. Gordon D’Arcy

13. Darren Cave

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney.

23. Tommy Bowe

 

Ireland team for “test” next weekend

1. Cian Healy

2. Sean Cronin

3. Mike Ross

4. Devin Toner

5. Paul O’Connell

6. Iain Henderson

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

11. Dave Kearney

12. Gordon D’Arcy

13. Darren Cave

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney

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16. Damien Varley

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore

19. Mike McCarthy

20. Tommy O’Donnell

21. Eoin Reddan

22. Paddy Jackson

23. Tommy Bowe

 

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

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NEXT WEEK ON LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN…OUR BLOGGERS MAKE THEIR FINAL SELECTIONS OF THE SEASON, COMPARING THEM TO THEIR MATCHDAY 23 FROM BACK IN AUGUST

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

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

This week our Ulster representative Laura Johnston gives us her post-Six Nations squad.

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

We are 6 NATIONS CHAMPIONS. Yes I know I’m a couple of weeks late but it true, and we did say goodbye to the greatest number 13 to grace the green shirt.

This weekend see’s the return of the Heineken Cup with 3 out of 4 Irish provinces represented. The prize an Irish filled semi-final weekend in Dublin and possibly another all Irish final - a girl can dream.

My front row is again unchanged. Why choose another front row when you have the best one on offer.

My replacements are also unchanged.

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

16. Sean Cronin

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore.

Thankfully Dan Tuohy’s broken arm is now healed, and hopefully he has a good run in to the end of the season. Because he has only played two games since his return, I am sticking with my second row of Devin Toner and Captain Fantastic himself Paul O’Connell. Dan will be on the bench.

Devin Toner is my replacement lock due to his performance through the six nations.

4. Devin Toner

5. Paul O’Connell

19. Dan Tuohy

My back three is again unchanged, unless Peter O’Mahony fails to be fit. It’s good to see Stephen Ferris back on the pitch after 18 months. I’m sure that would make any Ireland fan happy.

Iain Henderson is my replacement due to his versatility.

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

20. Iain Henderson

My half back partnership is unchanged and my replacements are Eoin Reddan and Paddy Jackson.

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

21, Eoin Reddan

22. Paddy Jackson.

I am sticking with Trimble and Dave Kearney as my wingers. They have both been impressive in the air and have made good yards with ball in hand. Tommy Bowe is starting to come back to his old self with Ulster, but I think it would be harsh to drop Kearney and Trimble after such good performances in the Six Nations.

My centre partnership is Gordan D’Arcy and Darren Cave. Cave has impressed in recent months having been overlooked for the six nation’s squad. He hasn’t had as many caps as you would expect for someone as talented as him, but what do you expect when the greatest no 13 of all time plays at the same time as you. I think now is Darren’s time to shine. Rob Kearney is still my first choice Ireland full-back. My replacement back is Fergus McFadden, due to his physicality and versatility across the back line.

11. Dave Kearney

12. Gordon D’Arcy

13. Darren Cave

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney.

23. Fergus McFadden.

Ireland team

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

4. Dan Tuohy

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. Darren Cave

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney

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16. Sean Cronin

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore

19. Devin Toner

20. Iain Henderson

21. Eoin Reddan

22. Paddy Jackson

23. Fergus McFadden.

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

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NEXT WEEK ON LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN…OUR BLOGGERS MAKE THEIR FINAL SELECTIONS OF THE SEASON & COMPARING THEM TO THEIR MATCHDAY 23 FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON, STARTING WITH CONNACHTMAN

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

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

This week our Ulster blogger Laura Johnston gives her selection - she wouldn’t leave BOD out would she? ;-)

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

We are more than halfway through this year’s Six Nations and Ireland aren’t looking to shabby. Top of the table on points difference, two good wins against Scotland and Wales and a three point loss to England, when to be honest we didn’t play great.

Saturday’s game against Italy sees Brian O’Driscoll become the world’s most capped rugby player and also  it’s his final home game in a green shirt.

The game against Italy will be a tough one. Each year the Italians gets progressively better, due partly to their players regular involvement in the Rabo Pro 12 and Heineken Cup.

My Ireland team isn’t much different from the one Joe picked to face England. We lost yes but only by three points and it wasn’t our best performance, so why change a formula that works.

My front row is unchanged from my last blog and that selected to face England. Possibly the best players in each of the three positions in Ireland. Best’s throwing has improved a lot since last summer. Healy is a great ball carrier in the open and Ross is a superb scrummager

My replacements are also unchanged.

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

16. Sean Cronin

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore.

Unfortunately Dan Tuohy broke his arm, a similar injury to the one Rory Best picked up against New Zealand in November, and we all hope Dan has a speedy recovery. Tuohy would have been one of my first choice locks along with Paul O’Connell, had he not been injured. Therefore the person I would pick to partner O’Connell is Devin Toner, who impressed me against England.

Iain Henderson is my replacement lock due to his versatility and strength at lock and flanker.

4. Devin Toner

5. Paul O’Connell

19. Ian Henderson

My back three is again unchanged, albeit if O’Mahony is fit. They have all impressed in many different ways over the last three games but particularly at the breakdown.

I am sticking with Tommy O’Donnell as my replacement as I think he deserves more game time in green.

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

20. Tommy O’Donnell

The half back partnership of Murray and Sexton works well together, even if against England Jonny was a little bit shaky at times, he is still the best fly half Ireland has.

My replacement half backs are Isaac Boss and Paddy Jackson. I have chosen Bossy as he loves a physical game which Italy will be. Paddy deserves a chance in green as he has been a key player in Ulster’s success in the group stages of the Heineken cup. Even Brian O’Driscoll agrees he deserves a chance.

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

21, Isaac Boss

22. Paddy Jackson.

I am sticking with Trimble and Dave Kearney as my wingers. They have both been impressive in the air and have made good yards with ball in hand. Tommy Bowe played his first 40 minutes for Ulster after injury on Friday against the Dragons, scoring two tries. In my opinion he needs more game time before I would consider calling him up to the Ireland set up.

Unfortunately Luke Marshall took a knock to the head playing for Ulster, so he will probably be out for a week or two as a precaution. Therefore Gordon D’arcy is the player who I think should partner Brian O’Driscoll on his last home game. And who better a person to do it. They are after all the most experienced centre partnership in world rugby. Rob Kearney is still the first person that comes to my mine when I hear ‘Ireland full-back’. He took his try well against England and is still very threating in attack.

My replacement back is Fergus McFadden, due to his physicality and versatility across the back line.

11. Dave Kearney

12. Gordon D’Arcy

13. Brian O’Driscoll

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney.

23. Fergus McFadden.

Ireland team for Italy

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

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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

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

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NEXT WEEK ON “LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN” - We begin our 7th round of selections and find out how our Connacht blogger sees the matchday 23 for Paris…

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

Next up in our Ireland selection project is our Ulster blogger Laura Johnston - a team to overcome the Welsh, please!

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

The Six Nations for each team is five games spread over a period of seven weeks. Ireland are off to a winning start, although I think the final score line is a bit harsh on Scotland. They played well at times, but the Boys in Green took their chances when they were offered.

Round two sees Ireland face a team who you could say we have a grudge against. We beat them last year but you can’t forget about the two previous years, were Ireland narrowly missed out on victory (A quick lineout here and a non-existent tip tackle there).

I thought on Sunday that the team performed well and took their chances. The front row held their own in the scrums, lineouts went well, the back row were superb, the backs had a few good runs , and over all we were defensively strong. Because of this I am only going to make a few changes to the team that Joe named for the Scotland game.

As I said above I thought the front row held their own in the scrums and were good in open play. The replacement front rows were impressive too. McGrath and Cronin were like for like replacements for Healy and Best and Moore had an impressive 20 minutes on his debut. Because of this my starting and replacement front row players are unchanged from the ones selected for Sunday.

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

16. Sean Cronin

17. Jack McGrath

18. Marty Moore

Unfortunately Paul O’Connell became unwell with a chest infection between Saturday and Sunday, so was unable to lead the team. Dan Tuohy was informed whilst eating his porridge on Sunday morning that he would be making his first Six Nations start (long overdue in my opinion). Dan had big boots to fill and I think he filled them well. Tuohy was partnered by Toner who played well although he wasn’t as predominant or physical as Tuohy.

I think the Wales game will be a physical one, so my starting locks would be O’Connell, if he has recovered from his chest infection and Tuohy, due to their physical presence around the park.

I don’t think Toner has done anything wrong in my eyes, but as I said above I expect the game to be physical and therefore Ireland need a strong replacement lock. Because of this my replacement lock would be Iain Henderson. He is a strong guy and because of his versatility at lock and flanker, he would be a good impact sub.

4. Dan Tuohy

5. Paul O’Connell

19. Ian Henderson

All three of the backrow players from Sunday were immense. Either one of them could have picked up the man of the match award, but it went to Heaslip and he thoroughly deserved it. They were all very quick to get to the break down and even won a few turnovers. Therefore my backrow is unchanged. Tommy O’Donnell has impressed me over the last few months and deserves some more game time in green, so I have stuck with him at 20.

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

20. Tommy O’Donnell

The half back partnership of Murray and Sexton worked well. Murray has gone up in my ratings over the last year, he distributed the ball well and his box kicking wasn’t too shabby. Jonny Sexton played well although it took him a wee while to get used to playing the Irish style of rugby again. He threw a few dodgy passes but we will forgive him for that as his superb kicking made up for it. Therefore I am sticking with Sexton and Murray.

My replacement half backs are Isaac Boss and Paddy Jackson. I have chosen Bossy as he strives when playing in physical games, which I think Saturday will be. Paddy had a good cameo and was unlucky that his kick for Dave Kearney bounced into touch. That would have been an impressive try if it had worked.

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

21, Isaac Boss

22. Paddy Jackson

My backline is unchanged from the Scotland game. Both wingers’ took balls in the air well and made a few impressive line breaks. Trimble took his try well and Kearney was unfortunate not to score at the death.

Some people have suggested that D’arcy will partner O’Driscoll against Wales due to him being a more physical player that Marshall. I think Luke showed his worth and tackling ability on Sunday. Due to his youth and ability to see space to run into, I think he should start.

Rob Kearney has the 15 shirt firmly in his hands; he took his try well with some Scotland fans saying he should never have been allowed to score it i.e. bad Scotland defence.

My replacement back is Fergus McFadden, due to his physicality and versatility across the back line.

11. Dave Kearney

12. Luke Marshall

13. Brian O’Driscoll

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney.

23. Fergus McFadden.

Ireland team for Wales

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

4. Dan Tuohy

5. Paul O’Connell

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

11. Dave Kearney

12. Luke Marshall

13. Brian O’Driscoll

14. Andrew Trimble

15. Rob Kearney

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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

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

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NEXT WEEK ON “LET THE SCHMIDT HIT THE FAN” - with the Six Nations in full swing we begin our 7th round of selections and find out how our Connacht blogger sees the matchday 23 shaping up…

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

Bringing our 5th round of Ireland selections to an end we have our Ulster blogger Laura Johnston…

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

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

The first rugby blog of 2014. I wonder what sort of year it will be for Irish rugby.

The month of January could play a big part, in how successful the first half of the New Year will be for the Irish provinces. Over the Christmas period, we saw some good old Irish inter-pro rivalry.

This weekend however sees the start of rounds 5 & 6 of the Heineken cup. Big games for all four provinces. Wouldn’t it be great if we get 3 out of four qualified? It would be amazing If Connacht can sneak through too. Hopefully they all come away with wins and no injuries, so we can go into the six nations with the best team as possible

1. Jack McGrath :- Unfortunately for Cian Healy he picked up a nasty ankle injury and will more than likely miss the start of the six nations, if not all of it. I think McGrath is the right person to fill his boots. He has played well for Leinster recently and silenced his critics (including me) during the Autumn internationals when he was picked over Court and Kilcoyne.

17. The number 17 shirt could be filled by a few people, Court, Kilcoyne, Black or Moore. I would give David Kilcoyne the shirt as he is young and will probably make the next RWC team, and all the experience he can get in a green shirt will do him no harm.

2. Sean Cronin: - Unfortunately Rory Best is injured, although he may be fit in time for Ulster’s game against Montpellier this weekend. But until he returns Sean Cronin is my starting hooker, for his experience and pace with ball in hand.

16. My replacement hooker would probably have been Damien Varley, but having seen him after the game on Friday night on crutches and in quite a bit of discomfort, I am afraid he will be out for a few weeks. Therefore my replacement hooker is Mike Sherry. Although Rob Herring is certainly filling Bests position well at Ulster at the moment.

3. Mike Ross: - Mike hasn’t performed the greatest recently, but I don’t see anyone stealing the starting jersey off him, when he is fit. Although Marty Moore, Declan Fitzpatrick and Stephen Archer are all currently performing well, for their provinces at the moment.

18. My replacement tight head prop is Declan Fitzpatrick.

4. Paul O’Connell
5. Dan Tuohy: - The two locks in Ireland for me at the minute. Both are excellent ball carriers and commanders of the lineout. They had a good tussle at Ravenhill on Friday night.

19. Iain Henderson for his versatility at lock and backrow.

6. Peter O’Mahony:- For me it was between Peter and Robbie Diack. Both are playing outstandingly for their provinces. I have picked POM because I think he will more than likely get picked and desirably so. Robbie has been outstanding for Ulster recently and is now Irish qualified. An Ireland cap could be round the corner for him at some point.
7. Chris Henry: - Seven this year has been between Sean O’Brien and Chris Henry. Unfortunately Henry got injured in the Autumn internationals, so SOB was the first choice and now SOB is injured, Henry is first choice and will hopefully start at 7 in the 6 nations.

8. Jamie Heaslip: - Heaslip and Wilson are the best no 8’s at the moment. Roger has been preforming well for Ulster as has Heaslip for Leinster. I have picked Jamie at 8 for his experience and he is the more likely of the two to pull on the green no 8.

20. The replacement backrow for me Is Kevin McLaughlin

9. Eoin Reddan: - Conor Murray is injured at the moment, although he will hopefully be back in the next few weeks for Munster. I have picked Reddan for his experience and Kieran Marmion as his replacement as he is an up and coming Ireland star in my opinion

21. Kieran Marmion

10. Jonny Sexton: - Still Irelands first choice 10 when fit, he is a lion after all. His journey with Racing Metro hasn’t been a huge success so far, and his hectic playing schedule doesn’t help matters either when it comes to Ireland. But he is still Irelands No1 fly half.

22. The best kicker at the moment in Ireland according to the stats is JJ Hanrahan. He is the rising star at both 10 and 12. Although I think Jackson and Madigan are better replacements for Sexton at the moment, just for their experience. Jackson is my replacement fly half on the grounds that he has played more game time at 10 than Madigan recently.

11. Luke Fitzgerald: - When fit my starting wings would be, Zebo and Bowe but they are both injured at the moment. Luke has shown form of late similar to the form he had in 2009, that got him on the Lions tour. Hopefully he can stay injury free, and play a good few games for Leinster this season.

12. Luke Marshall: - Gordon Darcy has performed well at 12 recently Leinster. I see Luke Marshall as the future at 12 for Ireland, the more game time as he can get at 12 for Ireland the better for him. I hope he manages to stay injury and concussion free.

13. Brian O’Driscoll:- He is still an amazing player even if he is getting more injury prone with age. Darren Cave has shown recently why he could be a good replacement at 13, as have Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw. I will stick with the master for just a little bit longer.

14. Craig Gilroy: - It was a tough decision between Gilroy and Kearney. I have gone for Gilroy, because of his pace and his ability to break the first tackle.

23. Dave Kearney

15. Rob Kearney: - A safe pair of hands for Ireland at the back, the 15 shirt is safely his, although Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne could challenge him next season for it.

My Ireland 15.

1. Jack McGrath
2. Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross
4. Paul O’Connell
5. Dan Tuohy
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Eoin Reddan
10. Jonny Sexton
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Luke Marshall
13. Brian O’Driscoll
14. Craig Gilroy
15. Rob Kearney

16. Mike Sherry
17. David Kilcoyne
18. Declan Fitzpatrick
19. Iain Henderson
20. Kevin McLaughlin
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Dave Kearney

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

NEXT WEEK … WITH JOE SCHMIDT’S SIX NATIONS DEBUT GETTING CLOSER OUR PROVINCIAL BLOGGERS KICKOFF THEIR SIXTH ROUND OF SELECTIONS AS WE HEAR ONCE MORE FROM @CONNACHTMAN87!

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

Next up in our Irish team-selecting project is our Ulster blogger Laura Johnston…

Remember...the task is to select a matchday 23 from available players as if there was to be a test match next weekend.

Click here for Laura’s last selection and these links for the latest from Connacht, Munster & Leinster.

The autumn internationals are over for another year, and the Heineken Cup is just around the corner. Ireland performed well against Samoa, struggled against Australia and played a game against New Zealand with a passion, we haven’t seen for a long time.

The boys gave 100% last Sunday in a packed Aviva, but the All Blacks, as they are renowned for doing, kept going until they got the win. Every player in green played their best game for Ireland in my opinion, so the heartbreak was even more painful.

I could just take the easy option and pick the team that started against the All Blacks, but I’m not, I am going to base my team on the players who are currently in form.

1. Cian Healy: - Don’t see anyone taking the starting jersey off him just yet, Richie McCaw knows why.

I wasn’t sure of Jack McGrath’s inclusion in the squad, but his performances over the last few weeks have changed my opinion.

17. Jack McGrath

Unfortunately Rory Best got Injured after an impressive 15 minutes against NZ, including, a try against the best team in the world, breaking his arm, and trying to clear out a ruck with a broken arm. The later showing the grit and determination that Rory has.

2. Sean Cronin: - Because of injury to Best my starting hooker is Sean Cronin, and he thoroughly deserves it. His performance after coming on for Best proved he is definitely the right man to fill Rory’s boots.

I have always seen him as a like for like replacement for Best, although he has a lot more pace in the open.

16. Mike Sherry

3. Mike Ross: - Still the best man for the job, although he isn’t getting any younger. I would like to see the likes of Fitzpatrick, Archer and even Moore and Lutton getting some game time, over the next year or so. That means when Mike retires or gets injured, we aren’t stuck with the question that will play tight head for Ireland?

18. Declan Fitzpatrick

4. Paul O’Connell:- Who else would be the first lock you write on the team sheet?

Was outstanding against NZ, and lead from the front during the Autumn Internationals, but then again he is a born leader. His return to the green shirt against Samoa was welcomed by a standing ovation, showing how much he is loved by Irish rugby fans.

5. Dan Tuohy: - Although Toner and McCarthy played really well, in all the autumn international games, especially against New Zealand. I think Dan Tuohy should have got some game time, even if it was against Samoa. He has been outstanding for Ulster this season, and is probably the second best second row behind O’Connell at the moment in Ireland. He continuously breaks defensive lines, and is good with ball in hand. I was surprised to see him overlooked.

19. Mike McCarthy

My backrow is the same as the one Schmidt picked to face Australia & New Zealand. All three were outstanding and very dangerous in the open. It was a pity Chris Henry got injured against Samoa as I would have loved to have seen him up against Michael Hooper and Richie McCaw.

6. Peter O’Mahony:- Peter really impressed me over the Internationals, if all the Ireland backrow are fit come the 6 Nations, including Ferris, Schmidt will have a nice headache.

7. Sean O’Brien:- The Tullow tank is the Tullow tank, don’t think anyone would leave him out of their team.

8. Jamie Heaslip: - Jamie has received a lot of criticism over the last year regarding his performances in a Green shirt. I think he has proved his critics wrong, on the Lions tour and autumn internationals.

20. Kevin McLaughlin

9. Conor Murray: - He is currently Ireland’s best choice at scrumhalf. He performed very well against New Zealand and I was surprised to see him on the bench against Australia.

21. Eoin Reddan

10. Jonny Sexton: - He played well considering his packed French rugby calendar and having a niggling hamstring injury. He was unfortunate to miss his last penalty against the All Blacks. Still Ireland’s first choice fly half in my opinion. Jackson proved his critics wrong against Samoa and recently with Ulster. He has just that little bit more game time at fly half than Ian Madigan

22. Paddy Jackson

11. Craig Gilroy: - Although he has just come back from injury and Dave Kearney has done nothing wrong, I think Gilroy has a bit more creativity on the wing. He somehow manages to wriggle his way through tackles, through a series of well-timed spins and his speed. He has been very impressive in his last few games for Ulster.

Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy played their best game in a green shirt in a while against New Zealand. Although will they make the next RWC? Probably not, so with this in mind I have picked Luke Marshall and Brian O’Driscoll as my centres.

12. Luke Marshall: - The decision to pick D’Arcy against New Zealand was the right choice because of his experience. Although Luke is the future at no 12. He always makes ground with ball in hand and finds space between defenders.

13. Brian O’Driscoll:- I don’t see him going to the next World Cup. He is still a legend for Ireland at 13. He played really well against NZ but I would like to see Darren Cave or Robbie Henshaw get some game time, so that when O’Driscoll retires we have a suitable replacement.

14. Tommy Bowe: - He is probably Ireland first choice winger, although the young guys are starting to bite at his heels and he wasn’t his usual self in the air over the Autumn Internationals. But there is only one Tommy Bowe.

15. Rob Kearney: - Still haven’t seen anyone yet who can take the no. 15 shirt off him. He was impressive against NZ both in the air and how he took his intercept try.

23. Dave Kearney

My Ireland 23

1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross
4. Paul O’Connell
5. Dan Tuohy
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Jonny Sexton
11. Craig Gilroy
12. Luke Marshall
13. Brian O’Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Rob Kearney

16. Mike Sherry
17. Jack McGrath
18. Declan Fitzpatrick
19. Mike McCarthy
20. Kevin McLaughlin
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Dave Kearney

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

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

Time to hear from our Ireland selectors…this week our Ulster fan Laura Johnston picks her team to face Samoa…

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

Just a reminder folks…the contributors’ task is to pick a matchday 23 as if the test were being played next weekend so they must take current injuries into account.

We are now in November. November means the autumn internationals are just around the corner. Actually they have already started with England’s win over Australia, but for Ireland they start this Saturday.

The first two rounds of the Heineken Cup have been completed. Leinster and Ulster are unbeaten, Munster slipped up against Edinburgh, but they got back on track against Gloucester. Connacht came close to beating Saracens and won against Zebre.

Joe Schmidt has named his first Ireland squad. Some may disagree with some of his omissions i.e. Trimble, Kilcoyne Wilson etc.

Injuries to Donnacha Ryan, Iain Henderson and Simon Zebo, mean Joe has to think about who will take their place in the match day 23.

I was going to base my team, on who I think Joe Schmidt would pick for the Samoa game on Saturday, but I have decided to pick the team I think will play, in the majority of the internationals, based on the squad he has picked.

1. Cian Healy – He is the in form loose head at the moment in Ireland. When he is fit, I can’t see anyone taking the no 1 shirt off him.

In my previous blogs I have said that I see David Kilcoyne getting the No 17 shirt. Unfortunately he isn’t In the 34 man squad, so for me No 17 will be Tom Court, simply because he has more international experience than Jack Mcgrath.

2. Rory Best – He is playing well at the moment, although he picked up an ankle injury against Cardiff Blues last week, and left Ravenhill in a moonboot. Because of this injury, I’m not 100% sure he will start against Samoa, but if he is fit he will start.

As I have said previously Sean Cronin is my no. 16. If Best isn’t fit then Cronin will start at hooker and Mike Sherry will be on the bench.

3. Mike Ross - He picked up a hamstring injury against Ospreys in the Heineken Cup (12/10/2013), and he hasn’t played since. If he is fit he will start, as he is the best Irish tight head in Ireland, at the moment.

If Ross fails to be fit, I think Declan Fitzpatrick will start, as he has performed well for Ulster while John Afoa was injured. Stephen Archer would be the replacement TH (17) to Fitzpatrick (3) if Ross isn’t fit.

4. Paul O’Connell – He is still one of the first names on the Ireland team sheet even at 34. Great leader and still playing as good as ever.

Previously I said had Donnacha Ryan should be O’Connell’s second row partner, but unfortunately he has knee ligament damage, and is out until the New Year. Hopefully he will be back for 6 Nations.

Injury to Ryan means Schmidt, has the chance to try someone else at no 5. My choice is Dan Tuohy.

5. Dan Tuohy – Dan has been playing well for Ulster, and partnering captain Johann Muller in an ominous Ulster second row. He scored two tries against Cardiff Blues last week, and makes a lot to ground with ball in hand.

No 19 for me would be Mike McCarthy.

My back row is unchanged from previous blogs. I still think it is the backrow that would make the biggest impact for Ireland against southern hemisphere opposition.

6. Sean O’Brien – His versatility at 6, 7, 8 and he has had a few good performances, over the last few weeks, particularly his Man of the Match performance against Ospreys in Europe.

7. Chris Henry – He is still just a little bit more natural at no 7 than SOB, and is still playing well for Ulster.

8. Jamie Heaslip – I don’t see him losing the no 8 shirt anytime soon.

Although Roger Wilson has performed very well over the last few weeks at both 8 and 6 for Ulster .He was not included in the original Ireland squad, although he was called up for training last week, but released back to Ulster for their Rabo fixture against the Scarlets.

The no 20 shirt for me goes to Peter O’Mahony. He is playing well for Munster and he is versatile as well.

9. Conor Murray – He is playing well and should still be Ireland’s first choice scrumhalf.

The no. 21 shirt I think will be Eoin Reddan. He is playing well for Leinster at the moment, and is a good impact sub off the bench, as he has a different playing style to Conor Murray.

10. Jonny Sexton - Is still Ireland’s first choice kicker/no. 10. From what I have heard he is playing well in France (I don’t have BT sport, so I’m going off what I’ve been told). The only way I see him losing the no 10 shirt, is through injury.

The no. 22 shirt / replacement fly half for me is Paddy Jackson. He played really well, and kicked superbly in both of Ulster’s Heineken Cup games. In particular against Montpellier where he controlled the game really well and even made a try saving tackle.

Ian Madigan is another choice, although I think Jackson has the upper hand at the moment, as he has been playing regularly at 10 for Ulster. Unfortunately for Madigan, Jimmy Gopperth is playing and kicking supremely at the moment for Leinster.

11. Fergus McFadden – With Injury to Simon Zebo, who more than likely would have started, Schmidt has to find someone to fill the no 11 shirt. I have chosen Fergus McFadden. The reason for this is his strength and his speed. He also makes good decisions in open play and is playing well for Leinster on the wing. He can also play at centre which is a bonus.

12. Luke Marshall - He has played well over the last few games for Ulster. His running lines are superb and he gains a lot of ground with ball in hand. Possibly best 12 in Ireland at the moment? He will hopefully also just keeping getting better and stay Ireland no. 12 in the run up to RWC 2015.

13. Robbie Henshaw – Brian O’Driscoll hasn’t played since 27 September and Robbie has impressed me, when playing for Connacht at 13.

Injury to O’Driscoll should give Schmidt the opportunity to try a few others at 13. Other number 13’s playing well for the provinces at the moment are Darren Cave, Brendan Macken and Jared Payne (although he isn’t Irish qualified till end of season). I picked Robbie because he is young (RWC in mind) and as I said, he has impressed me for Connacht.

14. Tommy Bowe - Tommy is a cert to start when he is fit, and he is at the moment. He is playing really well. He’s aerial skills have been phenomenal over the last few week and they have helped him score two tries.

15. Rob Kearney – I don’t see him losing the 15 shirt for Ireland anytime soon, unless he picks up and injury.

Due to O’Driscoll’s lack of game time I don’t see him starting against Samoa. I can see him however coming off the bench to get game time, so that he is fit for New Zealand and possibly Australia. Therefore O’Driscoll is my No 23.

My Ireland 23

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Paul O’Connell
5. Dan Tuohy
6. Sean O’Brien
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Conor Murray
10. Jonny Sexton
11. Fergus McFadden
12. Luke Marshall
13. Robbie Henshaw
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Rob Kearney

16. Sean Cronin
17. Tom Court
18. Declan Fitzpatrick
19. Mike McCarthy
20. Peter O’Mahony
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Brian O’Driscoll

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come

Let The Schmidt Hit The Fan - Rd 2 (ULS)

It’s time to hear from our Ulster blogger to see how her Ireland selection has changed over the last 4 weeks…

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

It’s October and we have now completed the first 5 rounds of the Rabo Pro 12 season. That included two Irish derbies and a not so good start for Ulster, losing two games in a row. But they have now bounced back with three very good wins.

The Heineken cup is just around the corner, literally days away (can u tell I’m excited?), so we will see which potential Ireland players, will put their hands up for selection, over the next two weeks on a much bigger stage.

1. Cian Healy – It is good to see him back from the injury that cut short his Lions tour. He has made a good start on his return, scrummaging well and playing well in the open. I still don’t see anyone taking the No 1 green shirt away from him just yet, but a few guys are starting to show their potential.

The No 17 shirt for me goes to David Kilcoyne. He has really impressed me over the last few weeks, especially in the Irish derby against Leinster where he was up against the starting tight head prop for Ireland Mike Ross.

2. Rory Best – I know he got a bit of stick about his throwing last season , but this year since his return to a white shirt against Treviso, he has really impressed me. His line out throwing was very accurate against the Ospreys, better even than Lions teammate Richard Hibbard. He is getting back to the Rory I know and love.

The No 16 shirt for me is Sean Cronin, though hopefully poor Richardt Strauss will make a speedy recovery from his surgery.

3. Mike Ross - A few young tight heads have come on the radar over the last few weeks (i.e. Archer, Lutton, Fitzpatrick), but I still haven’t seen anyone yet, who is good enough to take the no 3 shirt off Mike.

The No 18 shirt for me is Stephen Archer. Like David Kilcoyne he impressed me during the Munster/Leinster derby. He stood his ground well, against Lions prop Healy.

4. Paul O’Connell – Still as good as ever, and showed it at the weekend in the Irish Derby.

5. Donnacha Ryan – Worked well with POC at the weekend, and has played consistently well over the last few weeks.

The No 19 shirt for me is Iain Henderson. He is starting to develop well in the lock position for Ulster (although I personally like him at no6). His versatility at lock and back row means he is a very valuable player to have on the bench.

The Back row for me is a tricky one; there are so many different combinations you could pick. It is a nice headache for Schmidt to have. I am sticking with the same back row as the last time, simply because I think it would work well.

6. Sean O’Brien – He is versatile and can play across the backrow, so I have put him at 6 to accommodate Chris Henry at 7. He is a beast of a guy (he isn’t called the “Tullow Tank” for nothing) and I think he would play well at 6.

7. Chris Henry – Like SOB he is versatile and can play across the backrow. In my opinion he is a more natural no 7 than SOB, and currently is playing just that little bit better.

If I am honest the versatility of these two guys, means that Schmidt could play them both in either shirt, but this is my selection for the moment.

8. Jamie Heaslip – He is back playing in blue and seems to be back to his usual self. I don’t see him losing the no 8 shirt just yet .Although Roger Wilson has impressed me, since his return from injury, and it’s a shame that he never got another call up, to add to his 1 cap, while playing in England for the Northampton Saints.

The no 20 shirt for me is Peter O’Mahony. He is playing well for Munster, although I would like to see him calm his temper down a bit. If he loses his cool, at a crucial point in a game, he could cost us valuable points.

9. Conor Murray – It was good to see him pull on the red shirt for the first time this season against Leinster. He made a good impact off the bench, and he seems to be the same Conor that played in the third test against Australia.

Who gets the No 21 shirt is a tricky one. There are so many talented scrum halves in Ireland at the moment, anyone of them could get it: Reddan, Marshall, Boss, Heaney, Porter, Marmion, Williams etc. Heaney, Marmion and Williams should get Ireland caps, sometime in the near future.

I am going to give the no 21 shirt, to Eoin Reddan. It is good to see him back playing after that nasty leg break. I have picked Eoin over the others simply for experience reasons, all the rest have been very impressive over the last few weeks, but on an international stage you need someone, with a little bit more experience.

10. Jonny Sexton - In my opinion he is still Irelands first choice kicker/no 10, Although Madigan, Jackson, Keatley and Hanrahan , are slowly but surely improving with each game they play.

The no 22 shirt / replacement fly half for me is Paddy Jackson. Simply because he is the highest placed Irish leading points scorer and marksman in the Rabo. Although in fairness to Madigan, for a few games he wasn’t kicking with Jimmy Gopperth on the pitch. If Jackson kicks the way he did against the Ospreys I can see him getting the no 22 shirts, but he does need to improve his consistency a little.

11. Simon Zebo - Although he hasn’t scored any tries yet in the Rabo, he is getting back to his usual self and tries will come in due course. I think he is a good asset to have in your starting line-up simply for his speed and creativity.

12. Luke Marshall - Seems to have gotten over the head injury that kept him out for a lengthy period. Back to running cracking lines and gaining a lot of ground with ball in hand. Possibly best 12 in Ireland at the moment.

13. Brian O’Driscoll – Still think the only way someone will take the no 13 shirt off him, is through injury or his retirement. Robbie Henshaw impressed me at 13 against Ulster in Galway and Ulster seem to have been asked to try Jared Payne at 13. Possibly Payne is being eyed as the heir to O’Driscoll’s 13 shirt, when he becomes Irish qualified at the end of this season.

14. Tommy Bowe - When he is fit, which he is at the moment bar a dead leg, I can’t see him not starting.

Michael Allen has impressed me over the last few games, and he is one of the top try scorers at the moment in the Rabo. He does need a bit more experience in white i.e. HC and more Rabo games before an Ireland cap is even considered.

15. Rob Kearney – Like a few of the other senior players the 15 shirt is his unless he is injured.

With Payne currently being played at 13 for Ulster, Craig Gilroy is being tried out at 15, and so far he has done well. Felix Jones is also another possible option at 15.

The No 23 shirt for me goes to Rob Henshaw as he is versatile and can play centre and

fullback. Although a few people like Gilroy, Jones etc might get the shirt as well.

My Ireland 15

1. Cian Healy

2. Rory Best

3. Mike Ross

4. Paul O’Connell

5. Donnacha Ryan

6. Sean O’Brien

7. Chris Henry

8. Jamie Heaslip

9. Conor Murray

10. Jonny Sexton

11. Simon Zebo

12. Luke Marshall

13. Brian O’Driscoll

14. Tommy Bowe

15. Rob Kearney

16. Sean Cronin

17. David Kilcoyne

18. Stephen Archer

19. Iain Henderson

20. Peter O’Mahony

21. Eoin Reddan

22. Paddy Jackson

23. Robbie Henshaw

@LauraJ2803 is a Ulster rugby season ticket holder and has been for the past 7 years, she has been there through the highs and the lows and is hoping there are plenty more highs to come.