THE IRELAND TEAM to face Australia on Saturday has been announced, and Jonny Sexton and Eoin Reddan have been given the nod at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.
The game is likely to be crucial in determining Ireland’s World Cup destiny, and so the starting XV – with the exception of injuries – arguably represents what Kidney sees as his best team.
With this in mind, should he have made more changes? Was he too harsh on Conor Murray? Should he have stuck with Sexton?
So, what do you think? Did Kidney pick the right team?
Poll Results:
Not entirely, but I can see where he's coming from. (413)
Yes, he's spot on. (233)
No, he got it completely wrong. (87)
Install George Hook as head coach now! (78)
It would have been advantageous in my opinion to see Trimble on the wing in place of Earls, purely for his physicality, which Ireland will require against the Australians. Earls is a great strike player to have on the team with his acceleration and he also brings good footwork to his game. But Trimble is that bit bigger and more assured in defense. I hope having Earls at wing instead of Trimble is the right decision. We’ll see. Ireland won’t be afraid or too respectful of Australia, which should lead to a good game. I feel the Irish lads will be right up for this match and will be backing themselves 100% to win it. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see an Irish victory, hopefully the weather will be better than it was for the USA game and Johnny has brought his kicking boots. Ireland win by 6 points.
I almost got the winning margin correct. It looked like Kidney got the selection spot on too. In fairness it was the pack who dominated this game, neither Bowe or Earls were tested too stringently in defense and both added to the attack when given the opportunity. Sexton needs to address his below par return on kicks from the ground or he’ll find himself starting from the bench in the Q/F game.
I agree with Paul Dolan, Trimble in for Earls, I would also have liked to see Fergs on the bench as he is a better impact player off the bench than either Earls or Trimble who at the moment are better starters but with Bowe still around we will rarely see them starting together. Also I dont rate Leamy at all and with no definite 7 in the squad Jennings should be in to replace Leamy on the bench. However I disagree with Paul and think it will unfortunately be Australia by 3 or 6.
I just hope we don’t see a barrage of "where was SO’B?" comments afterwards. He has quite a job dealing with Pocock for 80mins. C’mon Ireland!
Sexton/Reddan is the right call, however Trimble should be starting , particularly on form. He has been Irelands outstanding back through the 4 warm ups. Earls (or even Darcy, who’s having a mare) could have been benched for him. I have a real sneaky suspicion about us on Sat and plan to stick a tenner on us….
Watch out Paddy Power :) Good luck man
It really does not matter what team he picks … They are a spent force ..