IRELAND TEAM MANAGER Mick Kearney felt the need to summon the words of an ex-Taoiseach when looking down the long list of injured names at Carton House today.
After announcing that it was “too early to say” whether either of Brian O’Driscoll or Luke Marshall would be able to return against Italy this weekend and confirming at least three weeks out for Fergus McFadden, Kearney said:
“The injury thing has been absolutely extraordinary. I was only thinking yesterday, it reminded me a little of Charles Haughey’s famous quote: ”Grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented’ — it’s been a bit like that for the last number of weeks. Very unfortunate.
“I don’t think there is an underlying issue. the majority of the injuries have just been soft tissue, which can happen. I just think it’s been unfortunate – there’s no actual trend to it that you could look and say we’re doing something wrong.”
‘A good bet’
One reason for optimism heading into the final weekend of the championship is the return to fitness of Jonathan Sexton. The hamstring injury which forced him out of the 6-12 defeat to England has all but cleared up.
The out-half will train fully this week and backs coach Les Kiss says he is “a good bet” to start in the Stadio Olympico after two and a half games with Ronan O’Gara and Paddy Jackson in the pivot position.
“Paddy:” Kiss said, “we’ve been very happy with how he’s played the last two games and handled a lot thrown at him. He ‘s done exceptionally well.“Mads [Ian Madigan]: Who would have thought he’d debut playing at 12 and at nine? He’s been great at training as well…
“Jonny’s got to prove his fitness yet, but everything is on track for him to be right for the game, so some one has got to miss out.”
Indeed, plenty already are, Donnacha Ryan is another senior player to be marked doubtful for what promises to be a battle royale in Italy. The Munster lock took a knock to his shoulder joint and will take part in ‘modified training.’
With Paul Marshall one of seven additions to the training squad, however, Kiss is maintaining a positive approach to the ‘GUBU’ hand Ireland are being dealt:
“When you go through the list, it’s amazing what is available. I’m excited about what kind of potential sits around at that next level. Obviously, there’s some experience they have to get, but that’s what the deal is.
“Looking back, you see area where they need to learn, but you also see what they bring. There is something very exciting about each group that has come in and filled the breach.”
-Additional reporting by Pat McCarry.
We had a great team pre six nations Shame about all the injuries!
Madigan is the no 1 OH at leinster now and in great form, he should be given the chance to show what he can do in this game with PJ on bench, what’s the point in rushing back sexton into this game,the 6 nations is long gone! we have won 1 game out of 4, prize money give me a break there is always some excuse not to give form new lads a go unless its injury enforced..Madigan, Paul Marshell, Hendrson and Kilcoyne should all get game time id even like to see henshaw get a run at fullback being a little biased, it’s been a disaster but let’s at least get a few caps for the lads who deserve it
+1. I’d give Madigan the 10 but sexton on bench. Give Jackson a break. He’s made his point imo. There may b nothing to play for but we still don’t want the wooden spoon.
Killer to start, Healy on bench. Keep Ross but bring Fitz\Archer on at 50 mins. Gilroy back in for McF,leave Earls on other wing. Same 6,7 and 8 but Henderson should get a prolonged run regardless what’s happening.
The one risk I’d take is to start Marshall at SH (if Sexton is starting – if not, start Murray) with Murray on bench. Outstanding as he was against France I’d like to see Marshall get a good run out.
Is Cave fit?
Ya I’d agree, would like to see Cave get a start aswell, he is playing very well and is not injured afaik , but the BOD thing will probably put the kibosh on that..
Forget GUBU, the situation is now FUBAR. Kidney out!!!
Unfortunately it won’t be the armchair ride of old against Italy, and actually playing ROG could be both disastrous for him and the team. You either play 100% or not at all and that’s why i’m afraid sentimentality has no place on a rugby pitch.
Will I dig my boots out of the attic ;-)
Italians looked good yesterday ,we will need all hands possible on deck ,hopefully we will out score them and stay out of the physical battle as much as possible
Italians looked good but England are ordinary!
Thats the trick. Get it to the wings as quickly as possible. The minute it goes into scrum get it out. Rucks get it out even if scrum half is not there. Waiting around for the scrumhalf to get into position really annoys me sometimes. We should learn some things from the southern hemisphere lads when they get into a war only when they want.
If rog is anywere near the squad. Kidney needs a brain transplant. About 5 players ahead of him on form at the minute. I’d even have the u20 outhalf before him now. Everyone complains kidney doesn’t pick on form and when he drops a player totally off for he gets abuse. Make up your mind lads.
As we saw yesterday, the best way to beat Italy is with the boot. So it’s great to have a senior out-half back. Even if he only manages 40-60 mins.
Seeing as this championship is already been a disaster I’d start ROG and give him the chance to end his international career on a high note
There’s prize money on the line here, what a silly idea. We can’t be wasting any more resources on ROG, he’s has his day and proved it. ItsTime for some people to get over ROG!
The prize money for 4th is not really that much different than 5th and god forbid he actually starts and Ireland win……
Wait now, we have Paddy Jackson, Ian Madigan and Johnny Sexton available, I think Madigan will lose out so where does ROG come in?
Exactly! ……nowhere!
Considering our injuries in the centres, what of Sexton playing 12 if Marshall doesn’t come through. Other options IN the squad are McSharry (is he fit) Fitzgerald, Earls and an already injured BOD
The reason why sentiment does not come on to the rugby pitch is that the opposition are not usually willing to cooperate.
If we win against Italy we are likely to end up either 3/4 in the 6 nations table, if we are beaten we end up at the bottom. Wales and England 1st and 2nd respectively depending on the result next weekend. I cannot see the coach of any national side, irrespective of what people may think of him, turn the last match of the current season into some sort of trial match for budding international players. There are places for the Lions Tour on offer and this could be the last chance for players to stake a claim.
If we lose against Italy we will probably get the wooden spoon.
Also as this is a recognised Test Match world rankings could be effected, at the moment we are 7th 0.46 above Samoa and Argentina if we lose we could drop further.