Ireland

blametheref says...

@Thai_mai

Somehow I don't see O' Driscoll as coaching material, think he may do the pundit circuit for a while and invest his money in something sport related

Posted 08:18 13th June 2012

three6three6 says...

There is no doubt that BOD is one of the great centres in world rugby.... he leads by example, never compromises and is a very fierce competitor.... Why has Leinster played such top class rugby over the last three seasons? Yes, of course they are well coached and prepared for each match.... But it also has something to do with BOD. He has consistently shown leadership both on and off the pitch.

There are now a few Irish coaches working in the English Premiership who are sufficiently capable to be involved at the highest level of rugby in Ireland. What is intriguing is the number of foreign coaches whom have coached the leading Irish provinces in recent times. To judge Ireland against the best in the world is also a little unfair.... although we have only seen the first international match played on Saturday the difference in tempo between the two sides has been revealed. However, it would be better to reserve judgement on Declan Kidney (and his coaching team's) ability until after this series..... the mark of a good team is how they use current adversity to fuel better performances on the pitch... This is a good Ireland team. Yes they are missing key personnel but they are still a good team. But there is also a mountain to climb against the All Blacks.... not because of the history but because the All Blacks played with great authority, with many of their top class players playing really well.

Would it be any different had Barry McGann successfully converted Tom Grace's injury time try in 1973?

Posted 06:10 11th June 2012

blametheref says...

@Ramage

Gatland was doing brilliant with Ireland and was "dumped" after a loss to Scotland, it was disgraceful how he was treated because some of the powers that be wanted Eddie O' Sullivan. And I'll tell you one thing, we have paid a heavy price for Gatland's sacking, and are still paying, because he identified what was wrong with the Irish set up, where there were higher ups who didn't like what he was revealing and uncovering in the provincial cosy cartel of every province having their quota of players on the Irish team... There are many Irish coaches who are good, just look at the premiership winners in England, Harlequins or other teams like Saracens or the vastly improved Edinburgh who are all coached by Irish coaches. If I was to go for one I'd go for former Irish full back Conor O' Shea from Harlequins who would be more a manager/coach, but he's one clever rugby brain

Posted 03:05 10th June 2012

cfcbhoy says...

That was a Savea beating.

Posted 00:44 10th June 2012

kiwieire02 says...

As always the gracious gentleman Brian O'Driscoll.

Posted 20:17 09th June 2012

blametheref says...

I feel for O' Driscoll, one of rugby's greatest players who has had to play and most times "carry" Ireland under two of the most conservative, unadventerous, and tactically inept coaches ever in Eddie O' Sullivan and Declan Kidney throughout his career. If Ireland had better head coaches they would have achieved and won much more over the past 10 years. Every Irish fan witnesses year in year out that the ability, form and good results from European competition is simply not evident when these same players play for Ireland...This is not a myth, or down to levels of competition, but fact, especially when you see opposition players blown away by their Irish opposite number in European competition but when they face each other at international level the reverse is true in far too many instances...One major inponderable problem with Irish team rugby that does not effect the Irish provinces is consistancy, Ireland blow hot and cold like our weather, but the provinces tick over like a Porche. Ireland are so frustrating, where could go out and beat South Africa one week and the following week lose to Italy, and probably the only reason that Ireland could still win one against the All Blacks...But to be realistic, this won't happen, because we could probably pinch one game against any other opposition in such a series, but when it comes to the Irish mentality psychologically they see New Zealand as The Mighty All Blacks!

Posted 17:52 09th June 2012