blametheref says...

Kidney's mindset: when asked by a journalist about Luke Fitzgerald's apalling performances in all of Ireland's matches so far, he replied "Ah no, that's what I'm saying about people settling in. They put up a lot of high ball to us (Hmm, I wonder why, Deccie?) and it's a while since he's played full back (Em, Tommy Bowe can play at 15, Declan!) and it's something he's getting better at (No, Declan, he's getting worse in fact!) and I presume he will so again next week." So, at the after match interview the usually cautious on naming selections Kidney says he is playing probably the worst player on the field and at full back in this 6 nations against the strongest team Ireland will meet, England! Unbelivable!!! Is it no wonder Ireland are going nowhere!

Posted 11:27 15th March 2011

blametheref says...

7tons point is a good one...It seemed more that Kaplan was annoyed with his authority being questioned by the Irish players protests than anything else and because of this more or less punished them by not giving the try issue enough time or thought...A less ambigous question would have been "was it the same ball that went out of play that he scored the try with?" It really is the linesman's prime duty to establish the status of a ball sent to touch, I don't blame Kaplan as he relies on his touch judges for this facet of play...The linesman must have been asleep and it's unforgivable to make such an error at this level as the Irish players were not ready for a quick throw as they knew that it was not an option, the Irish players spotted the error immediately. In my opinion the linesman knew he did not know what happened and was afraid to lose face by simply saying "I don't know"

Posted 07:51 15th March 2011

blametheref says...

When Heaslip's being asked to play like Denis Leamy (of 3 years ago form) is it a surprise that he makes no impact on a Kidneymunsteresque team...Is it now just obvious that Paddy Wallace has nothing to offer this team, he had only a simple 5yd pass to Earls in the dying moments and Earls was clear in with a match winning try if converted, instead Wallace tried to do a BOD cut inside and got nailed ball and man. If you ask me he was trying to get the glory to answer his critics and effectively cost Ireland the match.. As said many times, Fitzgerald should not be on this team. Put Bowe or D'arcy at full back, bring Downey and Mc Fadden into the frame, Varely at hooker, Cullen and O' Connell with Tuohy/Toner on the bench depending on opposition line out strength. Kidney has achieved what I thought by dropping Sexton 2 matches ago and has in fact knocked the confidence and faith being selected as first choice would have given him out him, it showed! Again, Kidney has humiliated Cullen by giving him under 5 minutes on the pitch...My view is that Kidney is stuck in the Munster era and is a one trick pony who doesn't have the nous or experience to get a really talented backline humming, he has his players playing like rabbits in the headlights, uncertain, afraid to make a mistake, too tight a game plan!

Posted 18:44 14th March 2011

Ramage says...

Isnt it amazing the saffas are still moaning about an earlier ruling against them so therefore in their silly bokkie minds its fair enough for this to happen. Rubbish just as it was unacceptable then it is unacceptable now and the arrogant Kaplan and the incompetent Allen need to be stood down. It just shows how arrogant referees are becoming where they fail to listen to the captains before they go and award the try. Similar to Honis not giving Smith the time Kaplan's refusal to talk to ODriscoll reeks of arrogance. Just shows Saffas make mistakes too. International sides should not have to put up with this incompetence from another hopeless Scottish referee placed on touch as none are good enough to referee at the top level. But Kaplan too must shoulder some of the blame and just shows how referees are leaning too much on there assistants. So Paddy what have you got to say 2 weeks stand down for Kaplan 4 for Allen?

Posted 13:05 14th March 2011

spike19 says...

Its a shame I think this 6 nations was a missed opportunity. Looking at the games we lost to France and Wales we were more effective in attack and gave away too many silly pens. With better man management and a selection policy based on form instead of past loyalties Ireland could have been heading into a home grand slam game against England with all to play for. Instead Kidney is staring into the abyss, with 2 wins, 2 loses and not one complete performance. Surely it would have been advantageous to cap some of our young stars like Omalley, D Ryan, McLaughlin, Ruddock, Spence, Faloon, Tuohy, Mc Allister, Jamie Hagen, Keatly, Johne Murphy, Mc Fadden. What a great chance to showcase some of these young players and get them some experience even if they had of lost a few at least they'd be building for the future. Kidney has applied the seniority rule which is absurd in the modern game, he'll pick the same team for england, conservatism has no place in rugby today.

Posted 10:08 14th March 2011

robo says...

stuart10

Kaplan consulted the linesman who said the ball used was the one that went out. The linesman was wrong, but, as others have pointed out, the Irish should suck it up. I haven't forgotten Rona O'Gara's farce of a try a few years ago. It helped Ireland beat the Boks. Paul Honiss was the clot of a ref that day, compounding his mistake or nastiness when allowing the Irish to infringe time and again when the Boks were pounding the Irish try-line. O'Gara, who I regard as a fine player, didn't win an bouquets from me that day when afterwards insisting that Ireland had won fair and square. Drivel! So BOD, take it on the chin, chum, or look like a whiner.

Posted 22:37 13th March 2011

crunchfit says...

suntzu

Phillips was not in the line and the Irish players were walking over to form the line out. The ball was thrown (not straight and Rees was in the field of play) and Phillips ran onto it. Also, I don't think Rees is included in the players needed to form the line out so they don't have any players in the line out.

Posted 15:11 13th March 2011

scrumdog says...

Unfortunate run of luck for Ireland this 6N but the team will come good at RWC time and will have specialist fullbacks on hand. Move on and take England down at Lansdowne Rd.

Posted 13:13 13th March 2011

spike19 says...

It was a tough call for the Irish but although it was a huge mistake by the touch judge it should not hide the glaring issues in the ireland camp. Yes its time for a shake up something needs to change. But who will make way for the new blood? That is a matter of opinion and mine is as follows. In the second row Dan Tuohy in for O'Callaghan and Mc Fadden in for D'arcy at centre. Our Midfield has looked blunt throughout the 6 nations and needs desperately needs a spark. I think Tuohy adds more physicality he is an exciting ball carrier as well as being good line out option. D'arcy has stuttered during the championship, he needs to go and find his form, Mc Fadden if given the chance could be the long term option in midfield. He runs excellent lines is physical and offers a kicking option. Sexton needs to start on a regular basis, he is the future and should be invested in. ROG is more effective coming off the bench for impact. Reddan going off was a huge blow, Stringer's kicking, decision making and even passing were poor. Reddan is our first choice halfback he forms a potent and familiar partnership with Sexton. If you add Ferris, Flannery and Kearney back into the mix along with these proposed changes Ireland could be a real threat.

Regarding the Bench Kidney needs to start getting some of the young exciting players on it. This means P Wallace, Leamy and Court out and Omalley/Spence, Dom Ryan/Ruddock/McLaughlin and P McAllister in.

Posted 12:17 13th March 2011

sirjona says...

One word Ireland DISCIPLINE you are not playing football and it should be left to the captain to speak to the ref, I hope Kidney gives them the bollocking of their life for surrounding the ref like a bunch of under 13`s on the local pitch.For the record the amount of games Kaplan has reffed for Ireland is 10 and they have won 7.

Posted 11:13 13th March 2011