I hope he's been practicing. He's great on the wing and at fullback but he’s had a few howlers at centre (that time in the world cup stands out, was it against Russia?).
I’d like to see D’Arcy out and McFadden and possibly Earls in but I think the player for the long term at 13 is Eoin O’Malley.
Then again when Declan Munster Kidney is picking the team it’s not surprising that he’s picking from his old squad (has anyone told him that O’Callaghan can’t get a game for Munster because Ryan is younger and better?).
Glad to see Paul O’Connell as captain. I hope he keeps the job when O’Driscoll gets back.
I’m also glad to see Sexton in. Playing against such a strong Welsh pack he’s a running threat and much stronger in defence that O’Gara. His game management has improved significantly over the last 18 months as well.
Trimble is probably the form wing in Ireland at the moment along with Fitzgerald so it’s good to see him in too. I was wondering what exactly he had to do to get a first choice pick in the Ireland team.
Conor Murray is a super player and even though Reddan delivers faster ball He’s still the best choice (if Wales dominate the breakdown again Reddan may get called in).
The rest of the team more or less picks itself.
He's improving alright, but I'd hate to depend on him to close out a tight match. Bread & butter for ROG at this stage.
Keith Earls has been forced to withdraw from Ireland's RBS 6 Nations opening match against Wales at Aviva Stadium on Sunday.
Earls was originally selected to start at outside-centre but has been forced to opt out for family reasons.
His place in the team will be taken by Fergus McFadden with Dave Kearney, brother of starting full-back Rob, coming into the squad.
I hope it's nothing serious. My first thoughts is that he's a very young child and he's such a driven player it would take a hell of a lot for him to pull out of the match.
Exactly what I thought when I heard it. Hope all's OK
Earls' partner Edel McGee gave birth to their first child, Ella-Maye, last week who has 'taken ill' according to Ireland team manager Michael Kearney.
"Keith has been ruled out due to personal reasons," said Kearney.
"Unfortunately his baby has been taken ill and is in hospital as we speak. The nature of the illness is unclear. However, I did speak to Keith this morning and he was hopeful and optimistic that the baby would get home some time over the weekend."
+1exactly what i thought when i heard it. Hope all's ok
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