LineoutCoach.com
  • Home
  • Gavin Hickie
    • Rugby Coach
    • Published Author
    • Professional Player
  • Rugby Revealed
    • About Rugby Revealed
    • Writing the Book
    • Order Signed Copies
  • Blog
    • All Blogs
    • Set Piece – Lineout & Scrum
    • Skills & Drills
    • S&C and Nutrition
    • Interviews
    • Rugby Basics
    • Dartmouth Rugby
    • USA Rugby
  • Videos
    • Lineout Analysis
    • Throwing Tutorials
    • LineoutCoach on YouTube
    • Video Analysis for Rugby Players and Coaches
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Key Partners

Tag Archives: referee

Six Nations: It’s All Kicking Off!

Six Nations – the best in Europe meet to compete for the coveted title.

It is that time of year again! The Six Nations is here and you can see all the highlights of every game right here on LineoutCoach.

The Six Nations is a tournament steeped in tradition, national pride and top quality rugby. Each year throws up a surprise result and the Champions are rarely decided before the final week of games. Last year saw England claim the title but a year is a long time in rugby and their performance at the World Cup sees a new team and coach face the auld enemy, Scotland, at Murrayfield in the opening match.Catch all the action here on LineoutCoach

 

Who will win this year’s Six Nations Championship?

 

6 Nations FranceWill it be Rugby World Cup Finalists, France?

Some fresh faces in the squad and new direction under Phillipe Saint-Andre gives France a very good chance of winning the Grand Slam.

Six Nations Player to watch: Captain and World Player of The Year – Thierry Dusautoir

6 Nations WalesWorld Cup semi finalists, Wales will also fancy their chances of winning the Six Nations tournament. Wales have some very exciting, fresh talent emerging. Players like Toby Faletau, Alex Cuthbert and young captain, Sam Warburton will all become very familiar names over the course of the 6 Nations.

Six Nations Player to watch: George North

6 Nations IrelandIreland will still be hurting from that Rugby World Cup defeat to Wales and will want to set things straight. The absence of skipper, Brian O’Driscoll gives a great opportunity for a fresh combination in the midfield for this Six Nations. Fergus McFadden will wear the 13 jersey against Wales. McFadden is well capable, but has some big rugby boots to fill!

Six Nations Player to watch: Stephen Ferris

6 Nations ScotlandScotland appear to have been a team in transition over the recent seasons and I am expecting big things from them in the near future. Scotland’s record points scorer, Chris Patterson retired after the Rugby World Cup. His presence will be missed but Scotland have a dynamic and exciting team for this years Six Nations. Hooker, Ross Ford takes over captaincy. Expect a big upset…

Six Nations Player to watch: James Hamilton

6 Nations ItalyItaly will continue to improve in the Six Nations. Their historic win over France last year will give them renewed belief in this year’s tournament. Teams always know that they face a very tough battle against Italy. Let’s hope new Coach Jacques Brunel can build on the great work of departed Coach Nick Mallett.

Six Nations Player to watch: Martin Castrogiovanni

New look England Team in the 6 Nations

 

6 Nations EnglandThe rugby world are watching England very closely. The World Cup and all the antics that went with it are in the past. For better or worse, the majority of the management, the captain and some familiar faces have been replaced. England start with a clean slate for the Six Nations and must be allowed time to gel as a squad. World Cup 2015 will be held in England and the 4 year building cycle has already begun.

I am excited to see the new look England…

Six Nations Player to watch: Chris Robshaw

Watch Six Nations  action on LineoutCoach

Six Nations Fixtures 

4th February France v Italy Stade de France
4th February Scotland v England Murrayfield
5th February Ireland v Wales Aviva Stadium, Dublin
11th February France v Ireland Stade de France
11th February Italy v England Stadio Flaminio
12th February Wales v Scotland Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
25th February England v Wales Twickenham, London
25th February Ireland v Italy Aviva Stadium, Dublin
26th February Scotland v France Murrayfield
10th March Ireland v Scotland Aviva Stadium, Dublin
10th March Wales v Italy Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
11th March France v England Stade de France
17th March England v Ireland Twickenham, London
17th March Italy v Scotland Stadio Flaminio
17th March Wales v France Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

 Six Nations action gets underway. Looking forward to a classic.


Gavin Hickie LineoutCoach

Gavin Hickie, The LineoutCoach, is a former Ireland, Leinster and Leicester rugby player now based in California and taking rugby to the USA. He writes for RugbyMag.com and other publications when not coaching for Belmont Shore and blogging on lineoutcoach.com

 

“Only in America” – Bowlingatvincent.com

x

The first LineoutCoach guest blog is from bowlingatvincent.com who takes a look at rugby as an emerging sport in the US. The professional contracts announced in November look set to take the 7’s game to another level but can 15’s keep up? Continue reading→

Heineken Cup Results – More Surprises in Round 2

Heineken Cup logo 1

The 2011/12 Heineken Cup is up and running. The main surprises to date have been Northampton’s disappointing form in the competition as well as Ronan O’Gara’s incredible match winning drop goals!

Due to the layout of the competition, teams will play against each other twice over the next two weeks. This always promises to be a season defining period for many of the competing teams.

Lineout Coach  picks from Round 2

 

 

Castres Olympique 24 27 Munster

Unbelievably, Munster’s fly half, Ronan O’Gara scored another last minute drop goal to win the game for his side. Munster are looking dangerous and with O’Gara’s current form, I expect them to beat the Scarlets. Unfortunate news about the injury to Munster winger, Doug Howlett broke this week. Howlett will miss the rest of the season, but this gives the exciting Simon Zebo a chance to shine.

 

 

 

Gloucester 9 – 28 Harlequins 

‘Quins are on fire this season. I have huge respect for Harlequins after the club endured a tough few years. Connor O’Shea deserves a lot of credit for the turnaround in Harlequins’ fortunes but so too do the players. The ‘Quins squad are a tight bunch of guys and the news of winger Ugo Moyne signing a new contract this week, will have given the whole club a boost. Harlequins sit top of the Aviva Premiership with 10 wins out of 10. Huge challenge awaits them over the next 2 weeks as theyface the mighty Toulouse.

 

Heineken Cup Results – Round 2

 

Pool 1  Castres Olympique 24 – 27   Munster

Northampton Saints 23 – 28   Scarlets

Pool 2  

Cardiff Blues  24 – 18   London Irish

Edinburgh  48 – 47   Racing Métro 92

Pool 3  

Leinster  38 – 13   Glasgow Warriors

Bath 16 – 13   Montpellier

Pool 4  ASM Clermont Auvergne  54 – 3 Aironi

Leicester Tigers  20 – 9 Ulster

Pool 5  

Benetton Treviso 26 – 26   Ospreys

Biarritz  15 – 10   Saracens

Pool 6  

Gloucester Rugby 9 – 28     Harlequins

Connacht 10 – 36   Toulouse

Heineken Cup Team Logos

Still time to enter the LineoutCoach  Heineken Cup Competition – get Tweeting!

 

Heineken Cup Fixtures

 

Friday, 9 December 2011

Cardiff Blues v Edinburgh, Pool 2, 20:00

Harlequins v Toulouse, Pool 6, 20:00

Ulster v Aironi, Pool 4, 19:30

 

Saturday, 10 December 2011

Castres v Northampton, Pool 1, 13:30

Connacht v Gloucester, Pool 6, 13:30

Racing Metro 92 v London Irish, Pool 2, 15:40

Saracens v Ospreys, Pool 5, 18:00

Scarlets v Munster, Pool 1, 15:40

Treviso v Biarritz, Pool 5, 13:30

 

Sunday, 11 December 2011

Bath v Leinster, Pool 3, 12:45

Clermont Auvergne v Leicester, Pool 4, 15:00

Glasgow v Montpellier, Pool 3, 12:45

 

Friday, 16 December 2011

Biarritz v Treviso, Pool 5, 20:00

Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues, Pool 2, 20:00

Ospreys v Saracens, Pool 5, 20:00

 

Saturday, 17 December 2011

Aironi v Ulster, Pool 4, 13:30

Gloucester v Connacht, Pool 6, 15:40

Leicester v Clermont Auvergne, Pool 4, 13:30

Leinster v Bath, Pool 3, 18:00

London Irish v Racing Metro 92, Pool 2, 15:00

Montpellier v Glasgow, Pool 3, 15:40

 

Sunday, 18 December 2011

Munster v Scarlets, Pool 1, 12:45

Northampton v Castres, Pool 1, 15:00

Toulouse v Harlequins, Pool 6, 15:00

 

Heineken Cup

Who will lift the Cup in 2012?

 

Saturday, 14 January 2012

Aironi v Clermont Auvergne, Pool 4

Glasgow v Leinster, Pool 3

Harlequins v Gloucester, Pool 6

London Irish v Cardiff Blues, Pool 2

Montpellier v Bath, Pool 3

Munster v Castres, Pool 1

Ospreys v Treviso, Pool 5

Racing Metro 92 v Edinburgh, Pool 2

Saracens v Biarritz, Pool 5

Scarlets v Northampton, Pool 1

Toulouse v Connacht, Pool 6

Ulster v Leicester, Pool 4

 

Saturday, 21 January 2012

Bath v Glasgow, Pool 3

Biarritz v Ospreys, Pool 5

Cardiff Blues v Racing Metro 92, Pool 2

Castres v Scarlets, Pool 1

Clermont Auvergne v Ulster, Pool 4

Connacht v Harlequins, Pool 6

Edinburgh v London Irish, Pool 2

Gloucester v Toulouse, Pool 6

Leicester v Aironi, Pool 4

Leinster v Montpellier, Pool 3

Northampton v Munster, Pool 1

Treviso v Saracens, Pool 5

 

Gavin Hickie LineoutCoach

Gavin Hickie, The LineoutCoach, is a former Ireland, Leinster and Leciester rugby player now based in California and taking rugby to the USA. He writes for RugbyMag.com and other publications when not coaching for Belmont Shore and blogging on lineoutcoach.com

Rugby World Cup: Ireland V Wales Preview

Rugby World Cup Preview with Lineout Coach

A short video on the upcoming Ireland V Wales Rugby World Cup Quarter Final: Ahead of the Celtic clash of two of the Six Nations teams Gavin Hickie looks at the teams and the tactics we can expect. 

 

Rugby World Cup 2011 logoRugby World Cup

Follow it all on Lineout Coach

 

Gavin Hickie LineoutCoach USA Rugby Technical CoachGavin Hickie, USA Rugby U20s Forwards Coach, is a former Ireland, Leinster and Leicester rugby player now based in California and taking rugby to the USA. He writes for RugbyMag.com and other publications when not coaching for Belmont Shore and blogging on lineoutcoach.com about the Rugby World Cup #busy

Exclusive Interview With Denis Hickie Part I

Denis Hickie – Ireland’s preparations and the World Cup atmosphere.

Denis Hickie in action for Ireland in the Rugby World Cup 2007

Denis Hickie in action for Ireland in the Rugby World Cup 2007

The Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off in two days. All of the participating teams have arrived in New Zealand and are eagerly awaiting commencement of battle. Thousands of rugby fans Continue reading→

Writing for Rugbymag.com…

Coaching: Getting Started
Former professional Gavin Hickie opens his series of columns with a little background.

How it all could have been so different if it were not for a few crucial decisions.  A primitive and very violent version of rugby football was played in Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Dartmouth as far back as the 1840’s.  The sport grew rapidly within East Coast universities. However, public opinion turned against rugby due to its loose rules and mob like chaos. In 1861 Yale banned the sport for being too violent. A year later, Harvard followed suit. The United States was in the process of establishing it’s own identity at this time also. There was a conscious decision to move away from all things British. So, American Football grew out of rugby and the country’s youth were steered away from the British sport that was rugby….

For the rest of this interview and lots of in depth rugby news, visit www.rugbymag.com

England Hand Ireland 4th Straight Defeat

Hardly A Friendly Between Ireland and England

England are celebrating the discovery of a new centre partnership, a first win on Irish soil in 8 years and a big boost in confidence. In stark contrast, Ireland, will be without David Wallace for the world cup, have lost all 4 warm up games and, most worryingly, are not currently playing to their potential. The Irish players and management argue that the world cup has not started yet and that the recent results are somewhat irrelevant. As true as that is, momentum is vital. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately so is losing. England will start the world cup looking to build on their 2 game winning streak. Ireland will be desperate to get back to winning when they kick off their campaign against the United States Eagles on September 11th.

 

England boast a formidable world cup track record. Out of the six world cup tournaments ever held, the all whites have featured in three finals including 2003 which saw them win the famous Webb Ellis trophy. In Pool B, along with Georgia, Argentina, Scotland and Romania, England are favorites to top their pool and advance to the quarter finals. Yesterday’s performance against Ireland has given the former world champions  a number of reasons to feel optimistic as they board the plane to New Zealand.

 

It is a little early to over hype the centre partnership of Tindall and Tuilagi. Both men played well yesterday and looked like they could potentially form a dangerous partnership, but it was their first game together. On one of Jonny Wilkinson’s quieter days, Tindall became the maestro of the England backline. He pulled Irish defenders this way and that, created space for his teammates, provided a deft chip kick for Armitage’s try and defended gallantly throughout. This will be Mike Tindall’s last world cup. As one of the elder statesmen in the English squad and with plenty of international test experience, Tindall will play a huge role in England’s fortunes at the tournament. He may yet prove to be a perfect mentor for his young centre partner, and that could have devastating effects.

 

Most of the talk has been about the rising star, Manu Tuilagi. Manu is one of six Tuilagi brothers all to have represented Leicester Tigers but the first to represent England. While at Leicester Tigers I played alongside Henry and Alex Tuilagi. These men are forces of nature. They boast incredible physical attributes including strength, power and speed. So much so that Henry would have to take it “easy” on his teammates at training for fear of causing serious injury. That was three years ago but I remember the word around Leicester’s training ground at Oadby was, “wait until you see their younger brother”. Manu Tuilagi has arrived and will make a big impact at the world cup. Like his brothers, Manu is the real deal.

 

Somewhat overlooked is the fact that England beat Ireland on Irish soil for the first time in 8 years. This gives the whole English squad a massive psychological boost. The players will take a lot of confidence from the victory and Martin Johnson could not ask for better timing. Last year England looked set for a Grand Slam 6 Nations only to be thwarted by an impressive Irish display. The defeat left them crushed and soul searching. Mike Tindall, in his post match comments made reference to the “hurt” of last year’s defeat against Ireland but also to their collective willingness to put that right. England were a lot more hungry for a victory than Ireland yesterday and that was down to the team’s desire to work very hard for each other. This bodes well for their campaign. England kick off their world cup tournament against Argentina.

 

In the month of August, Ireland have slipped from fourth to eight place (a record low) in the I.R.B. rankings. In the same month Ireland have suffered four straight defeats. Included is the fact that Ireland have surrendered a proud a home record against the English. These are not good world cup preparations and Ireland’s fortunes need to drastically change soon.

 

Ireland coach, Declan Kidney will draw on whatever positives he can from the yesterday’s defeat. The Irish set pieces performed well for the most part. Flannery’s lineout throwing was accurate and repeatedly reached his target. The Irish scrum help up for the most part too. These are very important facets to get right as scrums and lineouts provide the backs with the ball. On top of this, there were a couple of notable Irish performances. Geordan Murphy stood out in both attack and defence. The Leicester Tigers man showed tremendous composure as he went it to tackle Tigers teammate, Manu Tuilagi and stop a certain try. Murphy has surely been in the exact same situation on numerous instances at training for his club. He waited until Tuilagi extended his powerful hand off, Murphy then pushed Tuilagi’s arm out of the way, allowing him to make a clean tackle. This action was done in a split second but saved a try. Moments later, Geordan Murphy won Ireland a penalty and subsequent 3 points when he got shoulder charged by England’s Courtney Lawes.

 

Paul O’Connell also had a very big game. This does not tell us much going into a world cup though. The rugby community knows what a phenomenal rugby player O’Connell is. He is the heartbeat of the Irish team and has been for many years. He leads the Irish pack and calls the lineouts. His presence on the team instill confidence in his teammates. O’Connell’s toughest challenge is to ensure his teammates live up to his high standards.

 

On the negative side, Ireland may be very fortunate that they face the United States in their opening game of the world cup. No disrespect intended whatsoever as the United States, coached by former Irish coach, Eddie O’Sullivan, will take great heart in the recent Irish performances. However, Ireland will still be expected to beat the Eagles, who are themselves on a losing streak of two losses to Canada. If the first game for Ireland was against Australia or even Italy, there may be more room for concern. Teams should get better by each game and momentum matters in the world cup. Having said that, Ireland face newly crowned Tri Nations Champions, Australia in their second game.

 

Against England, Ireland were physically dominated at the rucks and breakdowns. The ball was slow to come out and facing  England’s rushing defence yesterday, Ireland seemed bereft of ideas in attack and only once in the whole game did the Irish manage to pass the ball along their entire backline. Like the previous week, the backs’ passing was too lateral and nothing came of the attempted attack.

 

The biggest negative for Ireland yesterday was the loss of flanker David Wallace. Wallace has played a key role in Ireland’s and Munster’s successes over the years. He is a complete No.7 who offers just as much in attack as he does in defence. Wallace has suffered countless injuries and setbacks but somehow always managed to come back from injury a better player. This would have been the 35 year old’s last world cup and he was destined to make a big impact. Very sadly it is not to be. Wallace is not a man for histrionics and looked in considerable pain when his studs got caught in the grass and his knee gave way. He is a huge loss for Ireland and I wish him well for a very speedy recovery. Injuries are without doubt the worst enemy of any sports person.

 

Every single sports person in the world needs luck. Wallace’s heartbreaking injury provides another player not included in Kidney’s original plans to get into the Irish squad. One assumes that selection has to be Shane Jennings. Ireland need a proper openside flanker on the team. Wallace was the only out and out 7 in the squad. It would be too risky to have Sean O’Brien at openside. O’Brien needs to be in the team but his bullocking runs are nullified when he plays at 7 as he has to work a lot harder in defence then he would do at blindside flanker. Openside flankers have a lot of work to do in defence. From lineouts they must stay on the inside of the outhalf and stop any attacks down that channel. From scrums, they should be the first man making the tackle or competing for the ball at the ensuing ruck. Shane Jennings fits this role to a tee. He can be seen constantly conferring with outhalf, Sexton on attack and defence for Leinster and Ireland. He communicates well and rarely does he miss a tackle. His introduction at half time in the Heineken Cup saw Leinster overturn a 16 point deficit and become eventual winners. Jennings is a very intelligent rugby player and along with Leo Cullen has strengthened the mettle of Leinster rugby since their arrival home from Leicester Tigers.

 

Ireland depart for New Zealand on Tuesday.

 

 

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Ireland Will Be Hoping To Put The ’07 World Cup Behind Them

PROPS

Cian Healy – One of Ireland’s most dynamic and strongest props. Expect a big world cup from Healy.

Mike Ross – Enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top. Very dependable and solid last year. Made the tight head position his own. Big challenge but undoubtedly up to it.

Tom Court – Big opportunity for the prop as he will get game time in New Zealand. Relatively untested but that will change soon.

Tony Buckley – The former Newbridge second row will be looking to have a big impact at the world cup. Only 4 props travelling means they will all get plenty of opportunities.

 

HOOKERS

Jerry Flannery – Just back from injury but will probably be Ireland’s first choice hooker. Flannery’s last world cup, expect it to be his best if he can stay clear of injury.

Rory Best – Will be pushing Flannery for starting hooker. An impressive throwing display against France last week will have his confidence high. A leader within the team.

Sean Cronin – Would Kidney have picked 3 hookers if Flannery had not been injured for so long? Cronin deserves his place but may have limited game time.

 

SECOND ROWS

Paul O’Connell – The leader of the forwards. O’Connell is one of the world’s best second rows and the heartbeat of the Irish pack. Plagued with injury over the past couple of seasons, this will surely be O’Connell’s last world cup. He will give it everything.

Donncha O’Callaghan – Has been very dependable for years and has formed a great partnership with O’Connell for Munster, Ireland and the Lions.

Leo Cullen – The Leinster captain will be hoping he can break up the partnership of O’Connell and O’Callaghan by forcing his way into the Irish second row. Had a fantastic season which saw his Leinster team crowned Heineken Cup Champions.

 

FLANKERS

David Wallace – Needs to prove that his hamstring injury is not severe this Saturday against England. Playing in his final world cup, Wallace has been an incredible servant to Irish rugby. The only out-and-out No. 7 in the Irish squad will have a huge role in New Zealand.

Sean O’Brien – An aggressive, abrasive and dynamic loose forward. This is O’Brien’s first world cup and barring injury will not be his last. Could be a very big star after the world cup!

Donnacha Ryan – The Shannon man’s ability to play second row and offer himself as a lineout target may have proved instrumental in his selection. Will get his chance.

Stephen Ferris – The Ulster man is just back from a lengthy injury but is included in the squad. One of the stars of the 2009 Lions tour, Ferris’ inclusion comes as no surprise. Forms part of an exciting and potentially devastating Irish backrow.

 

NO. 8

Jamie Heaslip – One of Leinster and Ireland’s consistent performers. Heaslip has been outstanding for the past number of seasons and will be instrumental for Ireland at the world cup.

Denis Leamy – Injuries have plagued the Tipperary man but he will be delighted to get the nod. Ireland’s backrow is ultra competitive but Leamy’s ability to cover more than one position could prove important.

 

SCRUM HALF

Eoin Reddan – Reddan enjoyed a very successful season at Leinster and looks to be Ireland’s first choice scrum half for the world cup. Forms a very good partnership with provincial teammate Johnny Sexton.

Isaac Boss – Still has a lot to offer and playing in his native New Zealand will stoke the fire all the more for Boss.

Conor Murray – One of the surprises of the squad. The scrum half has enjoyed a fantastic year. Making his debut for Munster only a few months ago, Murray’s inclusion meant Tomas O’Leary was omitted. A very exciting prospect.

 

OUT HALF

Johnny Sexton – The key for Ireland’s world cup hopes. Sexton will be massively influential in any game he plays in. Undoubtedly now Ireland’s first choice outhalf, expect him to come back as a global rugby star.

Ronan O’Gara – Ireland’s two outhalves compliment each other very well and can be used very effectively by the Irish management. Expect Sexton to start games and O’Gara to close them out. A legend of Irish rugby. This will be ROG’s last world cup.

 

CENTRE

Brian O’Driscoll (Captain) – All good things must come to an end. This will be the captain’s last world cup. A mercurial talent who leads by example every time he plays. Will go down as one of the world’s greatest centres of all time. A privilege to have played on the same team as this rugby legend.

Gordon D’Arcy – Will be hoping to have a big world cup. D’arcy and O’Driscoll have been the spine of the Irish rugby team for close to a decade. His explosive runs as well his ability to stay on his feet should set Ireland on the front foot.

Fergus McFadden – A surprise inclusion? An exciting prospect who can also cover the wing position. McFadden gets the nod ahead of fellow Leinster teammate, Luke Fitzgerald.

Paddy Wallace – Can cover a number of positions and is a goal kicker. Wallace’s inclusion should not come a s a surprise. Will be used as a utility back.

 

WING

Tommy Bowe – Since his omission from the world cup of 2007, Bowe has been in incredible form for the Ospreys and Ireland. The Monaghan man will be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Andrew Trimble – Has been one of the few notable performers during Ireland’s warm up games. The Ulster man has earned his place in the squad and will battle it out with Earls for one of the wing positions. May see him at centre also.

Keith Earls – Will be looking for a big world cup. His explosive runs will hopefully be his trade mark in New Zealand. Will probably be first choice winger along with Bowe.

 

FULL BACK

Rob Kearney – Following his lengthly lay off through injury, the Leinster man has regained form just in time for the world cup. Kearney reminded everyone of his ability during Ireland’s warm up games and will probably be first choice full back.

Geordan Murphy – Finally Geordy is picked! The Leicester Tigers legend has been cruelly struck down with injury on numerous occasions so he knows how Felix Jones feels right now. Murphy had been told he was not included in the squad until Felix Jones’ injury against France. Without doubt Murphy thoroughly deserves his chance.

 

The 30 players listed above will represent Ireland in the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup taking place in New Zealand in just over two weeks. Choosing only 30 players from a much larger pool of top quality players is an unenviable task for any coach. It is often referred to as a “good problem”. It is a problem that all coaches want as opposed to only having a very limited number of players to chose from. All the members of the Irish squad deserve their place on merit, that is without question but what about the players not included in the final Irish rugby squad?

Luke Fitzgerald – The cousin of the Irish captain can feel very disappointed not to be included in Kidney’s plans for the world cup. Fitzgerald has struggled with injury and form since his British & Irish Lions selection 2 years ago ,but has shown signs of coming back to his best. His impressive performance last week against France was unfortunately too little too late for Kidney and the Irish management. Ireland’s loss is Leinster’s gain.

Tomas O’Leary – Along with Fitzgerald, O’Leary’s omission came as the biggest surprise. O’Leary was selected for the 2009 British & Irish Lions but suffered a broken ankle and never made the tour. Ireland coach, Declan Kidney has appeared to favor O’Leary at scrum half over the past few seasons so it makes his exclusion all the more surprising. Although O’Leary’s performance against France may not have done him any favors, it seems as though he already knew that he was not going to the world cup. The players were allegedly informed of their omission by the irish management last Thursday. Was this on O’Leary’s mind during the game against France?

Shane Jennings – Another player who suffered injury at the wrong time. Jennings broke his arm in the Magner’s League Grand Final against Munster last season. He was in a race against time to play a game before the world cup squad was announced. The flanker started against France last Saturday in place of the injured David Wallace but was unable to force his way into the final Irish squad. There seems to be a global shift away from the “fetching” flanker (No. 7 who competes for the ball at rucks). Competing at the break down is Jennings’ forte but Ireland and England have only included one of these “fetchers” in their squads, in Wallace and Moody respectively. Teams are committing less players to the rucks these days and relying on their defence. Thanks to the skill and incredible ability of New Zealand No. 7, Richie McCaw, referees will be looking to penalize players deemed to be slowing the ball at ruck time during the World Cup. The decision to only bring one recognized No. 7 means that Jennings loses out. Very disappointing for the man who’s introduction at half time of the Heineken Cup final saw a massive shift in Leinster’s fortunes.

John Hayes – It is hard not to feel for Ireland’s most capped prop. He has been a stalwart of Munster and Irish rugby for over a decade. I feel that Hayes still had a role to play in the World Cup but the Irish management obviously felt otherwise. It is vital that Ireland have a solid scrum and without doubt Hayes can provide that. Sadly this is a world cup too far for the veteran prop and it remains to be seen if Hayes has played his last game of rugby. An Irish legend.

Peter Stringer – Along with John Hayes, Stringer has been a mainstay in the Irish team for close on a decade. Although never really in contention for this world cup’s selection, the veteran scrum half deserves a special mention for his outstanding contribution to Irish rugby. Stringer and Hayes (along with many others) dragged Irish rugby, kicking and screaming, up to the high standard we now associate with the national team. They have been a credit to Irish rugby and it has been a joy to watch them.

 

The players who did not make the final squad will feel devastated. It is desperately unlucky to miss out when you have come so close. These players will have to put their disappointment behind them and focus on their provincial teams. It is tough, but that is the cut throat nature of professional sport.

The Irish team have played three warm up games and lost three warm up games. Kidney and O’Driscoll were quick to point out that the results were “not important and that the world cup has not kicked off yet”. This is true but Ireland need to get back to winning ways before the competition commences.

The Irish squad has been selected so it is time to get behind the team. Ireland have one more warm up game on Saturday. The opposition: England. This may be just the game Ireland need to get their world cup campaign up and running…

 

 

 

 

 

Ireland 30 Man Rugby World Cup Squad

Rugby World Cup – who will be on the plane for Ireland?

Ireland Rugby LogoIn just a few hours Declan Kidney will announce Ireland’s 30 man Rugby World Cup Squad 2011. Although the last 3 matches would have helped Kidney decide upon one or two players, it is fair to say that the coach has known the bulk of his squad for quite some time. It has been said that the players found out if they were traveling to New Zealand or not last Thursday. That means the players would have known before the Ireland XV v Connacht game. If this is true, it must have been very disappointing for the players who then had to get themselves ready to play a game.

As always, it is very tough on the players who do not make the final Rugby World Cup squad of any nation. It is even tougher on guys who get injured so close to the main event. All eyes will be on Felix Jones’ scan results after he suffered a potentially nasty knee injury.

 

The Rugby World Cup Kicks Off In 18 Days

Here is the squad I believe Declan Kidney will bring to the Rugby World Cup.

15  R. Kearney                  30. K. Earls

14 T. Bowe                        29. A. Trimble

13 B. O’Driscoll                28. F. Jones (Injury Permitting)

12 G. D’Arcy                     27. P. Wallace

11. L. Fitzgerald               26. R. O’Gara

10. J. Sexton                     25. T. O’Leary

 9. E Reddan                     24. C. Murray

 8. J Heaslip                     23. T. Buckley

 7. D. Wallace                   22. T. Court

 6. S. O’Brien                    21. S. Cronin

 5. P. O’Connell               20. R. Best

 4. D. O’Callaghan          19. L. Cullen

 3. M. Ross                       18. K. McLaughlin

 2. J. Flannery                  17. S. Ferris

 1. C. Healy                      16. D. Leamy

Who would be in your Rugby World Cup Squad?


Order your copy of Rugby Revealed

Tweets by @LineoutCoach

Recent Posts

  • 8 Steps to Win the Lineout – 7 The Catch
  • 8 Steps to Win the Lineout – 6 The Lineout Throw
  • 8 Steps to Win the Lineout – 5 Timing
  • 8 Steps to Win the Lineout – No 4 Lifting in the Lineout
  • 8 Steps to Win the Lineout – 3 Jumping in the Lineout
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next

Welcome to LineoutCoach, the website of Gavin Hickie, Rugby Coach for Dartmouth College & USA Rugby.

  • Professional Playing Career
  • Rugby Revealed
  • Dartmouth Rugby
  • USA Rugby
  • Leicester Tigers
  • Leinster Rugby

Reach your rugby potential. If you are a player or coach you'll find advice on all things rugby to help you improve your game.

  • Rugby Rules
  • Rugby Positions
  • Rugby Revealed
  • Rugby Store
  • Rugby Videos
  • Tournaments
  • Read more…
(c) 2015 LineoutCoach Gavin Hickie | Website by GingerMidget.co.uk