Irish Sports
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At full time last weekend I canvassed some opinion amongst people who's opinion I would respect and all made England very marginal favourites, almost entirely based on home advantage. Personally, I am surprised you can back Ireland at 5/6 +6 and that 2/1 will probably be available in the match odds market. Purely on form, I cannot see anything that England can offer than would really worry Ireland. They are a very good side but I think the Irish players have their measure in almost every position and confidence and momentum is firmly with the travelling side. I think they are a good bet to win the game at around 2/1.
Similarly France +3 and Italy -3 both look attractive bets.
Any views on the prices?
Similarly France +3 and Italy -3 both look attractive bets.
Any views on the prices?
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I like Ireland at the prices. Not sure abut the other two games.
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Six Nations – Weekend 2 Review & Early Week 3 Preview
By: Demented Mole Last weekend’s action, or Saturday’s to be more precise, was extremely enjoyable, but then also a little predictable. On Sunday, the French game was a lot tighter than the bookmakers (and the final score line) said it would be, and while they were both in defeat, the Italians have put two consistent performances back to back and both were away from home. Ireland v Wales: Ireland took the game to Wales straight from the off. The scrum nullified itself to a large extent but Ireland controlled the skies, both in terms of the lineout and the respective kicking games. As one hoped, but did not expect to the extent that it did so, Sexton was afforded far more space than he has had in recent games. He is a lovely footballer and we saw the majority of his kicking game over the course of the game. This time was afforded to him by an excellent performance by Conor Murray (amazing what happens when he plays for the team), and a hugely dominant back row. Readers of this blog will have quickly become aware how big a fan of Peter O’ Mahony I am and it was a superb performance he gave on Saturday. I do worry for him however as he leads with his head in everything, and his bravery is eerily similar to No.13 a little further out the field. In the end it was a great team performance from Ireland, every one of the 23 who got time contributed, save for the unfortunate Dan Tuohy who broke his forearm. Mind you it seems Scott Williams dislocated his shoulder off BOD’s chest, so there you go! What of Wales? Alun Wyn Jones is struggling for a 2nd row partner and he seems limited (which he isn’t) when the lineout doesn’t function. Coombs is not International class. Hibbard was the only front row member to perform with merit and the back row were outplayed throughout. Phillips was on edge and clearly frustrated at the time Murray was being granted by his dominant pack. As a result of all that the Welsh back line could never work off go forward ball, and their one and only plan of running hard and straight was nullified by Sexton, D’Arcy and O’ Driscoll mainly. So Ireland march on as one of only 2 teams left undefeated and will approach “HQ” on Saturday week with confidence brimming in both themselves and also their belief in Coach Schmidt’s ability to read games very well, pre-game as well as during. Wales meanwhile are back to the drawing board, or even the mirror, to take a good look at themselves. There is undoubtedly some Lions fatigue affecting them as well as previously mentioned off field problems, but also their game plan does not work unless all men are at peak of their powers. The 2 week break is probably more important to them than any other team in the competition and I see them getting a sufficient amount of band aids on the situation to give it a right crack on Friday week. England v Scotland: England did all that could be expected of them against the Scots. On what was a disgrace of a pitch, weather or no weather, it was very difficult to play any sort of game. However they adapted to the conditions and nullified any threat from an early stage. There is not an awful lot to say other than England did no more than they were entitled to, or expected to after their near miss against France. I disagree with some pundits who have them as the best team in the tournament thus far. I also had to chuckle at the some of the words used to describe England’s defeat of Scotland, which it would seem was more impressive than Ireland’s defeat of Scotland a week earlier. Not to these eyes. For those familiar with National Hunt racing I would class the upcoming battle at Twickenham as the meeting of 2 promising novices for the first time after they have won their respective “winners of one”. Each side will be extremely wiser after the event. Next up for the Scots is a trip to Italy and they travel as underdogs. I think we will see for once and for all what heart there is in this current side, and also if there is any belief or buy in to Scott Johnson’s regime. With each passing week, Vern Cotter’s impression of his task at hand must be getting more and more daunting. I am unlikely to be playing in this particular game. I do expect the Italians to win, but the one thing I can predict is that a game between 2 unpredictable sides will not go the way I want it to. France: Lastly, Les Bleus. They were unimpressive against a much improved Italy but had plenty in the tank. I believe Wales will up their game significantly on Friday week and really put it up to them. God knows they will have to. France will travel away from home for the 1st time in this year’s tournament and I believe will have to produce a far greater performance than either of their two to date in order to emerge victorious. But they are capable of doing so and have an outstanding Back 3, while the loss of Dusaitor has not yet been noticed. Wales will be without Scott Williams but this should be negated by the return of Jonathan Davies. Week 3: Week 3 promises much and is a cracking round of matches. Ireland travel to London in the knowledge that a victory will grant them a Triple Crown and realistic shots at both the Championship and Grand Slam. England will want to prove they are what the British media say they are, the best team in the Championship. It promises to be a belter and a great atmosphere. I am however surprised to see that early lines indicate England as 5 point favourites. Ireland have an excellent recent record in Twickenham, have significantly more experience which is complemented by fresh blood, have a group of players hugely energised by new management and leadership and, significantly, have momentum and confidence. I fancy Ireland to emerge victorious come 6pm on Saturday week and while I do not like backing sides pre-team selection, regardless of what direction the line goes in, I think this must be taken even at this early stage. My gut is that it will be closer to Ireland + 2.5 come kick off. Advice – 2 points win Ireland +5 at 10/11 with Stan James and Coral |
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Ireland on the handicap for me too. Not much penetration in the backs, but we do everything else that bit better than the English and we will likely have a better game plan given we have a better coach. We're a bit of value on the cap and in the outright but I'll play it safe with the former. I can foresee a Farrell collapse from the tee for some reason.
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http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/feb/16/dan-cole-england-six-nations-ireland
gonnat be over there next week, stupid qst but anyone know where i can get lucky with tickets? |
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wales did ireland a favour tonight beating france.just hope we can get a result tomorrow, it would be nice to see BOD finish with a 6 nations win.
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Any views on the Italy v Scotland game?
I rarely have a punt on rugby but I am tempted by the 1.64 on here on Italy. The morale in the Scottish camp looks to be shocking (not playing for the coach imo)hihlighted by their "surrender" kick to touch against England at 80 minutes. |
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#highlighted
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Surely tonight's Welsh victory will force Ireland's price to contract.
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SJ were 7/4 Ireland this evening . Closed my account though , so cant avail of that . How badly organised a team are France , they look like they have never met each other , collateral form gives Ireland a great chance tomorrow .
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Hemmingway can't tip a wheelbarrow.
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why is that ?..seems a well made point?
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Similarly France +3 and Italy -3 both look attractive bets.
I has my lot on because of that, need another credit union top up |
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Six Nations – Weekend 3 – Updated Preview
By: Demented Mole (22nd Feb at 9:30am) There are games that pique ones interest a little more than normal and then there is events taking place at Twickenham today. Living in London the atmosphere has been building all week and judging from the streets in W1 last night I can confirm that the Irish have travelled in their droves. What about the game in hand? Team selections by both coaches have been pretty consistent, injuries aside. Lancaster has had to deal with the huge loss of Dan Cole and has plumped for David Wilson, who does not have match fitness on his side. The exciting George Ford has been added to the bench. Ireland are unchanged with the addition of Iain Henderson and Jordi Murphy to the bench at the expense of the injured Dan Tuohy and Tommy O Donnell, who has apparently gone back to Munster for game time. The last time Ireland came to HQ it was an embarrassment for them. The scrum went to pieces, the Red Rose got their gander up and the Chariots galloped all over the men in Green. So what is different? Why will, in my strong opinion, that not happen again? I am not going to repeat my previous posts re Joe Schmidt, suffice to say that Ireland are now a far more savvy team on the sideline. Ireland are also going to HQ with, and don’t fall off your chair here, a pack and a scrum that could do damage to England. The loss of Dan Cole is huge to England, Wilson is not match fit and he will need to produce a strong hour before the excellent Henry Thomas enters the fray. I have a strong sense Cian Healy will have a big game both in the tight and the loose and I think the scrum will be an enthralling battle, and one that Ireland will just about shade. There is a lot of talk about Courtney Lawes, and has been for a few years, he is improving and using himself more effectively, but until he can produce it against an O’Connell for 80 minutes, this is also an area where Ireland can gain an advantage, in tight and in the line out. The English back line has some great individual game breakers, namely Care at 9 and the back three. The problem with that is that Farrell, and Twelvetrees in particular, are in between them!! Burrell had a perfectly satisfactory start to his international career but centre is an area I think Ireland will come out on top. If given fast ball and used wisely, or from broken play, this English back three could enjoy some luck. If, as I think they will, Ireland get parity at worst at the set piece, they will win this game. A lot of the Irish game plan is off first phase ball and while the coach is new, the key playmakers have experience of his style and the others seem to have embraced this. Sexton is showing his full array of talents in the 6N so far. A lot of this is down to the platform his pack have afforded him and Murray playing his best rugby for a couple of years. The key battles as I see them are - the scrum where I think Ireland will gain an upper hand mainly due to the loss of Cole, the line out where the Irish unit has been operating very well and using their maul to huge effect. Best is probably a better thrower than Hartley, the battle of the 9′s could be the contest of the day. Murray and Care are on top of their game and they could hold the key to their teams fortunes. They, for me, are the 3 areas. I highlighted the Irish kicking game against Wales 2 weeks ago and if Ireland execute it today as well as they did against Wales they will win. Mike Brown aside, I have far more faith in the Irish back three under the high ball, and also positionally. So when all is said and done what should a fan expect to see. An arm wrestle? Yes. A sin bin or two? Probably. The significant amount of experience in Ireland’s favour to be crucial? Certainly. The most open free flowing game? I doubt it but I think there will be opportunities for both sides to run the ball given the upturn in the weather. I put Ireland up immediately after the Welsh game +5 for 1pt. I am recommending them again even though the handicap has come in by 1 pioint generally. If you can bet with Stan James, they are still +5 about Ireland however. It is always important to take the best odds that are available and this +5 must be secured, as while I do not see a 4 point England win, it is a scoreline that can appear quite often, given the converted try v penalty scenario and we will be on the right side of this if England do secure this margin of victory. |
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I keep asking myself why are England such a short price . Is it media hype ? Cole a big loss to them apparently , any views I have are based on my observation of Ireland , England scraped in against a French team who demonstrated nothing last night . Ireland have played well last 2 matches , look settled , particularly at half back where we are as good as we have been for 10 years or more .
An even break up front and Ireland should be the short price . Not long to go ! Stoke up the fire and get the slippers on ! And a few cans for those who imbibe . |
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Slippers
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I know im a patriotic boll*x, but I cant for the life of me get my head around the betting for todays match. Biggest bet for quite awhile on Ireland at 13-8, with another healthy stab at Ireland +5 at 10-11.
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Nice bit of luck there
,i nearly threw a slipper at de telly. |
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Kicking from hand has been shocking
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Irish scrum not looking coherent . And the inability to score when we were upfield may tell at the death . Just hope we have enough innate footballing skill to turn it around . Otherwise the slippers will be thrown at the telly !
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ya beaut!!
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UP OU DAT, lovely try, next score might do it hopefully.
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Worst game i av ever seen Johnny Sexton have - he was stinking
Deserved win for England |
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Sexton was poor for him . England just about deserved to win . Slippers survived ( just ) . Good game for the neutrals , too tense for the rest of us !
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great second half, ireland done themselves proud and could of went either way.
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Sexton is not playing at a fast enough pace in France for this level. Never was Ronan O'Gara missed so much. Ireland left that behind them today (how many effing times have we said that before about the Irish Rugby team)
A sickener |
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Backed them myself Lustrumm , and have to agree , points left behind ...
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ROG missed
 I've heard everything now. |
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Tune into the sigerson cup final on tg4 to ye hear a real national anthem.....
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Jordanstown finally getting some scores.
So much possession and so many chances wasted. Donnelly has been dire. |
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An embarrassing performance by jordanstown
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Saxton looked lost when we needed him to do the simple thinks right.
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Sexton's problem is that he is a good player with delusions of genius. Come post match analysis, deserves to have coach and team mates go through him in respect of 3 or 4 issues in second half (obliquely referred to by Nugent during match and completely missed / ignored by the panel afterwards).
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The fact that the English full back was MOM was partly due to our lads kicking the ball regularly to him . The whole point about a kicking game is to gain ground , and when it is not working you either change the kickers or the target or the strategy . Sexton will get most of the blame , but part of the problem is that neither of our centres have the cutting edge to trouble the opposition , Father Time having caught up with them . But there are not a lot of options in the locker room in that regard .
So if your back line is not making progress the out half is forced into using kicking options . None of the Irish subs added anything to the game when they came on , our best 15 started therefore , dont see us getting any better unless Ferris , Zebo and O'Brien come back from injury , at least that would give us more options . Overall England played better than we did , they would have been unlucky losers if we had sneaked something towards the end . |
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A threequarter line as follows could do a lot of damage under Schmidt next season;
11. Zebo 12. Marshall 13. Payne 14. Bowe 15. Kearney The future looks quite rosy. |
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ozy.....when they hit the world cup.....you will see the future for irish rugby.......the world cup knock out is when all the teams give 100%.....and its when the likes of England France and Wales will make Shhiite of Ireland.....along with the southern hemisphere teams.....so ok maybe they will beat Tonga and Canada......that's about it.....there is a compelling argument that we could have 2 sections to the world cup......and that Ireland would be in the second tier.....they'd have a bit of a squeak in that alright......
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Have to agree with PAulie there. We were exposed as second clsss citizens yesterday with zero pretensions to taking on the top tier. That was a poorish Englsih team yesterday that was there for the taking and if they were still playing we would still not have gotten to the front.
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That is a very strong English team, no doubt about it for me. World class defence, world class set peice and incredible character. Add in Tuilaig, and say Burgess and Ford into theire backline and they are very well positioned for RWC.
And we went toe to toe with them which augurs very well for us. |
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the thing about rugby ozy......is that the six nations is not the be all and end all for England france and wales.....it is for Ireland and they still couldn't win yesterday......if im not mistaken.....Ireland have never even reached a world cup semi final.....and its nigh on impossible not to make the last 8.......
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ozy you would be best keeping quiet about the rugby giving your history of rugger advice on here....
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