2012 Six Nations: Ireland Team to Face France

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: February 29, 2012

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Declan Kidney has named an unchanged starting 15 and bench to face the French in the Stade de France this Sunday.

Obviously, this is no surprise as Ireland dominated last Saturday's match against the Italians from start to finish.

As usual, there were some doubts over the fitness of players who had picked up knocks, with Rob Kearney (groin), Gordon D'Arcy (shoulder), Sean O'Brien (ankle) and Cian Healy (Jaw) all injury doubts. But luckily enough for Kidney, all are fit play and be included in Sunday's encounter.

Although before the team was announced there were question marks over whether Conor Murray, Sean O'Brien and Donncha O'Callaghan would all start, due to other players who seemed to perform better when they came on for them.

When Eoin Reddan came on for Murray last Saturday he showed urgency in the Irish attack, a trait which the Munster man lacked in the match.

But the physicality and defense that Murray brings is something that just can't be dismissed when facing France; Reddan is not as physical as him and also lacks the strength and creativity that Murray brings.

Eyebrows have also been raised regrding whether Donncha O'Callaghan should start over Donnacha Ryan, who at the minute is looking far more influential than his Munster team mate. Ryan has already taken O'Callaghan's position at club level for Munster.

It is common knowledge that Sean O'Brien is not a natural openside flanker, and that is showing in his performances.

O'Brien is a brute, and is a born and bred ball carrier, doing so to devastating effect, but his opportunities in recent matches to do so are minimal due to playing out of position.

He should be playing on the blindside or at eight, where the opportunities to carry more ball are available. Since he is not a natural seven he doesn't have the mind of one which has a direct negative impact on the whole teams performance.

That is ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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