Is it time for youth to answer Ireland's call?

When Declan Kidney made the decision to evacuate Paddy Wallace from his holiday on the Algarve to play in the catastrophic 3^rd test against the All Blacks it accurately summed up the ultra conservative coach’s attitude to the young players of Ireland. It confirmed that despite the heroics of the 2^nd test the party had truly travelled more in hope than expectation. The 60 nil drubbing, needs far more reflection than that? The IRFU cannot simply ignore what happened.  It is though, not all hopeless and the Irish U20 team shows that Ireland does still have a pool of talent and real potential available. The problem though will not be one of selection by Kidney rather the harder job of getting the “Big 3” provinces to pick and back these young players, giving them the vital experience necessary to make the step up to international rugby.

The flawed and disappointing regime of Kidney might well come crashing down if the autumn internationals prove a step too far for the current ageing and injury prone Irish squad. The Irish U20’s have shown during the Six Nations and in the recent JWC in South Africa that they are a group of players of genuine capacity and deserve far more consideration from Kidney and his staff. After all they defeated the junior ‘Boks, the only team to do so during the tournament. In Mike Ruddock they have a proven and capable coach who knows international rugby well and is an astute judge of talent. He has over the last two seasons put together teams that are savvy, physically imposing and play with pace and guile. But, how many of those players will be given the chance to play in the RaboPro12 this season or even fortunate enough to get quality game time elswhere?

Ireland have constructed the much heralded National Player Succession Strategy for 2013/14, which ostensibly puts the focus on maturing the young and up and coming talent across the provinces of Ulster, Munster and Lenister. Although the intentions are laudable the provinces will be far more pragmatic about their responsibilities and will find ways of circumventing its good intentions. The reality is that winning matches, trophies and championships is what counts, that is what protects careers and jobs and playing callow youngsters does not sit well with coaches paid to get results.

It is a sad fact that in Ireland excellent young players with talent to burn are consistently overlooked at their provinces, never mind by the national set-up. Darren Cave was overlooked for the jet lagged and obviously unfit Paddy Wallace in Hamilton. Other players that should have been called up like Ian Madigan, Ian Keatley and David Joner must be wondering what they have they have to do to get a fair shake. There’s an innate fear of change in Ireland, just consider the vehemence of the debate over the selection of the fading O’Gara versus the new force Sexton.

Given the tuning the Irish pack was given by the English and All Black packs there is a clear need to bring in new blood, that is belligerent, physical and imposing that will not bow at the knee to anybody. At Lenister there is the massive physical presence of the 19 year old 118 kgs Tahg Furlong. In the JWC ha scrummager superbly and was a force around the field. Yet he will be fourth choice at his province, how will that help his development? How will that help Ireland as they still try to find a genuine long term replacement for Hayes? At Ulster there is the prodigiously talented Iain Anderson who can play at 6 or lock at least with international calls he will get some game time, purely because he can not be ignored. This will give him the chance to learn and develop, others will simply not be that fortunate. Lenister have a superb academy, producing great players yet they still keep buying foreign talent. Against the junior ‘Boks all three members of the physically dominating Irish back row were from Lenister; Conan, Gilsenna and Coghlan could be Ireland’s back row in 2019 but they need to be playing now. But Lenister have so many riches in this area of their squad will they get a game?

But the jewel is JJ Hanaharnan, whose cool drop goal condemned the defeated ‘Boks. He is a Munster player and they know that they have to nurture his exceptional talent yet how will be first choice for Munster this season? It is time for the IRFU to show some leadership and vision here, not bask in Heineken cups won by foreign coaches and stars, and one Grand Slam from such a feted generation of players and realise that unless young Irish talent is given the chance to play on the bigger stages, the humiliation of Hamilton will become the norm. Provinces have to be made to give young players to chance, coaching has to become more enlightened to encourage the development of these players before they are lost to the game.

Consider how old was Brian O’Driscoll when he made his stunning debut? The answer, is that he was 20, and played for Ireland before he played for Lenister. 

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Predictions week 1 RaboPro12 2012/13

Game 1: Treviso vs. Ospreys at Stadio Monigo

No team can take a visit to the Stadio Monigo lightly. At home Treviso is always strong and brings a much cleverer game to the table than is generally understood. Treviso has recruited well and has increased the firepower of their formidable pack. But, Ospreys will travel with confidence and will expect to win. It is a tough start for the champions but after a hard and physical encounter they will narrowly prevail.

Prediction: Ospreys to win by 3 points

Game 2: Connacht vs. Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground

Whatever the weather forecast this is a stormy place to go and play rugby. Connacht have developed into a tough and clever team, this is definitely not a fixture Cardiff would have looked forward to at all. Phil Davies has done very well to shift the black clouds of pessimism that hung over the Arms Park but this is a very stern test for his new team indeed.

Prediction: Connacht to win by 3 or less

Game 3: Edinburgh Rugby vs. Munster at Murrayfield

A severe test for Edinburgh’s league credentials and although Michael Bradley has strengthened the squad, a Munster team absolutely determined to put last season’s disappointments well and truly behind them will be very hard for Edinburgh to handle.

Prediction: Munster to win by 10

Game 4: Newport Gwent Dragons vs. Zebre at Rodney Parade

Put simply Newport simply have to win this game. Zebre, the new Italian franchise, are the ultimate unknown quantity and Newport will seek to put them under pressure from the first whistle, do not let them settle and hope to put them to the sword. Newport should have too much nous and team unity not to defeat the Italians.

Prediction: Newport to win by 10 points

Game 5: Scarlets vs. Lenister at Parc y Scarlets

This match is arguably the game of the weekend and could put down a marker for either side as regards their prospects this season. Lenister are the Heineken cup champions and runners up in the Rabo last season; they bring real pedigree with them. Yet there is sense of vulnerability, as this is the first game of the season and they will be without their big names. Easterby will have been targeting this game since the fixtures were announced and he will make sure that the Scarlet are coming nicely to the boil when they take the field at 6.30 on Saturday. Scarlets have the team to do well this season and they have strengthened the squad in the right places. This will be an exciting pell mell of a game and it will be home advantage that will prove the crucial difference.

Prediction:  Scarlets to win by 3 points

Game 6: Ulster vs. Glasgow Warriors at Ravenhill

The forbidding fortress that is the home of Ulster rugby the intimidating Ravenhill will be full for the visitors from across the water and they will be accorded the traditional hostile welcome. After last season’s heroics Glasgow will not be underestimated, they are tough, nuggety side and Ulster will not be able to easily put them away. But in the last twenty minutes the Ulster pack will have built up a head of steam and that is when the Ravenhill faithful will be repaid for their support.

Prediction: Ulster to win by 10

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Preview Welsh teams Rabo Pro12 2012/13

Team: Cardiff Blues

Director of Rugby: Phil Davies

Ground: Cardiff Arms Park, Westgate Street, Cardiff

Key Players in:

Lou Reed (Scarlets), Benoit Borrust (Perpignan), Andi Kyriacou (Ulster), Jason Tovey (Newport Gwent Dragons), Campese Ma'afu (West Harbour Pirates), Robin Copeland (Rotherham Titans), Rob Lewis (London Welsh),

Key Players out:

Richie Rees (Edinburgh), John Yapp (Edinburgh), Rhys Thomas (Wasps), Dan Parks (Connacht), Casey Laulala (Munster), Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Xavier Rush (retired) Paul Tito (retired), Ma'ama Molitika (TBC), Deiniol Jones (retired), Martyn Williams (retired).

Strengths

After last season’s underachievement there is a palpable sense of positive anticipation emanating from the Blues as the first day of the season approaches. Phil Davies has used his experience of the Celtic and Aviva championships to good effect has come in and brought an order and structure to the club that was so clearly absent last season. Pre-season has gone well, with a much more professional and sports science led approach that should pay dividends this season. Signings have not been of the “Marquee” type, so normal for Cardiff in previous seasons but; show a more considered and constructive approach.  Cardiff will play with a more coherent game-plan this time around and critically now look like they can play for the full eighty minutes. There is in place a very strong backline; Halfpenny, Roberts, Robinson, Lloyd Williams and the clever Jason Tovey will offer threats from all over the pitch. The recruitment of the formidable and huge French prop Borrust and the Scarlets lock Reed will give much needed ballast and strength to the pack. Davies has clearly worked hard to instil a positive team ethos and work ethic and that coupled with the return to the iconic if slightly faded grandeur of the Arms Park will certainly invigorate the team.

Weakness

Will need to deal with the expectation of the fans, the team is rebuilding and will lose games this season and will take time to gel. Tovey will need to play well and crucially stay free from injury as will the troika of Roberts, Warburton and Halfpenny. They have lost two great “Get out of jail” players in Williams and Molitika as well as the supreme gain line breaker Xavier Rush. The pack could well be the team’s Achilles heel, last season they were often bullied and outmanoeuvred and certainly the scrum will be heavily targeted. International call ups could also hurt the team although Davies appears to be anticipating this with the inclusion of the under-rated Hewitt in the senior players group.

Star man

Cardiff has many players to choose from but, the selection of Andries Pretorius as captain, could well make or break their season. Blues director of rugby Phil Davies said: "I think Andries will grow into the role. He's very much a doer at the moment, which is good; he's a very good speaker and very articulate." He is the sort of player that leads by example and thrives on hard work and will not duck any challenge be it on a wet and mucky night in Galway or on the more luxurious fields of France and Cardiff will need that.

Last season

They finished seventh in the Rabo Pro12.

Prediction

Although the Blues can look forward to the season with some optimism there is still a long way to go. The Blues will finish third out of the four of the Welsh regions and 6^th in the Rabo Pro12 championship.

Website: www.cardiffblues.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Cardiff_blues

Facebook: Cardiff Blues

Team: Llanelli Scarlets

Coach: Simon Easterby

Ground: Parc y Scarlets, Pemberton Retail Park

Key Players in:

Gareth Owen (Ospreys), Liam Davies (during season), Viliame Iongi (during season), Ruki Tipuna (Bay of Plenty, during season), Kristian Phillips (Ospreys), George Earle (Cheetahs), Tomás Vallejos (Harlequins), Jake Bell (unattached).

Key Players out:

Stephen Jones (London Wasps), Dominic Day (Bath), Lou Reed (Cardiff Blues), Damian Welch (Exeter), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Sean Lamont (Glasgow), Ruki Tipuna (Bristol, during season), Iestyn Thomas (retired, during season).

Strengths

Last season promised much but ultimately fizzled out into disappointment but that could well prove be a very useful source of motivation for the new coach of the Llanelli Scarlets, Simon Easterby. Scarlets, as always, will be an exciting team to watch and there will certainly be thrill and spills galore at Parc y Scarlets.  But, it remains to be seen if they now possess the maturity and coolness to close out the tough games. On the other hand they have at their disposal a superb backline oozing talent, confidence and serious pace. North, Davies, Scott Williams, Priestland and Knoyle will give opposing coaches sleepless nights and then when you add into the mix the returning mercurial Stoddart and the ridiculously quick Kristian Phillips then Scarlets will be scared of no-one. Facing such formidable resources opponents will try to deny the Scarlets the ball and to that end Easterby has recruited three uncompromising Southern Hemisphere second rows. Importantly all three are young and have signed up for three years Vallejos, Earle and Ball will give the Scarlets pack the core of steel and bulk that was missing last season.

Weakness

The loss of the imposing figure of Ben Morgan could be very significant and the trio of Turnbull, Shingler and McKlusker must now turn athletic promise into consistent ball winning and ground gaining prowess. Ken Owens has to bulk up into the formidable scrummager that Matthew Rees is otherwise; the scrum will be ruthlessly targeted, especially with the retirement of Iestyn Thomas.

Player watch

With so many quality players it is difficult to single one out but, Rhys Priestland will need to rediscover his RWC form and show that he can properly manage games, and get the best out of the outstanding players around him. But, for the Scarlets to thrive they will need their set piece to work consistently well and in Ken Owens they could have the next Welsh and Lions hooker.

Last season: A disappointing fifth.

Prediction: Second out of the four Welsh regions and third in the Rabo Pro12.

Website: www.scarlets.co.uk

Facebook: Scarlets official page

Twitter: Scarlets_rugby on twitter

Team: Ospreys

Head Coach: Steve Tandy

Ground: Liberty stadium, Swansea

Key players in:

Stefan Watermeyer (Blue Bulls, during season), Jonathan Spratt (London Irish).

Key players out:

 Paul James (Bath), Huw Bennett (Lyon), Nikki Walker (Worcester), Shane Williams (Mitsubishi Dynaboars), Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Sonny Parker (London Welsh), James Goode (loan to Newcastle, during season), Tom Prydie (loan to Wasps, during season; Newport Gwent Dragons), Kristian Phillips (Scarlets), Cai Griffiths (London Irish), Gareth Owen (Scarlets).

Strengths

In European and Rabo Pro12 terms the Ospreys have a squad that should be challenging in all competitions. It has a depth and quality that is the envy of many clubs in the competition. But, its greatest attribute now appears to a palpable collective sense of purpose a desire to win trophies and make history. Ospreys skipper Alun Wyn Jones admits they will have to work "harder and smarter" to make history by retaining the Pro12 title. No team has yet successfully defended the competition in any of its guises, including four-times winners the Ospreys. Wales lock Jones said: "We've never really had that great a defence of it off the back of winning it.”I don't know why. If I did we'd have won it every year." The key is here they appear to be setting out their stall to do it. When there was meltdown at the Liberty last season the Ospreys circled the wagons and found the belligerent cohesiveness and united fury to win the championship against the odds. It is that level of intensity that if they repeat it this season will be their greatest asset. They possess the players to do it; Tipuric, AWJ, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Biggar, Rhys Webb, Dirksen and many more. Wherever they play the team will be respected and in many places feared.

Weakness

Despite the gloss of last seasons terrific efforts there is still an air of occasional complacency about the team, exemplified by the home defeat to Glasgow. They can make careless errors, try to play too much rugby in the wrong parts of the field and communication particularly defensively, can break down. The loss of Paul James will be significant; steeped in the Ospreys he was a big player for them. It remains to be seen if Ryan Bevington can fill those big boots. The lineout can be predictable and Hibbard needs to be more disciplined and combine his aggression with proper fitness and self discipline. Despite the holistic threat that the Ospreys appear to exude they still give opportunities for the opposition to attack them and that gives a good side confidence.

Player watch

There are several players in the Ospreys worthy of this consideration; Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Matthew Morgan. But, a player that has the ability to step into the boots of Tommy Bowe rather than Shane Williams, will be vital to the Ospreys season that is Hanno Dirksen. When he was on fire last season he was unstoppable and if he can avoid second season syndrome then the Ospreys will have another great season.

Last season: Champions

Prediction: First of the Welsh regions and the first team to successfully defend the Celtic title.

Team: Newport Gwent Dragons

Coach: Darren Edwards

Ground: Rodney Parade, Newport

Key Players in:

Tonderai Chavhanga, (from Lions, during season), Andy Tuilagi (from Sale, during season), Tom Prydie (Ospreys), Dan Evans (Scarlets), Ian Nimmo (Cornish Pirates), Tim Ryan (Cavalieri Prato).

Key Players out:

Jason Tovey (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Jones (Bristol, during season), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Aled Brew (Biarritz), Martyn Thomas (Gloucester), Tom Willis (retired during season), Scott Morgan (TBC).

Strengths

No club in Wales displays the togetherness of the Dragons. This strength comes from adversity and being the perpetual underdog. When the Dragons play at Rodney Parade they are always a force to be reckoned with using their sense of injustice to its fullest extent. They have an outstanding back row, full of skill, muscle and threat; the signings of Prydie and Evans has added some much needed pace and pedigree to the backs and the pack will always be competitive if prone to indiscipline. Rodney Parade is a real asset, the playing surface is excellent and the redevelopment has not taken away from its unique intimidating atmosphere. No side will relish playing there.

Weakness 

Opposition will target their games against the Dragons; the perceived wisdom is that they are the poorest of the Welsh regions in terms of resources and lumbered with debt. Loss of the totemic players, Brew, Tovey and the immense Charteris could well have ripped the heart out of the team. Critical positions lack quality; Tight Head, second row, scrum half and outside half. They need to win on the road; most teams will have a “W” against this fixture, particularly at home. Darren Edwards and his staff will have to work very hard to change the team’s mindset and create an expectation of winning.

Player watch

Lewis Evans as captain is an outstanding player who has been with the region since he was at school and he will be an inspiring leader, although the loss of his rival Darren Waters to a bad knee injury is a cruel blow. Tom Prydie has the chance to reignite his career and the adage, “Form is temporary, class is permanent” needs to be apt here. If he is able to find the form that so impressed Warren Gatland then he could make the season for the Dragons. But, the player to watch is the 25 year old prop Hugh Gustafson; he possesses the attributes to become an international prop and the time has now come for Hugh to deliver on his potential.

Last season Ninth in the Rabo Pro 12

Prediction

They have an issue of identity. Too many Welsh rugby fans they are simply “Newport”, they do not adequately represent their constituency of the Gwent valleys, ignoring the former powerbases of welsh rugby. They are unloved by the majority of the Welsh rugby public. The losses of Brew and Charteris will be huge and the region’s ability to hold onto Lydiate and Faletau is bound to be sorely tested over the coming months. Last season’s 9^th place in the Rabo Pro12 cannot be repeated. It is perhaps Newport more than any other Welsh region that has the most to fear from the initiative sponsored by the shadow Welsh secretary, Pontypridd MP Owen Smith to create a fan-owned side for the valleys; of course it doesn’t have to be a new region it could simply replace a failing one.

Sadly they could well finish fourth out of the four Welsh regions, and tenth in the Rabo Pro 12

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