the 3 shirt

[againstthehead]

Nigel Brady at tighthead anyone?

Unfortunately he played loosehead at school

[ColinM]

The decision needs to be taken now. Court can do a job there no bother, but as he said himself after England he needs a bit of gametime to get used to it.

So whether its Court, Deccy or Macklin, each one needs at least 100 mins in the next two games as none could possibly be ready.

Personally I would choose Court, and so would many others if it hadnt been for the England game. Lest we forget the Irish pack were beaten before he came on the pitch, and he has held up to better units than Embra in the past at tight.

How we rubbished the IRFU dictat that had him being forced to play there a certain number of games a season. Didnt seem to happen this year and Ireland then Ulster need him there.

[damianmcr]

jacobsen - face injury ? Surely he'll be back in. With a mask on if needs be !

No idea matey. Just seen he was injured.

[CIMANFOREVER]

The decision needs to be taken now. Court can do a job there no bother, but as he said himself after England he needs a bit of gametime to get used to it.

So whether its Court, Deccy or Macklin, each one needs at least 100 mins in the next two games as none could possibly be ready.

Personally I would choose Court, and so would many others if it hadnt been for the England game. Lest we forget the Irish pack were beaten before he came on the pitch, and he has held up to better units than Embra in the past at tight.

How we rubbished the IRFU dictat that had him being forced to play there a certain number of games a season. Didnt seem to happen this year and Ireland then Ulster need him there.

Bit of perspective here- almost every French or English team have virtually 2 front rows covered fully. French especially, regardless of international status, rotate their front rows- look at Clermont, Toulouse, Perpignan etc.. The big Aviva sides like Leicester and N/Hampton do the same. So should we. We're floggin JA to sweat IRFU's assets ffs.

Going forward, we need either Mackers or Fitzy with regular gametime and rotation, even against "lesser" Rabo sides for match fitness and experience. Our prop managmeent is sh*te imo. Ironically, I believe we have real potential at both L/H and T/H with Paddy, Callum and Mackers- better than the other 3 provinces for IQ props coming through.

[Dave]

Apparently McGlocks is resting Ireland players and others who are still fatigued from Sunday. Tom Court looked absolutely fecked after the win and I'd say that would maybe put him out of contention for Connacht, though obviously with Afoa's ban that might change matters. At this stage looking likely that Macklin or Deccie Fitz will be starting. Personally I'd go for a Deccie to start with Macklin to come on approach, but I think there remains question marks over Deccie's fitness.

[BuckRogers]

Court was probably more fecked from not having had to put in an 80-minute shift at that instensity in since the Tigers game. He got FA game-time in the 6N and two matches isn't really enough to get anyone up to speed IMO. I'd expect Court to play.

[Nightsoil]

How about Macklin starting against Connacht, Court on the bench to come on for him, and Fitzpatrick getting 80 minutes of AIL and seeing how he holds up? It makes sense to me at least...

[breakdown]

Fitzpatrick would need more than 80 minutes of AIL...

[Rooster]

Simple choice, it is either Macklin or Court, I would chance Macklin then if needed shift Court across and bring on Big Mac.

[dublane]

for me the best option is Court and McCallister at prop, been impressed with paddy when he's played this season.

[CIMANFOREVER]

for me the best option is Court and McCallister at prop, been impressed with paddy when he's played this season.

Not that easy with two loosies Dublane. If it was a game with no scrums, I'd agree...

[againstthehead]

As mentioned above, Court needs some gametime at tighthead. Maybe the last 20 mins v Connacht and start next week?

[John_e_boy]

well how about 60 minutes for Court at TH against Connacht!

[Ithryn]

Fitz is fit, but due to neck injury not been doing much scrum work id say until recently. Needs a game in AIL this weekend, then 40 mins next week and see.

[Lurgan Lad]

for me the best option is Court and McCallister at prop, been impressed with paddy when he's played this season.

Haven't been as impressed with Paddy as I would have hoped this year to be honest. Don't think he has great hands knocking one here and there, although at times he defence at the sides of rucks has been very good. He has great potential just hoped he would have been further on this year.