Tom Court

[bangorboy]

Just wanted to say that I think Tom has played incredibly well since his return from RWC.

He just seems to be so much more dynamic around the park and his tackling and rucking around the park has increased dramatically.

It's great to see him step up and improve his game

[pip14]

He played well last night. He had the better of Ross in the scrum

[Bart S]

Would agree on big Tom. Work rate has been excellent and scrummaging improved. Even for ireland he was beginning to show some of that (at last) before Twickenham. Have always felt he went into his shell when the green shirt was on and didn't look like he was at ease.

Munster and Connacht were tough games for him and was maybe less visible around the park, but he bounced back well last night.

[ColinM]

Think Ross is finished myself

[againstthehead]

I thought Court was highly impressive at Thomand. I think the England game has given him a kick up the Brennan and he's out to prove a point. Good on him.

[ruckover]

Brilliant player, does so much that we don't see. Easily had the beating of Ross in the Leinster scrum, and would be surprised if Court is still second choice for Ireland behind Ross come the summer tour.

[breakdown]

Ruck you want Court in front of Ross at THP when he couldn't even deal with Connachts second choice LHP?!

[ruckover]

Ruck you want Court in front of Ross at THP when he couldn't even deal with Connachts second choice LHP?!

He only struggled vs Connacht because he was out of position. Back in his usual position last night he was back to his scrummaging best, was by far better than his opposite number and showed why he should be featuring more heavily for Ireland.

[breakdown]

You said he should be ahead of Ross at THP, then said he played out of position against Connacht?
If he plays THP against NZ he will be a penalty machine, considering he will probably be up against one of the best LHPs in the world if he does replace Ross.

He should still be on the bench. He isn't a THP and Healy, lets be honest, is better than him. Maybe not as good a scrummager but he is far more dynamic IMO. As much as I rate the guy he will only be on the bench

[ruckover]

I'm such an idiot! I got the positions the wrong way round, thought Ross was LHP and Healy was THP, my mistake. I now agree with you BD, he should be on the bench, he ain't as good as Healy. My sincere apologies

[breakdown]

Thought you had gone even more crazy for a second then!

[ColinM]

Just possibly if Court and Healy were the same age they might have a more even battle for the shirt. Healy got an allowance for youth for a while which was fair enough, he'll be an ubleievably fearsome prop in a few years

[ruckover]

Thought you had gone even more crazy for a second then!

I don't think that's possible

I still wait for the day they allow two props for international games. Would save Court being played out of position for Ireland and give other players a chance to prove themselves for their country.

[ColinM]

That day is overdue

[ruckover]

Actually, I'm going to be sad and answer my own question because I've just remembered an interview I watched.

They won't introduce the rule because the smaller nations (Namibia, Russia etc.) can't afford to have extra players. I don't know what they need to pay for exactly (probably funding to train them), but that's what it said.