How Many Ireland Players are "World Class"?

[@finnthomas1235]

In my opinion Porter, Furlong, Beirne, Doris, VDF, Sexton, Ringrose and Keenan are world class. Could easily argue a number of others. From a Welsh fan

[@EggchasersRugby]

I'm English and I agree totally...so we've proved this is definitely not partisan. They are a special side

[@CRAiCED.]

Sheehan would be world class too and then I'm fully happy with that list

[@TheKgv1]

Good man Thomas Finn, your list, is my list 🎯🏆💥☘️🏆

[@markc3258]

Dan Sheenan is WC

[@marcmcdonald48]

Sheehan

[@Olivesey]

The wingers Lowe & Hansen have been immense and deserve a shout too. Might not be the most flashy but not sure there is a pair of wingers as effective as them on the world stage atm

[@Tellemore]

Neither one would make a World XV

[@patrickfarrell5092]

Thank you Tim. Yep as an Irish fan I can humbly speak for the majority by saying we're not getting excited about any world cup semifinal but we seem to be building depth unlike the Argentinian game where 5 players missing was the downfall. I'm hoping Ross Byrne will have a good showing on Saturday which might help take the heat away from Sexton. Loving our coaching staff and taking each game as it comes. Thanks again 👏👏

[@EggchasersRugby]

Dare to dream. Cheers Patrick!

[@davidoconnor8224]

Very well said.

[@TheSmithsond]

Agreed! I’m a rugby loony, and can see all the good stuff and WC players on the park for Ireland…but the deeply embedded sense of doom is difficult to shift. The strange paradox of this World Cup - if it actually goes well for Ireland ( meaning just getting past the quarter final! ) is that it is such a difficult draw, which might be seen as somehow favourable. Great videos, happily subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work 🙏🏼

[@tomf1dublin1]

As a rugby nut and could not agree more.

[@wesleyfoley5116]

Well said 🇮🇪

[@neil216]

It’s an incredibly kind analysis of where Ireland are. There’s a tendency when a team is #1 to engage in a degree of hyperbole about the “players” being arguably the best in the world. I’m 56 and Irish rugby has always broken my heart at the RWC. I think one of the things that’s different is that you’ve picked 2 guys who haven’t played and 1 who did 120 minutes before injury. The Italy match showed the weakness at 13 when Ringrose wasn’t there. Your comment on him is very fair. 10 and 13 probably the least depth in the squad though the way McCloskey is playing at 12 I can see Henshaw going back to 13. What I really think doesn’t get enough focus is that the Irish system is finally producing around 60 players competing for a squad and a definite 45 players who if someone was injured the drop off isn’t as big as it was AND the replacement has 30 or so caps AND is comfortable slotting into “his” role within the overall system. On top of that, the systems they use have taken a couple of seasons for everyone to be on the same page. It’s a time to mature thing that I don’t think other teams can replicate in a 6 week pre-RWC camp. Scotland will test them on the 11th of March. England are always England and we will see how we are after the 6Ns is over. There’s a lot of rugby to be played before France in October.

[@familyhenderson9863]

Ruck speed at near blinking pace is giving that team soo many avenues to threaten, you have to celebrate their 9's Murray & Gibson Park are are controlling it. Credit to the entire team, the coaching and vision backed by supportive domestic league. Such an exciting team going into the most competitive and open world cup ever.

[@bmw-e30]

Great analysis. What is remarkable in Ireland for such a small country is that Rugby is probably 4th on the list of player participation in the sport. Gaelic football and hurling along with soccer are way ahead.

[@GoldenbanjoDJ]

Love this video. It’s unreal to see how many are genuinely world class and I can’t argue with any of them. The thing is as well, the spine of the team is world class. Prop, second row, back row, 10, centre, fullback

[@EggchasersRugby]

It's a special group of men, no question.

[@Owennwastaken]

yeah man, my uncle nigel was head coach of that 2016 u20 irish team. Stockdale, Porter and Ryan (captain at the time) all in that team, mental how far theyve come

[@randyschwaggins]

As an England fan I will just say this...our 2001-2003 squad was the best I have ever seen from the NH. Nothing else comes close. Until this Irish squad. As much as I don't like saying it...they are already as good as Woodward's best England. If they win the WC they will be better than the best we ever produced. Hurts to say it...but they are just class all over the park. If all their big players are fit for the WC, I cant see anyone beating them.

[@fenway7794]

Great content dude .at this very moment Dan Sheehan is possibly the best player on the planet

[@Camcolito]

Thanks for the generous video! I think the reality is that no matter how good your team is, France away or NZ who on any given day can be inspired and take teams apart it's never going to be much better than 50-50. But certainly will be no fear and will have a crack I think.

[@jj12313]

Thank you, Tim. Love hearing your thoughts on the Irish team.

[@geoffnelson6756]

I agree with your Ringrose pick, he reads the game incredibly quick and shuts things down before they develop (just missed with the Penaud try) but now he is employing his skills in attack mode and is just awesome to watch.

[@bbwt9991]

As an outsider here but a rugby fan you didn't really need to ask that question. When I look at the Ireland setup and the squad performance, I'll say that if you're not a world class player you don't get to play for Ireland.

[@darren806]

Porter has been one of my favourites for a long time now, glad to see someone else giving him props 😉

[@chiip90]

Ireland, when everyone is fit, have always (in my lifetime) been a match for any team. The problem has always been losing big players to injury at key times. The difference at the moment is that despite missing a few they are still performing at their best and the squad seems to have genuine depth. Fingers crossed!

[@randomchannel7863]

I also think we have a world class coach in Andy Farrell

[@jasonandrewoconnor8519]

your analysis of the Ireland team is very accurate, you have a very good read of the players and the biggest point you made for me is the feeling of similarity to the England squad in 2003. Ireland have the bit between the teeth as they had before previous world cups but the problem in those world cups was the mindset and they cracked under pressure, this squad is different even though a lot of the players were those that did crack before, the mindset is different. they don't accept just to take part in a world cup they are setting themselves up to win it. I believe they will win it and yes it won't be easy but they have the mojo. The squad is world class and the coaching staff are world class also. Thank you for your video.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Yep. The mindset of this team is completely different. And the leaders - Sexton, O'Mahoney, Furlong - will know this is their last...they will be going all out for it.

[@taintabird23]

I largely agree with you, but there were more complicated reasons for Irish failures in past world cups; in 1987 and 2007 it was poor preparation; in 1991 it was bad luck; in 2003 and 2015 it was lack of strength in depth; in 1995 and 1999 is was because Ireland was a poor team; in 2011 it was a failure to perform (perhaps cracked under pressure) and in 2019 it was the failure to evolve (we only had plan A, with no plan B) and Ireland got worked out. Everything seems different this time. There is the sense that Ireland is still not the finished product while being #1 in the world rankings, there is more strength in depth in most positions and there seems to be more belief, more quality players and a top class coaching team. Crucially, there are more options for Irish attackers than ever before, making Ireland hard to defend against.

[@jasonandrewoconnor8519]

@@taintabird23 i agree with you, i was only basing my answer on the past two world cups as we did have good teams and had some really good players too. what we didn't have at that time and we have in abundance now is the mindset. we have a totally different amounts of variation as well to our play. But we do still lack a little in the defense if its put up to us so we do need to address that a bit. but good reply mate.

[@TheKgv1]

That's an excellent analysis Eggchasers (you obviously know your Rugby down to a tee) Kudos to you! The thing that really struck me with your "chosen 9" is that all of them were born & bred on Irish soil. That being said, it's great to have live wires like Gibson-Park, Lowe & Matt Hanson wandering in through international rugby's backdoor....but your right, the doubt remains:- my "what if on the day" is, Ireland vs France in the quarter finals of the WC at home, if both teams do indeed make it that far later on in the year, I think this french team will be a massive scalp (for any team to take) whilst playing on their home turf....we will see!

[@EggchasersRugby]

Top man Gary. And a fine point. France IN France will be a different matter. Equally, with the poorer performances lately I can see the pressure weighing heavy on france.

[@CollieJenn]

Van der Flier ?

[@TheKgv1]

@@CollieJenn Born & bred in country wicklow ( the Garden of Ireland)... don't let a names " music" fool you ☘️🏉☘️

[@irenetmarks8816]

Ireland already beat France few weeks ago on home soil, so don't see anything difference in World Cup x

[@aughalough1]

@@irenetmarks8816 , playing France in France is a different beast.

[@ThunderDawg89]

I believe Ringrose is the Irish linchpin, he is so damn good at 13, the amount of unseen work he gets through is immense

[@countycricklewood]

St Bundee of the O’Aki for sheer personality and what he has done for Connacht and Ireland 😎 Please let be Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards together as coaches for the Lions. Hopefully not Warrenball ever again!

[@JohnSmith-wo2fz]

Who Red Card Aki? No thanks.

[@jdermody1]

@@JohnSmith-wo2fz Bundee has been cracking for Ireland. He has got two Red cards. The first one was against Samoa and it was just plain unlucky. The second one was a bit unlucky too but the game was won at that stage which included a great performance by him that day. Ringrose is in the form of his life but Henshaw & Bundee duo is considerable partnership...

[@paulfrancisjenkins6483]

Yep I agree with all of that, they do have the look of England 2003 in terms of quality….. however the banana skin for them is the draw…that’s a crazy bad draw. The best teams all in one side of the draw. Criminal.

[@geoffnelson6756]

It's a joy and pleasure being an Ireland supporter, I have always enjoyed watching Ireland and revelled in any success they had, but for years If BOD wasn't playing you were expecting a loss (not always) but it is also a testament to sport that pundits from around the world are recognising how special this Ireland team are.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

Should they meet, I'm sure the ABs will be prepared.

[@jasonwall5012]

12:53 you're right on this. When players in 2015 and 2019 got injured, the replacements weren't up to speed and fell somewhat short... now we see the replacements come into the team now, and they're match sharp and flying.. It's about time we stepped out of the shadows of the QF and raised our chins, and stuck out our chests...

[@huzcer]

Except for Sexton. If age or injury gets him the whole show falls apart. Byrne is a big drop off in terms of getting the backline operating. Remember sexton has never played a full world cup campaign in terms of the important matches and now he's going to do it at 38 for the first time ever? We'll see.

[@davet6079]

Loved listening to your video. Makes me nervous though how everyone is talking us up. But that's the past world cups haunting me. It's crazy how well we're playing. Fazz and the players deserve a lot of the credit. But Stuart Lancaster at Leinster deserves huge credit to for the fitness levels and playing systems he brought in at Leinster. And that's coming from a Munster fan. If we do manage to get past the quarter finals and possibly get to a final, nobody will be able to question the quality of the squad considering who's on our side of the draw.

[@patrickyoung3503]

We have been blessed with the best managers in the last few years . The whole panel of player have bought into the set up that is Ireland rugby . & there is more in the pipeline with the under 20 riding high in the present campaign , need I go on !.

[@donalmurray7859]

Tim, i don't post often on youtube but had to after watching this analysis. I'm an irish fan but love comparing teams to the English 2003 team just as you've done, as that English team were one of the greatest teams we've ever witnessed. I'm in agreement with most of your choices, I have thought about this a lot over the past few weeks. Sexton one could argue isn't on that list primarily due to the competition however critical to Ireland. Ringrose, you are so so right, the most important player for Ireland and IMO best second centre in the world at the moment. Porter, Furlong yes 100%, Dan S I believe will be Furlong world class in a years time - what a front row

[@EggchasersRugby]

Really appreciate the msg. It's very encouraging. Agree with you on Sheehan too. He will be joining those top 3 hookers soon (and is much younger so could well eclipse them all).

[@79johnnykage]

I pure respect your opinion coming from an English man / rugby fan talking about the Irish rugby players nice to see that 🍀👍

[@22grena]

Rugby authorities are idiots not to have scheduled the World Cup draw based on current rankings.

[@EggchasersRugby]

I understand the fixture scheduling etc needs to be done at some time in advance, but 3 odd years seems excessive.

[@Avoidnow]

Don’t do that man, don’t you give me hope.

[@EggchasersRugby]

It's the hope that kills you. As an Englishman it's quite unusual to be feelig none whatsoever

[@djog7264]

I'd honestly say that Sheehan is world class. Possibly the best 2 in the world with mabye Marchand.

[@JohnSmith-wo2fz]

I can't believe he didn't mention Sheehan.

[@joelyons886]

A fit Rónan Kelleher is a better alround 2 and arguably starts ahead of Sheehan! Scray or wha!

[@shane-irish]

@@joelyons886 sheehan is better

[@joelyons886]

@@shane-irish who has better % throwing? better W/L at test level? Given away less penalties at set piece... Both are class players but technically Kelleher is an around more skilful player facts back that up Sheehan is superb in broken play he has that over Ronan but everything else RK has the advantage

[@shane-irish]

@@joelyons886 kellegher around the field is awseome fact thats why he is better imo thats why he gets my vote both solid with the throws but least we 2 top number 2's your man stewart at ulster looks good too

[@Driver2616]

Furlong, Sheehan, Porter, Beirne, Ryan, Doris, Van der Flier, Sexton, Keenan, Ringrose, Henshaw. They are all truly “World Class”. The rest are merely “top class”… And, there is no other team that has a Peter O’Mahony type figure, of that stature, to wholeheartedly and fully commit to engage in the dark arts and shithousery antics and then to portray such an indignant face of innocence. There’s none better in the world.

[@jjryan9480]

People are forgetting that we have Ronan Kelleher too, I’d easily have him within or close to the top ranked hookers in the world.

[@johnmead3485]

We’ll see more of Ronan Kelleher on lists like this, remember his pick against the ABs in 2021 on his own 5m line- superb

[@CollieJenn]

lol so true.

[@sirmurf]

I love Squidge’s description of POM as a “sentient spite sandwich”.

[@ThatGuyMofo]

​@@johnmead3485his injury and has seen him drop below Sheehan and his line out needs a bit of work. Just been so unlucky with injuries

[@pierre1514]

James Lowe could easily be on this list too. Not only fast paced and strong but also one of Ireland's main in-play kickers.

[@harryocallaghan8082]

Porter, Furlong, Beirne, Doris, VDF, Gibson-Park, Sexton, Ringrose, Henshaw, Keenan are very much world class having beaten all the best teams in world rugby on numerous occasions and now Sheehan, Kelleher & J Ryan are very much emerging as world class players. Ryan Baird will become world class once PO’M retires next year. He’s an athletic freak and can play 6 and second row. Then you’ve got top top players that maybe aren’t quite World class yet but are extremely good like James Lowe, Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Finlay Bealham, Jimmy O’Brien, Ross Byrne, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Joey Carbery, Gavin Coombes, Stuart McCloskey, Cian Healy, Craig Casey, Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale, Jordan Larmour, David Kilcoyne, Will Connors, Scott Penny, Max Deegan, Ciarán Frawley, Jack Crowley, Joe McCarthy, Cian Prendergast, Robert Baloucoune. There’s some serious depth in Irish rugby now it’s honestly scary!

[@DM-rp9ik]

I think the draw just makes it unbelievably difficult as they will have to beat 5 of the best teams in the world one after another but who knows if they can win a series in New Zealand they will have the belief it can be done.

[@mcnally145]

So do the rest aswell though

[@DM-rp9ik]

Not necessarily one side of the draw is very under powered compared to the other

[@jj12313]

When Leinster last won the European Cup, they beat all the best teams in Europe to do it. A World Cup is a very different format, but there are lads in that Ireland team who know what it takes to lift a trophy, having beaten every legitimate contender along the way.

[@Camcolito]

Bring 'em on!!! Those other teams can worry that they have to play us.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@@Camcolito Yeah on the other hand I dose feel like they have a point to prove when you see some of the arrogant statements from former players of the traditional powers in rugby like the beasts statement

[@elsmid]

Doris should be first on the team sheet. Savea's tackling stats weren't great and he went missing in defence during the Irish tour of NZ.

[@Finderskeepers.]

It shows how quality builds quality as they push themselves to get a shot whilst also learning of each other.

[@marlecmarine5393]

Absolutely what i was thinking about Ireland, I really hope it's their World Cup year. there is a definite flavour of England 2002/3 about Ireland even down to the coaching staff. When England beat everybody home and away in the lead up to the world Cup. There was a blend of world class leadership, experience, determination and an amazing depth of talent. You have made me feel very nostalgic for the England of that era, they really were a team of rugby giants to a man and don't get me started about the bench.........🙂 What you said about Johnny Sexton being 37, reminded me about the Aussie press back in 2003 taunting England, saying they were a team led by old men, over the hill, that would all be given oxygen at half time, it was hilarious to read. Lawrence Dallaglio commented afterwards how all the stick they got really motivated the team, a lot of it aimed at him and Martin Johnson. l would loved to have seen those two coach England.

[@onlookervb]

The madness around porter is that I genuinely think he was better at tighthead definitely scrummaging wise and that he's pretty young for an international prop he has a lot of room to grow technically and he's already immense

[@shayhalpenny8826]

I enjoyed you video and your delivery of the content, thank you. Irish rugby has changed a huge amount, particularly in the last 10 years. You picked 8 of 9 players that play together in Leinster. So, what’s different? 1) The IRFU centrally contract the top tier players and dictate the playing minutes, quite literally minutes. 2) The coaching ticket, the man with the vision David Nucifora. Joe Schmidt coached Leinster before Ireland and now Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster are building on that in Leinster. As is Andy Farrell in Ireland. (it’s worth pondering how they arrived on the Irish scene). The coaches strive to build an environment where are genuinely happy to play for each other and the jersey. 3) ‘From the ground up’, home grown talent that increasingly coming from clubs not just elite schools and in that vein, keep an eye on Jamie Osburne, he'll make you next list. 4) Shortly after arriving in Leinster Stuart Lancaster spoke of his astonishment at the number of players that only want to play for Leinster because it is where they grew up, it was part of their very identity and I dare say it the same in the other irish provinces. So in summary, we welcomed in the best of rugby intellect when they were over looked or rejected in their native lands, made them feel welcome and they brought out the best we could offer.

[@garethkeane3020]

Good shouts! I think if Henshaw and Aki are fit the drop off from Ringrose isn't too bad to be fair.

[@louvdberg]

This is a fuckin good team at the moment I do hope they win world cup !! From a springbok

[@N3vill3]

ireland remind me of when the ABs were good lol i'd say their entire starting 15 are among the top 5 in their position in the world atm, at worst, and they've had 2 coaches in a row who are among the best in the world. barring any big injuries (admittedly a big if, especially for a team with pretty limited depth in places), i'll be genuinely surprised if they don't make the final this year

[@N3vill3]

actually i think it'd be more accurate to say that (like the 2011-2015 ABs) most of their starting 15 are among the best in the world, and they play well enough as a team that the few players who aren't genuinely world-class still look like they are

[@daveoshaughnessy]

We saw in the Italy game just how important Ringrose is for his positional intelligence, Aki is not (no fault of his own) a 13 and it told in how broken his linking with his wingers was. I have continually thought back to that 2003 England juggernaut and how their 12-month run-up to the WC and beat everyone comprehensively, and think of Ireland’s progression now. Good comparison.

[@smoozerish]

Can't argue with any of the picks, although I think Caelen Doris is the diamond of the whole lot and would be first pick on any world team. Also I think James Ryan will prove to be the undisputed world number 1 lock in the next couple of years

[@EggchasersRugby]

Ryan has been around so long you almost take for granted how consistently good he is. And still young!

[@Fredders88]

I'm an Ireland fan, but Ardie Savea is something else. Maybe one plays 8 and one plays 6.

[@flavaofthemonth7910]

Gibson parks has to be in there to but honerable mention will do as competing with dupont and Smith is no easy task 💪 can't argue with any of choices though 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@conoromelia8435]

In my opinion Irelands world class players are as follows: -Furlong -Porter -Kelliher -Sheehan -Beirne -Dorris -JVDF -Gibson Park -Sexton -Ringrose -Henshaw -Lowe -Keenan The rest of the starting 15 are up there with the best in the world, but the lads on my list are all full package players. The entire Ireland team are so well drilled and committed to giving 100% effort in every game.

[@johngerardhealy]

Tim ... you certainly know your rugby sir! Excellent analysis.

[@Gallalad1]

Its too early to be sure on this but Mack Hansen is someone showing the potential to be one of the best too, his rugby IQ is immense and his agility is frankly scary at times.

[@joelyons886]

Had to look back over your bit on England and 2003.. I can't believe you didn't mention the most important player of the lot!!! Richard Hill!!! That is unforgivable. As an Irish fan I’d have Hill in the conversation as best of all time in his position he was that damn good.

[@dazeng4633]

Plenty of them What I'm interested to see is how they react to teams that have had plenty of time together before the w/c. I think they'll do great BUT be interesting to see how they react when they don't have forward supremacy and they face a cohesive team as them

[@ThatGuyMofo]

Interesting your thoughts on ringrose and then he gets injured and the 13 channel was weak. If henshaw was fit he can easily replace ringrose. But when both are injured it was a slight problem. Ringrose defense work and reading of the game is what sets him apart. Keenan is the best 15 in the world ATM. Shout outs to Gibson park and lowe with the latter improving immensely from his first few games. Stockdale's downfall is sad

[@patman142]

thought even James Lowe might get a mention. He scores tries that he just shouldn't. Everything you say about the world cup makes logical sense but world cups do something to us, we just seem to lose composure in the big moments. Hoping that it will be different this year but not going to get too far ahead of myself

[@EggchasersRugby]

The psychology of it feels right this time. The England 03 team all say how much the wins over their rivals building up to the World Cup gave them the resilience and confidence to go and do it. Ireland will have had doubts in back of their minds v NZ in 2019 I expect. Not any more

[@patman142]

@@EggchasersRugby agree, just need to believe. One good thing about this year is that, and I say this reluctantly as a Munster fan, the Leinster system is incredible and players coming in just seem to know their roles inside out and can slot in seamlessly

[@BrianBell4073]

You have to include Peter O'Mahony. You can have skill and speed but they will never beat commitment.

[@stoner1916]

Good idea for a video. Good home team bias in selection, so if you are top two or maybe three you are in, so if it was an England selection Owen Farrell would be in and Sexton would be out. One thing we were blessed in Ireland to get Andy Farrell. He has kept a lid on things and doesn't get caught up in unnecessary discussions, possibly a slip up by the English set up.

[@chrismouton1985]

One thing is for certain, this Irish squad is special...

[@robertswaine204]

World cup draw makes it arguably more difficult for this team to make it past the quarters than any other irish team. Perhaps the draw is done too early, hope it doesn't ruin the spectical of the WC semis and final

[@EggchasersRugby]

Yep. To the point that getting past Scotland to get out of the Pool is not guarantee. It does seem crazy to have done it 3 years ago

[@eamonlyons8318]

Difficulty doesn't bother this team tho

[@aidanoleary636]

The goal is the win the WC. You have to beat the best teams in the world to do this. Perhaps it’s better to meet them earlier than later. Doesn’t matter, you still have to beat them. Let’s just get on with it.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

i mean if we make it out of the pool stage we will be playing either The All Blacks or France ...... that's literally a World Cup Final but will be done wayyy too early

[@bryanellis459]

Henshaw is a more then capable 13, when fit. The problem in the last 3/4 years has been one of the 2 has nearly always been injured. It's why Aki has played nearly all major games despite not being considered 1st choice (until recently when McCloskey came in). So losing Ringrose isn't usually a big issue when Henshaw is fit. Porter started as a lh, moved to th as we were short at the time there, then moved back only a couple of years ago

[@DM-rp9ik]

Yeah Henshaw always covers 13 if Ringrose is out but be interesting to see who they go for if both are out probably Osborne right now maybe Hume last year

[@finno4398]

Probably henshaws best position if ya listen to alot of fans. Frisch looks the real deal as well. Plus Osborne is gonna be a superstar.

[@jdermody1]

@@DM-rp9ik I think an Aki/Henshaw partnership is very good. I say they would take McCloskey/Ringrose... We are lucky have them all...

[@DM-rp9ik]

@@jdermody1 Yeah Center looks very good right now could have Osborne and Hume as the next 12/13 combo in a few years and Jimmy O'Brien had no problem against South Africa there

[@jdermody1]

@@DM-rp9ik Ringrose looks like he will get another RWC after this... Henshaw has few years too... Bundee is playing his last RWC... The next crop is not just Osbourne and Hume, Frisch is playing good stuff... Dark Horse could be Forde out of Connacht..

[@ronanmoreoferrall6814]

Great discussion Tim . A lot of those players play with Leinster as well as Ireland and a big contributing factor to both is Stuart Lancaster as well as Faz .Very underrated but a fantastic coach . England missed the boat with both Andy Faz and Stuart Lancaster . Leinster are really going to miss Lancaster . Watch Racing 92 make huge improvements next year

[@niallslater4255]

I hope you're right Ronan but the French system is very different to ours..he'll be working with players possibly not coming out of an academy and will be playing much more often..not much rest time in the Top 14

[@seanfriel9179]

U hit the nail on the head there. Its great individual players. That the management seems to have molded them into something very special

[@djwebb11]

Most important, is these Lads play as a team.

[@gavinmercer7542]

Excellent analysis Tim. Would also add Dan Sheehan.

[@markc3258]

Hope your right about wc .. 2019. .. just car crash In 2015 we lost 5 first team players for the QF .. hard to deal with that .. 2011 . The wales defeat .. they were just a dam good side that we underestimated . Topped our group . Our best chance to make a final . 2007 .. just another car crash . Crap before 2007

[@EggchasersRugby]

The draw is cruel but with a fair wind, it's on.

[@TroystonB]

Ringrose is key to any success Ireland can have at the world cup completely agree with your take on this.

[@bronouveau]

keep up the good work Tim!

[@wesleyfoley5116]

Wow I really enjoyed. Yep, we are still scared by the curse . One game at a time. 🇮🇪 🇮🇪 🇮🇪

[@joanlarkin7808]

Ahh what an adventure so looking forward to following you thank you for your inspirational love for the game and your ability to give a balanced view of every game you comment on safe driving and enjoy the experience.

[@justinlouismusic]

James Ryan is class and quietly one of the most important members of the team

[@kieranoconnor4334]

You set a high bar there and High Praise indeed as a result. The main thing about Sexton is that there is no better game manager in the game and all of the Irish tean are trained to read the game really well which means that they slot in perfectly when they are taken off the bench. If you were picking a super sub, and I know that Porter fits into that category as you said, I would pick Bundi Aki also. He has won us a couple of games against the top teams with his effort, energy and aggression.

[@tadghmurphy7807]

Murray is a really great game manager.

[@dpb1003]

Just want to say thanks as it is rare to hear as you've said a proud English man says so many great things about the Irish team and the one thing I live about the rugby fan is theirs no let's just say if this was a football fan we'd never agree and I'm a Liverpool supporter 😂 so I've subbed your channel as it just shows you unbiased anyway thanks hope you have a decent world cup obviously I want Ireland to win of course but thanks and good luck btw who's your local team I'm from Dublin so I'm a Leinster fan 💯❤️🙏☘️🇮🇪🇬🇧

[@EggchasersRugby]

Many thanks. Sale are my local team. Though because my brother played for London Irish I have an especially soft spot for them

[@Woodyjims-shack]

Shush for feck sake👍 No doubt its a bit of a golden era for Ireland right now. We're all afraid to hope here☺️ Great analogy with the World Cup winning England team btw.

[@DM-rp9ik]

The golden generation was 2004 to 2009 but it was the start of something rather than a one off to be fair every Irish team since then has been better than the last. This one is the best until the next one.

[@cathalmcdonnell6183]

Interesting you mentioned Ringrose being irreplaceable, just saw in the Ireland v Italy match that the 13 channel was poorly defended w/o ringrose

[@tomf1dublin1]

Thank you for that . Sheehan would be added in my list . Interesting to see 8 Leinster players in the list . Shows how strong Leinster are as well.

[@CollieJenn]

Exactly and point missed in this excellent presentation.

[@3storiesUp]

Dan Sheehan has to be there along with GP... and I truly believe that before the World Cup we'll be saying the same thing about Gavin Coombes.

[@tankc6474]

Good call about Coombes, he seems to be under the radar a little, himself kelleher and sheean on the way, future is very 🌞

[@christopheroconnell3479]

@@tankc6474if Coombes was at Leinster he would be a starter already, it’s a joke he’s behind Conan

[@tankc6474]

@@christopheroconnell3479 I agree but very happy to have conan as well as today proved

[@N3vill3]

I'd add Sheehan and Lowe to your list as well, both would be pushing for a spot in any other country's 23 imo

[@johnmartin7370]

I really LOVE the fringe benefits: Peter O'Mahoney (even in the Stands), James Ryan, Ronan Kelleher, Conor Murray, Jordan Larmour, Jack Conan, Gavin Coombes, Dan Sheehan, Jameson Gibson Parke, James Lowe, Jacob Stockdale, Bundi Aki, Ross Byrne, Joey Carberry, Mack Hanson, Iain Henderson, Jimmy O'Brien, Scott Penney,. That's 27 + players in the conversation right now.

[@expressoevangelism80]

Doris is emerging nicely. It will be interesting to see him in the World Cup.

[@paulmulryne8405]

As an England fan, I’d have them all right now.

[@hickeygrad]

Can’t argue with any of your selections. I would add Sheehan to the world class mix given his form over last 18 months. If Ronan Kelleher returns to his pre-injury form then he would be in the mix. Ireland has arguably the best stocked squad re: hookers. You mentioned the Argentina 2015 World Cup defeat. That Ireland team was really good but they lost Sexton, O’Brien, O’Connell, O’Mahony, and Payne for that quarter final and the wider squad simply wasn’t good enough in the absence of their experience. You get the feeling (as this 6N has shown) that the current squad is better equipped to deal with absentees

[@DM-rp9ik]

Lost Bowe during the game as well

[@joelyons886]

As a Leinster fan I was in tears seeing POC ending his career in a dirty French leg break of a tackle cited after it was a disgrace the way Paulie went out that game took 7 Irish players out of the 1/4er game but reality was both France and Ireland beat each other up so bad that both ended their WC that year

[@johngarveyire]

I thought you were going to talk blah , good stuff, I've subscribed, inteested to hear more from you mate, great vid. Peak too early for WC, is nosense, dont think thats a thing, for this team of us

[@EggchasersRugby]

Cheers John. Much appreciated. I agree on the peaking thing too. They will be in peak physical condition. The difference will be the psychological element and I think these guys have got that aspect nailed.

[@diarmconnolly23]

Ringrose is irreplaceable at the moment because Henshaw is out. But Robbie is as good at 13 as he is 12 - If Ringrose went down before the world cup, it would be Henshaw outside centre with either McCloskey or Aki inside him.

[@brianmurray6287]

Second back row ,baird ,Coombes and conan...front row kelleher Bealham and healy...Second row henderson Ryan...not too shabby bench either.

[@conorstagg8888]

Keenan would be a bigger loss than Ringrose, we've got like 3 different top class pairings in centre. Be a bigger drop from Keenan to the second choice full back.

[@SeanPattonFilm]

Hugo Keenan and James Ryan were in that same U20s team as Porter and Stockdale in 2016.

[@lewisthornton3]

And Max Deegan who captained emerging Ireland and has 2 caps

[@readesiun988]

Have to agree with pretty much everything you said, as an Irishman I pretty much have complete faith that whoever Ireland play, they will give a very good account of themselves, whichever team hits the pitch. They are also pretty scary for opponents with their relentless attack and super strong defence and fitness next level. Unfortunately we got the pool of death in the World cup, which is going to stress test all 3 teams to the extreme just to get to the quarter finals just to face the ABs or France, I believe this team can do it and finally get that duck off their backs and go further. Dare we believe, yes I think they have earned it and Andy Farrell and the rest of the coaching squad are a pretty class act.

[@EggchasersRugby]

The draw is a really cruel one. And done unnecessarily early!

[@dazza4345]

I think Wales saw an opportunity to get Tadhg Beirne because he was playing in Wales and not getting selected by Ireland when his form in Wales was great. But with all due respect to Wales he always only wanted to play for his country Ireland. I live only 3km from he is from and I'm Irish .

[@harshbutfair8993]

I was thinking a few days ago about what Irish players would make most opposition think oh fk, not him! I'd have all the 9 you picked with the exception of Sexton. If I was an international class opponent of his I'd respect rather than have the fear of god of him. I'd add a few more of our players to who our opponents don't want to see. Sheehan like others have said, Kelleher could well be in that bracket too, but due to injury he hasn't had game time, but will be getting it again now. Our two NZ imports Lowe is one of the most improved players of the last few years, he was a major thorn in the side for both opening opponents, easily in top half of Irish players in both of those games IMO, JGP too if he wasn't injured would be close if not on that list. Also I know he hasn't had much game time, but substitute jack in the box Casey must be a nightmare for a tired defence. So I'd add him to my 'Oh fk no' list. Special mention to Bealham too. He again was one of our better players over the last two games, it's a big thing to say we haven't missed Tadhg Furlong.

[@terrybrady392]

AGREED all except your picking of Casey? No where near the class of the other...

[@darren806]

​@@terrybrady392 purely as an impact from the bench, he's a little energiser bunny. Although I did think he did well against Italy tbf

[@terrybrady392]

@@darren806 headless chicken.

[@francisstreakybacon1012]

Never seen an Englishman pronounce the name Tadhg and Caelan (almost) correctly haha Great video!! Keep them coming

[@EggchasersRugby]

Ha. and also...phew

[@Camcolito]

It's actually pretty funny listening to some comments about the Ireland team, constantly 'well-coached' 'well-drilled' etc. Yeah that's very true, but it doesn't seem to occur to them we might have a few half-decent players 😂

[@HC-uf4tv]

I think Ryan is going to work back up to being world class this season. Would agree about porter his set piece is critiqued but people forget he’s switched side and Ireland still have had one of the stand out scrums in world rugby. Also great video!!

[@lewisthornton3]

Exactly porter has had to change scrummaging positions 4 times he played tighthead underage then 🇮🇪 under 20s he was switched to loosehead then moves again and now is at loosehead

[@walshjoseph7991]

Ryan has improved immensely this year, possibly helped by POC mentoring but in fairness he was never world class, physicality the main issue. The Irish Press blew him up out of all proportion. If he continues the same rate of improvement this year he could become world class. Peter O Mahoney is struggling in recent games

[@HC-uf4tv]

@WALSH JOSEPH would of rated him as world class when he broke onto the scene. Watched back some of his games when he first broke through and he was ridiculous. I thought the same of O’Mahony and I wanted to see Baird at 6 until I seen Derek McNamara’s piece about him on off the ball and I learned just how good and important he is.

[@user-kz4il6xc1c]

@@walshjoseph7991physicality his main issue? That’s one of his biggest strengths? Blew all blacks and boks away

[@dairet1945]

Gatland Lions picks for the SA tour were shocking in general. Way too many over the hill Welsh and English players. It’s no surprise he last lost something like 14 of is last 16 games as coach. The fact that he picked four out halves ahead of Sexton, none of them in the same league as Sexton says it all.

[@williamwallace6508]

Rusell is. Best fly half in the world right now

[@Bkh0498]

@@williamwallace6508 he wasn’t at the time

[@williamwallace6508]

@Ben halpin He was the best fly half in Europe at the time. And the second best was Biggar. Not much debate about that outside of the usual

[@Bkh0498]

@@williamwallace6508 clue less

[@williamwallace6508]

@Ben halpin Seeing as you can't spell clueless, your opinion is worthless.

[@peadarr]

Don’t think versatile props gets you much extra. You’re always gonna tour with at least 6 of them. The one exception is in the event of loosing 2 tight heads to cards, he can move to the right and save the team going down to 12 men. The fact is Porter would not be the third best 3 available to the lions, he lost weight when he moved to loose head and doesn’t have the right physique anymore.

[@nolans11]

I think that's a good list. I think you could possibly throw Sheehan in also.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Marx, Montoya and Marchand I probably have ahead but Sheehan is a completely different type of hooker to those 3.

[@nolans11]

@@EggchasersRugby Yeah, I tend to agree. Don't think he's the best in the world but for his carrying and his consistency at the line out, he's perfect for that Ireland team and could be in the conversation. P.S. really enjoying the content, keep up the great work!

[@CollieJenn]

Andy Farrell is awesome coaching ireland.

[@shanecanavan6717]

The Irish set up is key - Andy is very lucky to be the couch right now ☘️☘️

[@Frecklefart-90]

Andrew Porter was too good of a player backing up Tadgh Furlong, so we switched him to loosehead and tbf, I think he's arguably one of the world's best props! Dan Sheehan certainly has the potential to be world class, he's nearly there! Gavin Coombes in Munster has such a high ceiling, I feel he could eventually push Doris back to blindside!! Looking forward to England Vs Ireland, it's gonna be a bloodbath 🤣

[@Brucemcleod2345]

Great video. Ireland definitely have the look of England 2003. I watched them develop on tour here in NZL. They became battle hardened and the ABs just ran out of ideas. How many English are world class at the moment?

[@dulls8475]

None but we have some upcoming club players.

[@johnmc3862]

Lol! You have used the same comment on lots of videos! Ireland were well developed before NZ. They were in touching distance of a Grand Slam in the 6N's last year. They swept all before them in autumn. A win in NZ was great for their confidence but they were well on the road to becoming a great team before that.

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Of the current crop it’s hard to say as it’s hard to show you’re world class if you’re in a team that’s finding it’s feet again. Given that though I’d say there are some players that are still looking world class/getting there: Genge, Itoje, Curry, Willis, Lawes, Farrell, Slade, Arundell, Steward.

[@Brucemcleod2345]

@@johnmc3862 Actually no. Ireland lost to the Maori and then got thumped in the first test here. I thought here we again. Another NH team that was all talked up by the British media but was really only good enough to play a NZ second division side. But Ireland proved us wrong

[@taintabird23]

@@Brucemcleod2345 I agree. While Ireland were not far off where they wanted to be during last years 6 Nations, they made the step up in New Zealand after the first test.

[@joanlarkin7808]

As an Irish fan delighted to subscribe as for the world cup luck and no injuries cards and this time the draw too many things need to go right I just want them to play the fabulous rugby they have been playing the rest is in the lap of the Gods. I have always thought over my long life the best team in the world has been ABs I judge a team by the amount of wins. Not the world cup hope they do themselves justice.

[@karlosdeevs]

About 10: Sexton, Keenan, VDF, Ringrose, Doris, Furlong, O'Mahony, Beirne, Lowe and Porter. Hansen, JGP and Ryan have all the potential, Murray was in his prime. Oh, and Henshaw, Aki & Henderson if they can return to their best..

[@kiaoragin]

Dan Sheehan is world class too but is still young and learning. The man he replaced, Ronan Kelleher is some player too.