I think the Charlie Ryan retirement is being felt this week. It was games like these that young guys came in and made a name for themselves, like McCarthy did last season. Not sure weakness is fair given the need for slightly smaller squad sizes, what can you do when 3 locks are called up other than celebrate it as a success for the group? The Irish model is all about Leinster developing talent for the national team, unfortunately we’re too good at it relative to the other provinces at this point in time. With injuries it does leaves Leinster in the s&it at the same time. We should in ways be thankful Molony continues to be ignored.curates_egg wrote: ↑January 25th, 2023, 7:20 amExcessive or not is not the point I’m making. Dependence is.ronk wrote: ↑January 24th, 2023, 6:15 pmDon't go looking up Gary Ringrose's or Jimmy O'Briens total gametime.curates_egg wrote: ↑January 24th, 2023, 3:10 pm
Yes but, as I have posted on other threads, his minutes are also well above our players who go to Irish squads, taking their Irish minutes into account, with the exception of Sheehan. Only Ross Byrne is also at the same level.
The point is more that we are so short at second row that we have no choice but to play him for 80 minutes, despite his high load. He doesn't seem jaded at the moment. But, if he were to get injured, our dependence on him puts us in a very difficult position.
By the end of the 6N Ryan will be ahead in minutes barring injury. It's a very manageable load.
We’ve only got two fit second rows available this week. And Deeny is very raw.
It’s a squad weakness I’m pointing to, rather than individual player management.
It’s a brilliant challenge this week with 20 guys away with the national team, opportunity knocks for young +/or somewhat frustrated talent dying for their chance to shine. Suspect Rhys will play in the second row this weekend that way you can get all 3 of Deegan Penny & Connors on from the start. Personally would do with a starting pack of Milne, McKee, Ala'alatoa, Molony, Ruddock, Connors, Penny & Deegan. Get as much experience on from the start and get into the game, zero point leaving Rhys' nous and experience on the bench this week when its so thin on the ground. Really down to the bare bones in the backs. Luke Mc will be on babysitting duties for a very inexperienced backline. I'm looking forward to how Harry Byrne goes, massive game for him. How will his game management be when he’s the experienced head and he has to lead and mentor the less experienced guys? Hope we see a little bit less Hollywood and a smidgen more prosaic game management, get his pack into the right parts of the field, play the percentages more than the Hail Mary pass. Bar Kearney if fit and Turner everyone else outside 10 is still in the academy. Could really do with Ngatai this week. Does anyone know Tommy O'Brien's projected return to fitness?
