Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Oct 23, 2022 11:19 pm  

thought across the game Lebanon's forwards bullied and bashed the Irish... until the usual suspects started to lose control and discipline... the time Irish players had the ball stolen was embarrassing...

Lebanon looked bigger, faster and stronger... better organised, better game plan and better coaching (of the basics)

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Oct 23, 2022 11:48 pm  

Spookisback wrote:

thought across the game Lebanon's forwards bullied and bashed the Irish... until the usual suspects started to lose control and discipline... the time Irish players had the ball stolen was embarrassing...

Lebanon looked bigger, faster and stronger... better organised, better game plan and better coaching (of the basics)

I agree and there was a decent amount of superleague experience in that Irish quad.

I wouldn’t be against bringing a few of these Lebanon forwards to trinity if it’s possible. They do look well conditioned and well drilled like you say.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:02 am  

Trojan Horse wrote:

I agree and there was a decent amount of superleague experience in that Irish quad.

I wouldn’t be against bringing a few of these Lebanon forwards to trinity if it’s possible. They do look well conditioned and well drilled like you say.

Don’t know how true it is but according to GB news the Lebanon coach is also the Argentine RU coach. That’s odd enough but if Lebanon make the semi finals, or could have been quarters, he will be coaching both teams on the same day!

Is that right, utterly bizarre if it is.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:09 am  

vastman wrote:

Don’t know how true it is but according to GB news the Lebanon coach is also the Argentine RU coach. That’s odd enough but if Lebanon make the semi finals, or could have been quarters, he will be coaching both teams on the same day!

Is that right, utterly bizarre if it is.

He’s a big name in the Union code coached Australia for a long time. Similar reputation to Eddie Jones on the world Union coaching stage. Saw an interview with him and he said he was a league player before he focussed on Union and he is also of Lebanese heritage.

Argentina are one of the top national teams in Union and it does seem bizarre that if they get to the quarters as now seems nailed on he will only have one day prep with the Argentina team before their test match.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:14 am  

I wouldn’t be against Proctor as is rumoured he is a player who has been part of some exceptional squads over the years and brings bags of experience.

From what I’m hearing our pack will be a bit of a “dads army” which to be honest I’m not against as long as it gives us some stability for a year and an opportunity to provide more balance in 25 and beyond.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:26 am  

jonh wrote:

I wouldn’t be against Proctor as is rumoured he is a player who has been part of some exceptional squads over the years and brings bags of experience.

From what I’m hearing our pack will be a bit of a “dads army” which to be honest I’m not against as long as it gives us some stability for a year and an opportunity to provide more balance in 25 and beyond.

Not strictly correct. With Eseh and possibly Shaw and Windrow in the mix next year there will be a younger element. So old hands will be useful.

I’m actually more bothered about signing up the youngsters than import places, although both are important.

We really are taking our time, you can view that as good or bad. I think it’s good as Applegarth is clearly a planner. The way he assembled his back room first impressed me. Whether they are the right guys only time will tell but I do think it’s the right way around.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:29 am  

vastman wrote:

Not strictly correct. With Eseh and possibly Shaw and Windrow in the mix next year there will be a younger element. So old hands will be useful.

I’m actually more bothered about signing up the youngsters than import places, although both are important.

We really are taking our time, you can view that as good or bad. I think it’s good as Applegarth is clearly a planner. The way he assembled his back room first impressed me. Whether they are the right guys only time will tell but I do think it’s the right way around.

Just because it’s not been announced it doesn’t mean the business has not been done.

I don’t think Eseh, Shaw or Windrow will be regular starters next year unless injuries kick in, which they inevitably will at some point.

I’m hopeful though that Eseh could force his way in to the 17 over the course of the season.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:40 am  

jonh wrote:

I wouldn’t be against Proctor as is rumoured he is a player who has been part of some exceptional squads over the years and brings bags of experience.

From what I’m hearing our pack will be a bit of a “dads army” which to be honest I’m not against as long as it gives us some stability for a year and an opportunity to provide more balance in 25 and beyond.

I take it Elijah Taylor is still on the cards then?

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:43 am  

jonh wrote:

Just because it’s not been announced it doesn’t mean the business has not been done.

I don’t think Eseh, Shaw or Windrow will be regular starters next year unless injuries kick in, which they inevitably will at some point.

I’m hopeful though that Eseh could force his way in to the 17 over the course of the season.

Good if that's the case, I'm always in the positive camp regarding youngsters so hope you're right.

I wouldn't be surprised if Windrow steps up, He's far more advanced physically than either Batch or Crowther were at that age. I thought he was one of the few youngsters who matched the Wigan pack in the Reserve final, looked as strong as any of them. With another close season he should be there in terms of physicality, can't comment on his attitude as I don't know him but he can also play a bit.

Shaw is a bit off I agree. Ditto Eseh who needs to be used sparingly as he will instantly become a target and big as he is he's not yet fully developed.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Mon Oct 24, 2022 7:45 am  

LG83 wrote:

I take it Elijah Taylor is still on the cards then?

Gone quiet on that one but TBH who knows where the initial idea came from, probably somebody guessing on here. He could be a target but it wouldn't be surprised if we'd never even said hello to him.