NO LINEOUT FOR BIG MAL

Croke Park Ireland Declan Kidney announced his squad for Saturdays crunch fixture against England at Croke Park without Irish rugby's most capped lock Malcom O'Kelly. Most pundits are speculating that big Mal will make way for the inform Alan Quinlan who will cover both the back row and second row.

The Irish squad has a youthful look to it with star players such as Keith Earls and Darren Cave included in Kidney's plans two outstanding young rugby players that are ready to step up to the mark.

Ireland will have a very difficult assignment on Saturday the English are not coming over to make up the numbers the have plenty of experience both in the pack and also in the back line.
Roll on Saturday.

Rome Conquered

Stadio Flaminio, ROME. A nervous and unchanged Irish side took the to the field today in the sunshine of the Italian capital to take on hosts, Italy in their second outing of this years six nations.Todays game did not live up to the highs of last weeks classic in Croke Park and was riddled with errors which resulted in a host of yellow cards and a sin bins.

The game plan of the Italians was evident from the first whistle stop the men in green at all costs a yellow card for the Azzuri full-back for a dangerous tackle on Rob Carney set the tone for this very lackluster ball game. The Italian side showed a lot of improvement today but as always indiscipline let them down nearly every time.

Ireland showed some of the skill and adventurism of last week with some well worked trys - 2 trys from man of the match Luke Fitzgerald David Wallace Tommy Bowe and captain Brian O'Driscoll scoring late on in the game. A lot of improvement is needed for a fortnights time when we take on the old enemy England at Croke Park.

38 - 9
Ireland - Italy

Tried and Trusted

Thomond Park, IRELAND. Declan Kidney sticks with the same fifteen that started in last weekends thriller against France at Croke Park. The Irishmen head to Rome's Stadio Flaminio this weekend, to take on the Italians in their own back garden after their dismal performance against a stuttering English side.

Kidney puts his trust in the same back line that matched the flamboyant French backs in every aspect of play. Many pundits were wondering if super-sub Gorden Darcy will partner Brian O'Driscoll in the centre -although The Popular Side think Kidney made the right decision in giving Ulster man Paddy Wallace a second chance.

Its not going to be an easy game - the Italians have a big bruising pack and the Irishmen will have to move the ball wide against a lacklustre Azurri back line and outscore their Italian opponents. Many will use Sunday's game as a yardstick for Ireland -v- England.

Ireland v Italy - Sunday February 15th March 2009.

Croker classic

Croke Park, Dublin. Ireland are leading France 13 - 10 in a riveting game at Crokers. A final drop goal from France brought them up from 7 points to ten, after O'gara crucially missed an important penalty kick in the middle of the first half.

Ireland are looking strong but scrappy. Jamey Heaslip is earning his cap with a fantastic try and some brilliant play making.Ireland have started the second half of this fascinating contest with an outstanding try by captain Brian o Driscoll this game is turning into a classic its looking good for the men in green with the game going into the final few minutes.The Irish lads are holding a very determent french side at bay.Its all over

Ireland have won 30 pts to 21 a great start to this years six nations lets hope for more of the same next weekend verses Italy.

Declan Kidney names his starting XV against France

UL Trainig Camp, LIMERICK. Declan Kidney has started his selection with the usual Munster 5 at the front and the outstanding David Wallace at number 7, with the dynamo that is Stephen Ferris at his blindside partner. Many pundits and journalists are questioning the inclusion of Jamey Heaslip instead of Dennis Leamy. Heaslip just hasn't been consistent in the Magners league or the Heineken Cup. Leamy hasn't as much time on the pitch but has showed consistently good form than Heaslip who has been found wanting in a lot of games. Maybe Kidney is expecting a more open game from the French and this has influenced Heaslip's inclusion as number 8.

Given the fantastic run of great on the field results, it's of no surprise and much delight, that Tomas O'Leary is being played at scrum-half with his fellow Corkonian and Munster team-mate, Ronan O'Gara pulling the strings at out-half. The backline is almost unchanged, with the notable exception of Keith Earls - out to injury after the Montauban game - with Paddy Wallace stepping taking the strain and partnering with Brian O'Driscoll.

Ireland is up against a strong and confident French team at the start of it's Six Nations campaign. Marc Levremont has selected a youthful and experienced side which won't be easy to beat. The French are always good for doing the unexepected but with probably the biggest pool of talent to choose from (certainly in the forwards), Ireland could go on to win this with a view to setting it's sight on a Grand Slam. Here's to a winning start.