Hello! And welcome to our minute-by-minute coverage of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Tottenham and Chelsea at Wembley.
Mauricio Pochettino is one of the best managers in the Premier League but the absence of silverware has always been a stick to beat him with. Tonight he could potentially take a big step towards his first ever trophy.
He made it to the final of this competition five years ago, losing to tonight’s opponents Chelsea 2-0 at Wembley in 2015, and the sides meet again at the same venue here tonight.
Maurizio Sarri has also not won a trophy in his managerial career as of yet. His side are currently four points adrift of Spurs in the Premier League after 21 games this season, but are still in command of a top four place as things stand.
Deride the League Cup as you wish, but you cannot deny both managers would fancy getting their first taste of silverware, even if securing Champions League football for next season is the number one priority for both men.
These sides have met once already this season, Spurs coming out 3-1 victors at Wembley with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son getting on the scoresheet during an impressive win.
Kick-off is coming up in just over an hour’s time at 8pm.
#THFC: Gazzaniga, Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose, Winks, Sissoko, Eriksen, Dele, Son, Kane (C).
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2019
Latest @WilliamHill odds - https://t.co/6E2h07OwBh (18+) #COYS pic.twitter.com/z3XfL4ZQKs
Tonight's team to play Tottenham...#TOTCHE pic.twitter.com/ELtyi1Zgfq
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 8, 2019
So, today’s teams will line out as:
Tottenham: Gazzaniga, Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose, Winks, Sissoko, Eriksen, Alli, Son, Kane.
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Willian, Hazard, Hudson-Odoi.
Tottenham were in fine form the last time these sides met with that one-sided win in November, and Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri knows his side will have to do a lot better tonight if they are to avoid a repeat of that 3-1 defeat.
“We need to approach this match in another way, because we lost the [last] match in the first 16 minutes,” he said. “They were really more aggressive than us, more determined than us.
“Now we know very well if we approach the same there’s no solution for us. I want to speak before about this, otherwise it’s useless to speak about tactics.”
Checking-in at Wembley! 👋
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 8, 2019
🔜 #TOTCHE pic.twitter.com/sxsHNMPGGt
On the other hand, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said he was fairly satisfied with his side’s start to 2019, and that he still had the utmost respect for Chelsea as a top team ahead of tonight’s game.
“We’ve started the new year very well, with victories at Cardiff and Tranmere. We know very well that it’s going to be again 180 minutes, two legs,” he said speaking earlier this week.
“Chelsea are a great team, a team that will be tough to beat. The tie is 50/50. It will be a very exciting game. We hope to have the possibility to win and go to Stamford Bridge in a very good position.”
Some pre-game reading material ahead of kick-off:
- Pochettino: My wish is to be at Tottenham for 20 years
- Chelsea do Lampard no favours with Ampadu snub
- ‘If we want to be real contenders, we need to operate in a different way’
- ‘To stay here is better’: Sarri warns 18-year-old Hudson-Odoi against £30 million Bayern move
- ‘World class’ Cesc Fabregas gave farewell speech to Chelsea team-mates, says David Luiz
KICK-OFF: We’re underway at Wembley for the first half!
Callum Hudson Odoi immediately gives us a glimpse of his talent. The 18-year-old really caught the eye during a friendly against Arsenal at the Aviva Stadium back in August, but has found first-team minutes hard to come by this season, hence being heavily linked with a £30 million move to Bayern Munich. He dribbles around Davinson Sanchez before exchanging a neat one-two right outside the box.
Son Heung-min goes down inside the box under the challenge of Andreas Christensen as the home fans shout for an early penalty here. The South Korean international was racing onto a long ball hoofed up the length of the pitch and went shoulder-to-shoulder with the Chelsea centre back, but referee Michael Oliver deemed it a fair challenge.
Close! Harry Kane provides a spectacular moment of individual skill with an overhead kick, but his shot is right at Kepa. Very end-to-end start to this game, very entertaining indeed.
Right before that Ross Barkley had a chance of his own, sending a low effort into the side-netting of Spurs goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who has played every round of the League Cup so far this season ahead of Hugo Lloris.
Eden Hazard gets his first proper involvement in the game. His picks up the ball 25 yards out from goal and looks like having a go at goal, before picking out Hudson Odoi on that right wing with a quick pass. The young winger crosses, but it’s right into the welcoming arms of goalkeeper Gazzaniga.
Chelsea enjoying the upper hand at the moment. Kane’s overhead and Son’s penalty shout have been the only two times when Spurs have really managed to get out of their own half, with that front three of Willian, Hazard and Hudson Odoi enjoying a large spell of possession in the final third early on here.
A calm reassurance has swept over Wembley now as Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez begin to gather their bearings, get the ball down on the deck at the back and lift their heads to get the ball forward. Chelsea’s initial early pressure has started to ease.
Hudson Odoi cuts inside and finds Eden Hazard with a pass. The Belgian is on his weaker left foot, but that doesn’t retract him from firing a powerful shot on target. It had plenty of drive and whip behind it, but the effort was right at Gazzaniga.
Spurs respond at the other end with a snappy counter down the lefthand side. Christian Eriksen floats through with grace and ease and crosses towards the back post, but Harry Kane is man-marked by Andreas Christensen, who gets his head to the ball first to clear.
PENALTY TO TOTTENHAM!
After a lengthy consultation with his VAR officials, referee Michael Oliver points to the spot after Harry Kane was brought down inside the box by Kepa. Spurs have the chance to go ahead here and you can guess who’s going to take it…
GOAL! TOTTENHAM 1-0 CHELSEA (KANE 26)
GOOOOOOOOAL! Tottenham take the lead just shy of the half hour mark. Harry Kane was fouled for the penalty and the Spurs captain is the man to stick it away. He picked his spot in Kepa’s bottom right-hand corner and fired a powerful low effort right past the Chelsea goalkeeper.
The need for VAR was in the run-up to the penalty, with Chelsea players and supporters believing Kane to be offside following a through ball which saw him one-on-one with Kepa, before the goalkeeper brought him down. It was very tight, and both sets of supporters will make their case that Kane was/wasn’t/was clearly/was clearly never offside.
That goal has really electrified the atmosphere inside Wembley. Chelsea really were enjoying the upper hand early on in this game, but look a little unsure now after going a goal down. Spurs are buoyed and confident, sensing blood and possibly another goal before the break.
N’Golo Kante tees up a shot from a considerable distance, but it’s right at the goalkeeper. The French international has three goals already this season, a more than respectable number for a footballer who’s game is so dominated by breaking up play at the other end of the field. He’s earned the right to have a pop every now and then.
Off the post! Kante is making a serious contribution in the final third for Chelsea in this game. He peels away from his marker at the front post and hammers a brilliant effort off the bottom of the post from Marcos Alonso’s cross.
Just a few minutes left in the first half now. An even half, you’d say, with Chelsea enjoying the lion’s share of possession but Spurs being much more effective with their limited chances in front of goal so far.
Tottenham patiently playing the ball around at the back to try and whittle away what’s left in this half. Danny Rose is fouled by Hudson Odoi and the hosts have a free out.
Off the post! Callum Hudson Odoi is inches away from levelling deep into stoppage time. He curls a brilliant strike which looks curtain to nestle into the top corner, but it dramatically bounces down onto the line before being hooked away.
HALF-TIME: TOTTENHAM 1-0 CHELSEA
It's half-time here at Wembley, after a 45 minutes packed with talking points!@ChelseaFC have twice hit the woodwork, but @SpursOfficial lead in this #CarabaoCup Semi-Final through @HKane's penalty.
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) January 8, 2019
This one's not over yet! pic.twitter.com/9DIAwSJrQa
There we are then, half-time already. By all means a really entertaining first half of this first leg. Just like at the World Cup during the summer, VAR will hit the headlines for its involvement in awarding Tottenham’s penalty which Harry Kane stuck away to take the lead. Chelsea have had a bundle of chances, hitting the post twice, but alas they trail at the break. More action to come shortly.
SECOND-HALF: We’re back underway at Wembley!
A chance right from tip-off for Tottenham to try and double their lead. Dele Alli sprints away behind enemy lines but was denied a chance to shoot thanks to a perfectly-timed sliding challenge from Antonio Rudiger. Really excellent defending.
Eden Hazard is causing all sorts of problems now. He clips a clever cross towards the back post in the direction of Ross Barkley, but Toby Alderweireld reads the flight of the ball and heads clear for a corner.
Save! Harry Kane almost nabs a brace, but Kepa produces an excellent save with his right hand to claw the ball away. A swift passing move from Tottenham saw Kane take possession just outside the box before swinging a decent effort on goal. The Chelsea goalkeeper was equal to it, however. Good shot, good stop.
Hazard looks at Kane and says ‘anything you can do I can do better’. Well, not better, but pretty much the exact same. The Chelsea forward clamps the ball down on the edge of the box and fashions his own powerful strike from distance. Gazzaniga catches it.
Two shots in as many minutes from Gazzaniga. N’Golo Kante lines up a strike from outside the box, and the Tottenham goalkeeper bats it away with confidence. He has been excellent so far tonight and seems hell-bent on maintaining his clean sheet.
Oh goodness me, how close can you get? Andreas Christensen is completely unmarked at the back post put cannot steer the ball home. Everyone missed the ball as a corner was delivered into the box, but instead of hitting it on his left, the Chelsea defender made it awkward for himself — trying to curl the ball in off his small toe on his right. He missed.
Substitution: Pedro replaces Willian for Chelsea.
Maurizio Sarri makes his first change of the night, as @willianborges88 makes way for @_Pedro17_.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 8, 2019
1-0 #TOTCHE [63'] pic.twitter.com/TWH4Vhr13j
Close opportunity for Spurs to double their lead after a brilliant individual run from Moussa Sissoko all the way from midfield. He battled and battled, but eventually the ball just got away from him when he made it into the box. Rudiger and Christensen a bit all over the place there.
Stop everything.
#WhereAreTheyNow Rafael Van Der Vaart
— Matteo Bonetti (@TheCalcioGuy) January 8, 2019
The Dutch attacking midfielder was capped 109 times for his country and played for teams like Real Madrid and Spurs during his prime.
He's now one of the most feared darts players worldwide after most recently playing for Esbjerg. pic.twitter.com/hIcZXx6xcm
Twenty minutes left on the clock. Tottenham have never really enjoyed any sort of upper-hand in this game, but are doing a great job of shutting Chelsea out. The introduction of Pedro off the bench has had very little impact so far for Sarri’s men, with Callum Hudson Odoi a lot quieter than he was during a lively opening half for the talented young forward.
Out of pure desperation Jorginho has a pop from all of 30 yards. It flies high into the sky and into the Wembley crowd. A sarcastic cheer arises from the home crowd, as frustration is clearly building for Chelsea at the moment. They appear to be running out of ideas here.
Substitution: Mateo Kovacic replaces Ross Barkley for Chelsea.
Second change of the night, @RBarkley8 is replaced by @Mateo_Kova23.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 8, 2019
1-0 #TOTCHE [75'] pic.twitter.com/mdTrbPamVb
Substitution: Erik Lamela replaces Son Heung-min for Tottenham.
79 - Erik returns as we make our first change:
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2019
↪️ @ErikLamela
↩️ Heung-Min Son
⚪️ #THFC 1-0 #CFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/KWsA9tMkRE
Substitution: Olivier Giroud replaces Callum Hudson Odoi for Chelsea.
.@_OlivierGiroud_ comes on for @Calteck10 with 🔟 minutes to go at Wembley...
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 8, 2019
1-0 #TOTCHE [80'] pic.twitter.com/TP4M9DxCXd
Plenty of switches from both sides now as the game slowly peters towards its conclusion. The atmosphere has grown quite low over the last while inside Wembley, perhaps an apt reflection of the lack of action on the field of play.
Olivier Giroud has been hauled off the bench as Sarri searches for some attacking inspiration late on here. Chelsea’s lack of a confident, world-class striker has been to their detriment this season. Alvaro Morata is that player on his best days, but the Spaniard looks a shell of the man who lit up Serie A just a handful of seasons ago.
Only on the pitch a matter of moments, Erik Lamela is in the referee’s book. The Argentine picks up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Eden Hazard, who has been the victim of a host of cynical fouls this evening to try and keep his impact to a minimum.
Their first chance in a while, Chelsea come close to levelling with five minutes to go. Dribbling into the box on the right, Hazard fizzes a low cross into the box which Gazzaniga spills before it’s hooked away by the right boot of Danny Rose.
Spurs almost put the nail the coffin on the counter up the other end. Harry Kane peels away down the left before curling a low ball into the penalty area for Lamela. He tries his best to take possession up against Andreas Christensen, but in the process fouls the defender and concedes a free-kick.
Substitution for Tottenham: Oliver Skipp replaces Harry Winks & Fernando Llorente replaces Christian Eriksen.
89 - Skippy is on for the closing stages:
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2019
↪️ Oliver Skipp
↩️ @HarryWinks
⚪️ #THFC 1-0 #CFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/3cS6cxc8r7
90 - Our final change in stoppage time:
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2019
↪️ @llorentefer19
↩️ @ChrisEriksen8
⚪️ #THFC 1-0 #CFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/qApV1QTv4S
There will be three minutes of stoppage time to come at the end of the second half.
FULL-TIME: TOTTENHAM 1-0 CHELSEA
It's all over here at Wembley!@HKane's penalty has given @SpursOfficial a narrow win on the night, but this #CarabaoCup Semi-Final remains firmly in the balance ahead of the second leg. pic.twitter.com/LkTyMzUAFp
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) January 8, 2019
There we have it. It’s advantage Spurs in this Carabao Cup semi-final as Harry Kane’s penalty sees off Chelsea at Wembley. A thoroughly entertaining affair which sets up the second leg nicely in 16 days’ time. Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and chances at goal, but were very poor in the final third during a frustration game for Maurizio Sarri’s men — they have it all to do in the second leg. Thanks a million for joining us tonight. You can read our full match report from tonight’s game here. Bye!
FULL-TIME: Backs to the wall for large periods of the second half, but we hold firm and @HKane's penalty means we'll take a 1-0 lead into the second leg at Stamford Bridge. #COYS pic.twitter.com/oU1AORissD
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2019
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Been calling that toner one all year. Feel sorry for the guy but he’s not up to standard. Plus he’ll probably be facing a 6 week ban as well. Disappointed for Chris farrell but Addison is worth it I think. Don’t agree with Luke McGrath being our second choice 9 either. Happy enough with the rest of it.
@Jim Demps: i hope Kleyn doesn’t go, he’s a pretty average player, i’m not sure what he bring to the party
@Jim Demps: He doesn’t suit Ireland’s latest style of play but Klyen going instead of him would be a kick in the teeth, I don’t like it. I’d prefer to even see Roux going ahead of somebody just parachuted in before the world cup. Also if May didn’t get cited for leading with his elbow in to Murray’s head I don’t Toner will be either.
@Darren Byrne: the May incident and toners are completely different. Toners was more akin to Scott Barrett’s. He may well not get cited though.
@Jim Demps: there is absolutely no way Klein deserves to go ahead of toner. Nonsense
@Palindrome: agree. No way is Kleyn up to international standard yet and shouldn’t be in final squad.
McGrath ahead of Marmion is bizarre too if true. Apart from those two calls everything else seems spot on.
@Palindrome: got slated all week for saying toner was not up to standard this time round. But looks like Joe has dropped him?
Don’t understand why some guys on here can’t except other people’s opinions as long as it’s not being disrespectful to the player.
@Palindrome: I’d say it’s a case of plenty of physicality vs zero physicality. I don’t particularly think Kleyn is up to that standard but I don’t think Toner is either.
@Aaron Tynan: The Leinster Brigade will be up.in arms about this if it’s true. When Munster players were left out in the past and Munster fans complained we were told that Joe was one if the best coaches in the world and he knew what he was doing. So guys do you still think he’s great or is he wrong? What happened to ” In Joe we trust “. I trust him because he sees what’s going on in camp every day.
@Decko49: I am disappointed as I feel Toner provides more pros than kleyn but like you said we don’t get to see them day in day out and if there’s been a change to our game plan at lineout time, mauls etc than Toner’s importance may have diminished significantly and the more physical grunt of kleyn along with the athleticism of Beirne is what Joe sees as our most effective Sr options. I do fear for our lineout but I’m sure the coaches have their plans in stone for that, interesting to see the change in style if indeed there is one. Hopefully everyone now stops any bickering and gets behind the 31 now matter what provincial colour they were. They’re all wearing the same colour now!
@Decko49: just shut up with that crap will ya. Put it away until after the WC.
@Jim Demps: did Marmian limo off a bit in Welsh game?
@Jim Demps: it’s joe opinion, that matters. However, Jk has been poor in green. However dev looked poor on sat – heard that his ankle is jockered. Farrell hasn’t taken his chance – right call. Prefer marms over Mcgrath – too indecisive. Thought jordi was worth a spot due to his versatility however hasn’t really done much. Beirne is lucky and I hope he can reproduce his club form. If joe is going to be cut throat, best off the bench is the right call. Happy with the rest.
@Jim Demps: did Marmian limp off a bit in Welsh game?
@Jim Demps: Toner is our best lineout specialist, he has always been key to both our maul and defending opposition mauls. Also been important at clearing out rucks and adding weight to scrum… his lack of mobility, recent injuries and coming of age of Ryan as a lineout caller are probably his undoing but it’s a big call
@Jim Demps: I dont think we’ve seen evidence that Kleyn has a physical edge over Toner. Remember that monster tackle on Retallick – never seen Kleyn impose himself like that, but it might be different in training.
Maybe Joe is making his decision on traits other than physicality.
@AmbroseHoulihan: that monster tackle on retallick had James Ryan in it too. Kleyn put in a fistful of those v Italy in his first start. I said elsewhere that I don’t think it was Kleyn v toner in the end. Kleyn is very much a tighthead back up to james Ryan. I’d say it was toner v Beirne as a back up to Henderson with the latter showing that he has much more to his game. Toner the last 3 games has been v poor, his tucking in particular.
@Jim Demps: rucking* obviously.
@BMJF: toner was awful at clearing out rucks at the weekend, literally flopped on them. He has not been up to standard this season.
On saying that, I’m not backing kleyn either I don’t think he is at an international level.
@BMJF: Marmion was wincing as he was going off, may have done more damage than was thought
@Darren Byrne: yeah he looked uncomfortable coming off alright. May be something in that. But tough call on him if he was fit.
@Elma Phudd: So is Joe wrong to drop Toner? I’m not saying he is. I trust Joe.
Should this come to pass the 42 will go into meltdown.
Even as a Munster supporter I would feel for Toner as I don’t think Kleyn has shown anywhere near enough to go ahead of him.
I also can’t believe there’s even a discussion about Conway as he has been brilliant for Munster and Ireland for a couple of years now AND he covers 15.
If there was one player in those backs whose place I’d question it’s Larmour.
Hasn’t shown a huge amount going forward and his defence is still very suspect.
I would have Addison cover the wing as well as 15 and centre and bring Farrell.
@Stanley Marsh: 100%. Conway is one of the most consistent players in the whole group. His attitude and aggression is always outstanding. Starting full back surely.
@Stanley Marsh: Larmour shouldn’t be on the plane. Not versatile or experienced enough. Good on wing going forward but couldn’t be trusted at full back at international level. Would hav brought Farrell, Addison and Conway ahead of him
@Glenn O’hAilpín: delighted for Conway. Seriously underrated! Game time with Munster has been invaluable.
@Glenn O’hAilpín: Munster don’t even trust Conway at full back. Ludicrous to suggest he should start there for Ireland.
@Peter McKenna:
Ridiculous, ill informed statement.
Munster brought in Haley to play 15 as Conway is primarily a winger.
However many, including myself, believe Munster best back 3 is Sweetnam, Earls and Conway.
@mcdb06: how’s Larmour not versatile ? He can cover 11-15
@Fade: he cannot tackle !!
Marmion…was second best scrum half in Ireland before last world cup cycle, still wasn’t brought to the world cup. Now considering the injury profile of Murray, he is both the most experienced and of the remaining scrumhalves most in form. Sounds like a good reason to drop him for someone who thinks a pass should be directed above the head of the intended target. Marmion should have allowed himself to be capped for Wales, at least he would be going to a world cup that wag. Schmidt is just wasting his international career.
@Joe Vlogs: Sorry but there is no way McGrath is better than Marmion… the Neil Francis types won this one.
Marmion beat the all blacks last year, was again better last Saturday.
Trouble started when Marmion was taken off..
@Cowboy Paddy: I had interpreted his taking Marmion off to mean that they were wrapping him in cotton wool. Absolute travesty if he doesn’t travel.
@Cowboy Paddy: it’s not announced officially yet. Let’s just hope this is just click bate from Journal staff. If not… it’s a crazy call from Shmidt.
@Glenn O’hAilpín: no crazier than having Murray as first choice, when he too has been consistently underperforming. If Murray was older and playing as he has been he wouldn’t be going and I doubt there would be any complaint. As for Best going, simply baffling. His career is over. Kleyn is average at best. I find his inclusion also baffling (if he is going). I know you could say that joe sees more of them than we do and that they have more potential than we think. But on the basis of the games we’ve seen there are a couple of odd choices.
@alan: Best will go probably as touring captain (maybe not match day). Toner ahead of Klyne. Keep Conway and Addison but bring Farrell for Larmour. Marmion ahead of McGrath.
I’d also like to see Murphy brought instead of CJ who hasn’t been good enough in the last year.
@Michael Buckley: the42 won’t be happy till McGrath and Byrne go ahead of marmion and carty.
Its funny when mcgrath and byrne play behind a dominant leinster pack all year its all part of the game but when the connacht lads play behind a dominant ireland pack like Saturday we should not get carried away with their performance.
@Cowboy Paddy: I beg to differ. Marmion is too one dimensional and struggled to make his club team. McGrath is a better option, a bullet pass and can snipe around tucks and mails.
The Welsh out half Patchett changed the dynamic of the game when he came on for the second half.
@Ken Curran: Marmion has been Connacht’s undisputed number 9 for 7 years. He never struggled to make the team. Simply untrue. Blade’s run coincided with Marmion’s injury.
@Havid Dickey: hmm when he was fully fit blade was starting ahead of him though. Blade had a v good season.
@Bruce Van der Gutschmitzer: No he wasn’t. When Marmion was coming back from injury, Blade started a few games as he was eased in. When push came to shove, Marmion started.
@Ken Curran: McGrath also struggled to make his club team ahead of JGP, and while he may have a bullet pass, he obviously believes in a bullet to the head too…not what you want from a pass though. No way is McGrath ahead of Marmion, and on form not ahead of Cooney or Blade either.
@ScewMadd: I had thought blade had started against sale. Looked it up there. Marmion. I stand corrected.
@Joe Vlogs: Dead right, on Sat Marmion was giving some quick ball. L McGrath is too slow and too indecisive. Cooney and Marmion far better…
Great call to leave Toner out although bizarre to drop Marmion considering he’s never had even a below average performance for Ireland.
I don’t think Toner is there either but McGrath definitely not. Marmion should travel as he’s plays better.
It really is a travesty if Cooney misses out to McGrath who gives away too many field positions and cannot box kick.
@Con Cussed: Jesus mate Cooney was dropped from the squad about three weeks ago.
@Peter Moran: it’s a reflection on the player quality, not that Cooney was dropped. Marmion should be number two.
@Con Cussed: we’re not box kicking much any more in case you’d hadn’t noticed that change of approach
@BMJF: Sure I’ve noticed, because the guy can’t box kick! So we lose out a skill set instead of replacing him???
McGrath going is a joke. He’s so bang average. With Murray injury prone & in poor form the thoughts of McGrath featuring prominently in a big game is terrifying. His box kicking is pathetic – Saracens & All Blacks moments spring to mind. Marmion should be going ahead of him , a solid passer and playmaker with accuracy and steady under pressure. Cooney another superior player who can place kicker as well. Blade is another guy who offers more the McGrath.
@John Carey: Agree with you… If Marmion wore blue he would be going Japan with possibly a European medal in pocket.
Instead we see a guy who blew it in the final against Saracens while the guy who beat the All Blacks stays at home
@John Carey: that’s bollox blaming McGrath for the loss to Saracens! Leinster got the ball back from the box kick. It was lost in the subsequent ruck when James Ryan drove ahead and got isolated on the ground at the ruck. Watch the video!!!
@Riocard Ó Tiarnaigh: I’m not blaming McGrath for the loss as there was loads of individual errors and Saracens were just the better side on the day but didn’t he kick it to Vunipola who was tackled by Kearney who didn’t roll away and gave away a penalty that Saracens kicked into the 22.
@Riocard Ó Tiarnaigh:
I said nothing about that drop kick but thats for reminding us… His general play is just not as good a Marmion… Marmion has far more experience and results at higher level rugby.
McGrath is barely 4th choice… Blade could easily give him a run for his money…
The cynical in me thinks Leinster needed red meat for the dropping of Toner.
I’d have Chris Farrell ahead of Robbie Henshaw. Henshaw is injury prone and played 1 game in green in the last 12 months. (A shocker against in aviva). Farrell can fill his role better. He’s a better battering ram , has a higher tackle count and underrated playmaking abilities.
@John Carey: did you see his performance Saturday?
Pretty shocked and disgusted that a servant of 60 odd tests and leader of the lineout Toner is being discarded. His tackle counts are always high in the teens to twenties . His mauling and lineout is impeccable & has won pro14s to Heineken cups to grand slams to wins against SA , the ABs & Australia.
Toner should be starting his experience is vital.
Kleyn is a rubbish player. He’s the Dealz version of a classic South African lock. Stander & Beirne carried and covered for him all season with Munster. Project players should be a max of 3 in any squad and should only feature if they’re truly world class and in the XV – Stander , Aki & Lowe
@John Carey: “a Dealz version of a classic South Aftican lock”. Excellent.
Is this an early April fool
Whatever the reasoning behind Toner being dropped, and some of it is warranted, I just don’t see how Marmion is not going. McGrath has not had the form to include himself on the plane. He’s a good player but surely on form and merit Marmion has been better. It’s also no coincidence that the halfback pairing last weekend performed so well when the two connacht men were on the field together. I have faith in Joe but this decision is beyond me.
@Gary Guilfoyle: marmion was number 2 in Connacht for the majority of the season. I was actually hoping caolin blade would’ve had more involvement last November. WC came a bit too early for him.
@Gary Guilfoyle: I agree mostly, I think McGrath and marmion should go and leave murrey at home, he hasn’t performed in a year for Munster or Ireland. What benefit is he really bar his name?
@Bruce Van der Gutschmitzer: Marmion was not number two. He was out injured for 6 months.
@Havid Dickey: he had surgery at the beginning of the season but blade still started many games ahead of him when he was fully fit. It was v much the 2 of them going up against each other by the end of the season.
@Havid Dickey: I don’t remember him being out for 6 months though. More like 3 was it not?
@Bruce Van der Gutschmitzer: he played the All-Blacks game, had surgery and wasn’t available to Connacht properly until after the 6 nations games.
@Bruce Van der Gutschmitzer: Talking nonsense. You clearly don’t watch Connacht regularly. Marmion was unavailable between November and March, and wasn’t 100% until late April.
@ScewMadd: I’m a Connacht man and I’ve watched them all season. In fairness I had it in my head that blade started the sale game. He didn’t. He had a v good season regardless and marmion wasn’t missed thankfully.
Every single rugby journalist covering Irish rugby has a story on the squad today and they are all different and all alluding to having inside information
@garrett: In fairness most of Murray’s call have been reasonably accurate in the past, see six nations calls and they were mostly spot-on. Sure never 100% accurate and I hope this time it isn’t. Luke McGrath should not be in the mix at all, Marmion at least is consistent and McGrath has lost games for Leinster by his box kicking attempts.
@Con Cussed: yeah he gets the inside scoop from killer, apparently – Old U.L. Buddies
@garrett: Ruaridh O’Connor calling Toner out too
@garrett: Rúaidhrí O’Connor has the same squad as Murray, it was probably leaked to them.
@garrett: They aren’t all different? Exact same squad being reported everywhere.
@garrett: what different calls have you seen?
McGrath needs an invitation to pass…….every time! That’s a poor decision imo
Whatever about toner picking mcgrath ahead of marmion is a joke
Some big calls from Schmidt and there’ll be a couple of players hurting today. I feel for Toner as he’s been a brilliant servant but he has seemed to slow down over the last year or so. Guys of his physique don’t age that well and if he’s not starting then they need a big TH lock in the squad to be a dirt tracker. Kleyn might not be the flashiest pick but he does a mountain of graft and is the type of player Schmidt has always liked in the squad. I’m surprised that Addison make it in instead of Farrell when they’re already bringing Conway and Larmour but he’s a quality player so happy to see him in the mix. He can provide spark off the bench if needed and be a leader of the second unit. McGrath must’ve had a big few weeks in camp as Marmion is a longtime Schmidt favourite who had a very good November. McGrath is more of a like for like replacement for Murray and Schmidt always seemed to like a change of pace off the bench at 9 with Reddan/Boss, Murray/Reddan etc but recently Murray has been playing 70+ minutes so that different style seems less relevant. I’d imagine Ruddock has been brought with one eye of SA/England where we might need an extra heavy body in the backrow. He’s played 7 before against those sorts of teams and done well and with Beirne, POM and Stander having shown they can cover multiple positions Murphy’s versatility isn’t as much of a trump card.
@Eddie Hekenui: maybe it’s the move away from box kicking that gets McGrath in there? Have to say I’d have gone with farrell as well, especially when we’ve Samoa and potentially South Africa. All in all it’s probably the best available squad
@Jim Demps: who would you have Farrell in ahead of?
I like him but he didn’t do enough to warrant inclusion. Will be on standby as injuries inevitably happen and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him out there at some stage.
@Jim Demps: Yeah that might be it. If Ireland go away from box kicking the way they appear to have it would eliminate a major weakness in his game. There’s not really much between him Cooney and Marmion so I don’t have any problem with it. Maybe Schmidt just went with the guy who showed him the most in training. I’d feel the same way on Farrell. I think he brings something we don’t currently have in the centre with his power combined with handling ability. But if Addison plays as well as he did early in his time at Ulster then he’s well worth his place. All in all I’ve very little issue with those picked. There’s no lads left out that should’ve definitely traveled.
@Eddie Hekenui: I’d probably have gone with Marmion, think he brings a bit of tempo with him off the bench like reddan used to but it’s narrow margins. If schmidt is implementing a different game plan, which he seems to be, then McGrath’s support running is a plus. We had more offloads in the welsh game last weekend (8) than in the entire 6 nations just gone.
@Tom McGirr: I suppose either Addison or henshaw. I think Aki is firmly our first choice 12 at the moment and will be going into the World Cup and farrells ability to play 12 and 13 coupled with henshaws fitness issues I might have gone for farrell as a reserve centre over Robbie. Small margins though and happy enough with henshaw there.
@Jim Demps: I wouldn’t understand that. The only two areas I’d rate McGrath ahead of Marmion are kicking and tackling. If they’re moving away from the box-kicking strategy, picking McGrath makes even less sense.
@Jim Demps: yeah it all really depends on Henshaw’s fitness. If he is at least 90% fit he travels ahead of Farrell. He is a much better player than Farrell.
Not 100% convinced on Addison, he looked good in the first half but you really have to look at how poor Wales were. Anyway, I would be happy enough myself with all the selections and just want it named to put an end to all the tit for tat.
Very much the same feeling as others here. Feel incredibly sorry for Toner and Marmion, Delighted for Conway and Addisson (I thought one of these 2 may lose out to Larmour/Farrell) and that McGrath and Kleyn are quite fortunate.
Jesus can’t see the logic in selecting McGrath ahead of Marmion. The latter has never let Joe down.
As an England fan looking in I’d say leaving out Toner is a bad call. He’s been very consistent and I’m never happy to see him picked against us.
Your line out was a shambles against England and Kleyn was outplayed in all facets of the game.
What’s going on with Sexton and Carberry? I know Carberry’s been injured. I’d be a lot more worried that neither of your 10s have seen the light of day in the warm up cycle than any about other considerations.
@Buzz Bartholomew: oi! Whatryou doin here?! Lads, we got a snitch in the camp!
@Buzz Bartholomew: in all seriousness though, I thought toner was a dead cert given how much we depend on our set piece and how it fell apart against ye. Joe must feel that our line out is an easy fix. I suspect that he’s looking to open up our running game a bit more if he’s leaving toner out.
@Bruce Van der Gutschmitzer: Indeed but I think you’ll miss his presence.
Good luck in the RWC anyway – maybe Schmidt has a master plan that none of us have spotted yet (although, personally, I think you’ve peaked about a year too early).
This is a bizarre call. Not sure Kleyn is even good enough for test level. He’s just been parachuted in. Toner is tried and tested at test level. He’s been a star in most of the great wins in the last few years. The leader of the line out. I hope Joe knows what he’s doing.
Mc Grath and Murray over Marmion is a disgrace. That’s 2 world cups he’s been completely f’d over for.
Very surprised with Toners exclusion,I am still concerned with Hendy’s overall running of the lineout,maul etc. Ryan has grown into that role last season with Leinster so Joe must feel Toner’s importance in that area has been diminished,with his build and how over the last couple of seasons especially there’s been a shift to more agile and dexterous sr’s with the Sr/br hybrids getting more & more popular a player of Toners physical build are a dying breed.I just feel he’s still our best lineout,maul, restarts operator but we don’t get to see who’s stepping up in training.Chuffed for Addison & Conway,unfortunate for Farrell & slightly surprised with injury profiles Joe isn’t going with 4 outright centers. Luke over Marmion is an eyebrow raiser but I’ll support whoever gets picked in the 31.
@Ian Verdon: Schmidt’s been trying to replace Toner in the team know for a few years with varying levels of success. In the Grand Slam year he didn’t start against England or France. I guess he’s continued to decline and Schmidt decided that rather than carry him as insurance it might be time to force Henderson/Ryan etc to step up to the plate and become that set piece leader.
@Eddie Hekenui: That’s true but I just don’t think Hendy or Ryan have the leadership and organizational qualities at the lineout etc as Toner does but obviously Joe etc know more than I do. Toner was either going to be a starter or not in the squad. He’s not a starter anymore so he’s out. There has been a shift i the physical attributes that most sr’s have now and toner doesn’t really meet them. Great test for Hendy and Ryan and they could be a formidable pairing for the next 4 years or so.
@Ian Verdon: They certainly having shown it yet but I guess sometimes you have to force change rather than expect it to happen naturally. I feel for Toner but he really began to slow down and the knee and ankle injuries already this year won’t have helped him at all. Henderson and Ryan on paper are a great pairing so hopefully they can match that on the field.
@Eddie Hekenui: If indeed his ankle has flared up again for a man of his size and physical build that could be very worrying for his career going forward. Hopefully that isn’t the case as for Leinster he’s still a big player.
@Ian Verdon: i think there’s a point that’s been missed in this that toner and Kleyn weren’t really in direct competition for the last slot. Kleyn is very much a back up tight head lock for Ryan where Toner was probably competing with Beirne to be back up to Henderson. Beirne simply has more to his game, especially off the bench.
@Jim Demps: as a bench option certainly but as a starter if we were playing a top nation tmo I would have toner over Beirne any day. As I said either toner is a starter or yes not involved. Against the less structured side like Samoa and Japan I don’t see how Dev would be much of an asset either tbh. Beirne’s style suits them better imo.
@Jim Demps: I also think Beirne is included because he’s such a good hybrid and as you know I like him at 6 the most.
@Ian Verdon: I’m not sure you’ll see much of him at 6 in the tournament, especially with only 4 locks going and the inclusion of Ruddock
@Jim Demps: which is strange because certainly in this warm up campaign he hasn’t been utilized at lock yet. If he was going as a lock one would’ve expected to have gotten significant game time there.
@Ian Verdon: I’ve been arguing that all along. I think toner played his way out of the squad with his last 4 performances and made Schmidt re-think.
@Jim Demps: that’s possible or this whole speculation could be wrong dun dun dun!!!!
@Ian Verdon: of course.
@Ian Verdon: apparently the squad is going to be announced today afterall
Jesus McGrath ahead of Marmion is a farce.
I think he’s really a casualty of how Schmidt wants to change Ireland’s style. If he was sticking the gameplan that was working up till last year he’d be going. But he doesn’t suit what they’re trying to do now.
@Darren Byrne: that’s probably a good sign in many ways
@Darren Byrne: what are they trying to do? there’s no evidence of any change. same static one out runners etc. Maybe lighter alright which is possibly affecting Toner’s ability.
“is set to”
Is this code for leaked or do some journalists get told. Curious as to how its all managed.
@This Is This: it’s not officially announced until next week although with three prominent journalists all carrying the same squad, it’s fair enough to take this as a given.
@Jim Demps: looks that way. I felt that submitting the squad on a Monday but not announcing it publicly until the following Sunday would lead to this type of leaking – it’s shambolic to say the least. As for the substance, while I’m very disappointed for Marmion, and I don’t think Kleyn has done enough to warrant being brought to the World Cup ahead of the other candidates in that position, overall, from a squad perspective, the difference between the options is pretty marginal at this point.
@This Is This: Managed is the key word. Leak it now, all the crap articles get written (just imagine Frannos or Bluegavs next pieces) Twitter melts down and gets it all out of the system.
@Jim Demps: apparently the squad is going to be announced within the next hour due to all the leaks.
As an England fan looking in I’d say leaving out Toner is a bad call. He’s been very consistent and I’m never happy to see him picked against us.
Your line out was a shambles against England and Kleyn was outplayed in all facets of the game.
What’s going on with Sexton and Carberry? I know Carberry’s been injured. I’d be a lot more worried that neither of your 10s have seen the light of day in the warm up cycle than any about other considerations.
My major concern here is the amount of players carrying an injury or just playing themselves back from an injury.
We could really end up with egg on our faces if they break down
*just here for the comments, this should be good
I do t like Toner, but I’d have him in, Ruddock out. Realistically 4 back row is plenty when you’ve Beirne as cover also.
*just here for the comments
I imagine the decision to go with Luke McGrath V Marmion lies with their defensive stats. LM gets in a huge number of tackles per game, and is reliable in the defensive line. (Not sure what Marmions stats are in this regard). But look at the gameplan Ireland are likely to play.. vast amounts of time without the ball. So that could have been a key indicator. Likewise, his familiarity with Sexton and Carbury if needed in the last 20 of a match could be a factor. Still – a very tough call on Marmion.
Well that’s our line out gone anyway, think we will disappoint in this World Cup again I’d say!!
I believe in JOE and if he picks one player over one of my favourite players it is hard to take but “IN JOE WE TRUST”" is my way of thinking :::
I have been D Toner’s biggest fan and I am amazed at that selection:: others are delighted not because of the selection but the dropping of one of our most regular players for Ireland and Leinster
:: Don’t understand it ::But Joe picked it and as I have said for a long time he knows more than we do ::he sees them all the time :: This rumour regarding Daven hitting someone ::is there any official base or just some NASTY rumour from the USAL BIAS SORCE.
So nearly got it right but not quite!!
Carrying a lot of players with injuries… At least 4 who shouldn’t be in the squad. Once Joe leaves, there are about 10 players here who while great servants to the IRFU and provided great entertainment and joy to the supporters should bow out.
Agree with McGrath over Marmion. McGrath has been playing in big games all season for Leinster and has been doing well. Surprised about Toner, especially with the Lineout issues of late. Kleyn probably picked for his physicality. Overall quite a strong squad, no doubt though people will be brought in over the course of the tournament.
@Tadgh Fanning: except JGP was the form scrumhalf for Leinster.
Mobility and physicality in the pack will be vital if we are to stand any chance of beating either of our 1/4 final opponents – particularly when you look at how NZ and SA have flag they’ll play. Kleyn is travelling I’d reckon very much as 4th choice and to play the two tier two sides. Toner’s work out of touch is great, but look at how Ryan bossed it on Saturday, he gives you all that and carries, tackles and rucks as well as anyone. By putting, Beirne and (for example) Conan/Stander on the bench, you could finish games with a back row of Conan, Beirne and O’Mahony (at 7).
As for the others – reckon Marmion must be injured and Larmour was always going to go. Saturday was an Addison Farrell shoot-out.