5 things we learned from the Heineken Cup pool stages

1. Sean O'Brien is in the form of his life. His work rate is second to none and he's scoring tries for fun in the absence of Jamie Heaslip.

2. The I.R.F.U are spending their money on ridiculous players, namely Peter Borlaise (Munster) and that goof Clint Newland (Leinster)..type him into youtube and you'll find 2 videos, both where he punches people! They must have got him cheap?

3. Munster are not magic (anymore) but Shane Williams is!!!

4. Scarletts can play rugby (occasionally)

5. Like I said this is your blog aswell as mine, whats your 5th? suggestions in the comments box :)

Ireland XV for Italy game

Jamie Heaslip, Shane Horgan, John Hayes, Andrew Trimble, Rob Kearney, Geordan Murphy, Jerry Flannery, Rory Best and now Tommy Bowe have all been ruled out of the Italian clash due to injury.. Given this, where does that leave Kidney? Up shit creek? No.

 Here's who I would pick but probably not what Deccie himself will opt for....

1. Cian Healey
2. Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross
4. Donnacha O'Callaghan
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Stephen Ferris
7. David Wallace
8. Sean O'Brien
9. Peter Stringer
10. Johnathan Sexton
11. Keith Earls
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll (capt.)
14. Fergus McFadden
15. Luke Fitzgerald

16. Damien Varley
17. Tom Court
18. Leo Cullen
19. Shane Jennings
20. Ronan O Gara
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Paddy Wallace
Likely line up.....

1.Cian Healy
2.Sean Cronin
3.Tom Court
4.Donnacha O'Callaghan
5.Paul O'Connell
6.Stephen Ferris
7.David Wallace
8.Sean O'Brien
9.Eoin Reddan
10.Johnathan Sexton
11.Keith Earls
12.Gordon D'Arcy
13.Brian O'Driscoll (capt.)
14.Luke Fitzgerald
15.Gavin Duffy

16. Damien Varley
17. Mike Ross
18. Leo Cullen
19. Denis Leamey
20. Ronan O Gara
21. Peter Stringer
22. Paddy Wallace

Ireland still have plenty of options and given its a World Cup year, I think we don't mind seeing these options being tested. Its good in the long run.... What are your preffered teams and who do you think Kidney will pick? Comments please...