According to Teletext, Keith Wood is set to lead Ireland through the World Cup as captain. Beings as he hasn't played rugby for so long, is officially retired from club rugby after barely turning out for Harlequins last season, and as he hasn't played a proper match for quite some time - is this right?
The poll results about this issue that I've had up for some time, stand as:

Should Keith Wood walk straight back into the Ireland team?
"Yes, he's world class" - 19% of votes
"No, he should work for it" - 52% of votes
"No, Shane Byrne is better" - 7% of votes
"Yes, but he has to get match experience" - 15% of votes
"Frankie Shehan is better than them both!" - 7% of votes
Total votes: 27

The results clearly show that the fans feel Keith Wood should work for his place, not just be handed it. I personally am in total agreement with the results of the poll. Shane Byrne has been playing very well in Ireland colours - and we must remember Keith Wood wasn't always brilliant, his lineout against France in 2002 so wayward I don't think he hit a jumper all game - and Brian O'Driscoll has done relatively well as captain. After all, Ireland only lost one game before their summer tour to Australia (on which O'Driscoll was not even included in the squad). O'Driscoll led Ireland to victory over the Wallabies, and although his leadership might not have made a difference that day, he has proved himself worthy of the armband.

To simplify up, the new poll is now a question of who should be captain during the World Cup.

On the question of Keith Wood getting back not only his place in the team but also the captaincy... well, it doesn't really seem fair. Yes, he may be world class but he's been out for a long time. We can only assume he's been doing amazingly in training, or at least hope this is the case and it's not just Eddie O'Sullivan playing him for his name not his skill. Also, Wood has said he will retire following the World Cup - surely it would be a better long-term bet to have O'Driscoll as captain, Byrne as hooker and build for the future?

Opinions on messageboard, and vote in the new poll!

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