Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Would it not have been of more benefit to have got a slightly bigger squad and have Ireland A play South Africa A tomorrow night. Could have played it down in cork anyways.

It probably would have been more benefit for ireland alright. However if it was Ireland A then the game would have been played in Dublin.

And the game as it is better for munster. As they get a chance to embed their new systems, and give their youth a chance.

Andy Farrell ready to mix and match for Fiji test – The Irish Times

Gerry says Henshaw is back and will partner McCloskey.

If his prediction of Healy starting is correct, that will provide the main moaning point.

Is the game tonight being televised?

I’d take the opposite view to that, none of the players came out with credit from the A match apart from maybe Osborne in my eyes.

The players still involved must be showing something in training that we don’t see, Coombes stood out in that he came off very badly in a few physical exchanges, his physicality is why he was put in there in the first place.

He most definitely has been dropped in my eyes.

Lot to like about that selection.

Giving O'Brien a start at 15 is smart. Keenan is world class, but we needed to see someone else. Jimmy showed last week that he's at this level and 15 is his best position. He's a very natural footballer, handy left boot, good footwork, decent speed and great hands. I think he'll really suit how we play. Huge blow for Lowry though.

I'm glad they've stuck with Baloucoune. I think he was very good last week. Hopefully he gets a bit more space this week.

Carbery starting is logical.

I'm pleased to see Loughman get a start. We need another option at LH. A good game could see him move ahead of Healy.

Timoney played below himself for the 'A' team but he's an excellent player. Really excited to see what he can do in that backrow.

I'm happy they haven't made 15 changes. Because that often leads to really poor performances. They've kept a lot of 1st choice guys in there with a sprinkling of fringe players, which is definitely the way to go for these games.

I like that team. I think we could see a really good performance. Doris at 6 with Conan at 8. Very good dynamic backrow. Timoney will be fine! He's a damn good player and has some serious wheels. It's time for Zoolander to shyte or make way for someone else to shyte. Big outing needed for JC.

Congratulations to Loughman and Prendergast. Very much deserved. JOB with his versatility is looking like a bolter. Henderson must not be ready. I reckon He's in the xxiii for the Oz game. Another game for Baloucoune, who I thought was decent last week.

I hope we gel and put in a good performance. Some of these boys are legit candidates to go to France next year. I would say that Treadwell is also in a really good position. He's done well these last few months. its unfortunate that Ahern and Joe McCarthy are injured but, that's the breaks.

Looking at the wider fringes, I feel Haley is not seen as an option. He's a very good player and I think he could do a good job. What about Addison? Has he played his final match in green? Others like Shane Daly and Lowry are not seen as viable options. Lowry is just too small. Daly is adaptable and plays multiple positions. He's obviously behind JOB. Hume is still got a shout. But he needs injuries to help his cause. In the forwards it's hard to see anyone pushing ahead of the incumbents. Loose head is a weakness but, Loughman could be a good shout. 2nd row is set. There's nobody that will usurp the regular lads and Treadwell is locked in as the next up.

I would think that Doak is a possibility for the world cup. It's going to be JGP and 2 others. Murray likely being 1 and Casey, Blade or maybe Doak.