Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

But he also got **** all ball 

In the two matches that both Baloucoune and Hansen played 80 mins, Hansen had 18 carries and Baloucoune 11. What's Hansen doing to get 60% more ball than Baloucoune?

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Delighted for Joe McCarthy getting his first cap. I think he has massive potential.

Would rather have had greater outside backs cover on the bench. Farrell seems to really like having a centre in the 23 jersey though.

Axing Baloucoune after two games is a mistake. Our backline was crying out for someone like him, with genuine pace and game breaking ability. Jimmy O'Brien and Mack Hansen isn't going to frighten any defence and the top level. It's incredibly harsh to judge him on two games where our attack just hasn't functioned at all. And it's just very short sighted. I get the "win your next game" and all that, but the World Cup is what matters, not November tests who nobody will remember in 5 years. I think Baloucoune was worth more investment.

How much time did Lowe get, after stinking up the joint in his first season? And Baloucoune gets two games where he didn't even play poorly in either.

Would you like a quota system?

Some good firepower coming off the bench.

That remains to be seen, doesn't it? History shows Carberry gets into the starting shirt when fit. Crowley to me, is in the same bracket as HB! Tons of upside. I do think he will pass Carberry soon enough as Crowley looks to be a natural. I hope he does. I hoped Harry Byrne was going to make an impact but, he's been injured and has no form whatsoever to speak off.

I reckon the coaches have invested so much into Carberry that they must feel he can progress. Personally, I think both Healy and Crowley are superior 10's. Frawley was never seen as a 10 for Leinster. He was moved to center and has prospered from that. It seems they are shoehorning him into an outhalf.

If Crowley continues to impress he will get opportunities. This is where I think there's a lapse of judgement with the management. Carberry is decent and was good v Fiji. But he got 3 minutes v SA. Why Farrell is attempting to play Frawley at out half is strange, imo. They've put a lot into Carberry, are they disappointed? It's getting close to the 6nations and I would expect to see Carberry in the matchday squads. Certainly, Crowley could be in the mix and pick up more caps. If Crowley does go on a run of quality outings, then he surely will get his chance.

I'm not really getting your argument. Aki is on the bench. You end up with two 12s on the pitch if he replaces anyone other than McCloskey.

JOB's versatility would only be seamless if you could move him around and bring on a winger to replace him.