Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Attacking against 13 men.

We desperately need to score.

How was that a maul, Ringroses knee hits the ground about 3 seconds after getting the ball.

Posted in the match thread but it's pertinent for the overall Ireland gameplan as well;

I think we've seen where Irelands next evolution needs to be. Australia made a meal of the breakdown and Ireland struggled for any sort of attacking platform as a result. They counter rucked brilliantly and JGP was given an awful time tonight.

Yes, we missed Sexton something awful, but I think we would have struggled even with him today. No sort of attacking platform for about 50 minutes.

I dunno did JOB impress too much today to be honest. But overall it's been a good series in terms of he's put his name into the mix. I don't think he's at the forefront of the scramble for the utility man seat on the plane (assuming there is one!)

I agree with you on Baloucoune. Both Lowe and Hansen come off their wings to contribute as a first receiver or carrying option. Baloucoune seemed more hesitant and looked a bit isolated at 14. Maybe that's what he was instructed to do, but even so the ball rarely came his way. Hasn't done enough to cement his place.

Neither JOB or McCloskey will feature in our strongest 23, but they've both pushed themselves up the depth chart to the point where you wouldn't have a problem with either starting in a pinch.

If the regular starters, I agree with you that Ryan had a good series. So has Beirne, POM, VDF, Sheehan, Ringrose and Hansen. Doris has been our best player by a mile a mile though. Josh was awarded motm against South Africa but Doris was the best player out there and the best player again tonight.

I don't think JOB has done enough to force his way into the starting 15, but his performances against South Africa and Fiji were encouraging. He player well at 13 and 15. He's ideal cover across the backline. Think he's done enough to be involved in the wider squad at least.

What if it was vs an Irish team with Sexton, Henshaw, Lowe and Henderson?

If you’re going to speculate on what would’ve happened if Aus had their missing players, it only seems fair to include ours in the equation as well, and not entirely overlook that….

Fortunate win. We were quiet poor! Australia were more physical and played the better rugby imo. Several of our lads weren't at the races. I suppose winning ugly is good but, Australia left points out there.

The good for us, Sheehan- immense display. He's not the finished product either. Ryan - solid and physical. Conan - superb off the bench. Crowley- tough start but, he stood up well.

The bad. JGP was very poor. His decision making was poor. JOB- not a great day. He didn't straighten the line and was easy for the fefense to read. Discipline was poor. It's becoming a problem.

Not a classic contest. A lot of questions still to be answered. The 6nations are around the bend, Faz has more work to do.

I felt at times last night we were almost inviting Australia to attack. The games against Australia and SA. We have shown very little in attack. It’s like there was an almost conscious decision to win ugly. I wonder are we working on developing different strategies for different games. We know we can play the way we do in attack off quick ruck ball. Are we laying foundations for a plan B here.