Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

He’s pretty much doing everything he possibly can to play his way back into contention.

He’s been pretty outstanding since being dropped (maybe SA game excepting).

It’s not unreasonable for a poster to have that opinion and think he should be ahead of Conan.

It’s also not unreasonable to think Conan has produced more for Ireland in the past and deserves his spot.

But too often, aaaaany hint of criticism gets written off as provincialism. (And it’s not just the last few days. The Munster thread has been a nightmare for ages now).

Does Coombes fit the team? Really playing well is one thing but, if coaches are looking for other things like mobility and speed, it doesn't matter. Back row balance is key. What is the make up of our best back row? Obviously, VDF is miles above the others. Doris is ahead of his competition and there's only one other up for grabs. Injuries will adapt the players and schemes. I.E, if VDF is out who's next up? I think it would be POM or Timoney. If Doris goes down? It's most likely Conan at the moment, he fits the structures and has been in the system.

Provincialism is one thing and yes, we're all guilty. The blindside position is likely POM; Doris (if Conan is at 8) and Prendergast. Prendergast has been insanely good since his debut. But, he's likely going to earn caps after the world cup. Saying that Conan has fallen off the edge is insane. He's fallen behind Doris and has Deegan (world u20 player of the year) to contend with. So, yea the standards are ridiculous. Coombes has no real contender to supplant him at Munster. At least until Gleeson and Quinn come through.

Basically, Farrell decides who fits the style and does the best job. JGP has nailed down the 9 jersey. I think there's others who could be better 9's but don't meet the requirements for that role.

Coombes was a non entity in the first Maori game. You are the one trying to conveniently forget or perhaps re-write history. He was good in the second game. Maybe you should look closer to home for the blind provincialism.

Did you read what I was responding to? No comment on that no?

Prendergast has not been "insanely good" for Ireland, he's been grand and loves to give away a few stupid penalties every game, I wouldn't be surprised if he's not involved in the 6N squad.

Ehhh. Prendergast has been brilliant for Connacht. Fantastic player.

Ya, but ultimately, 6+ years later, it's going to have zero influence on selection.

If anything, JJ being nominated should be a cautionary tale about how much you can read into the award at all tbh.

If anything, more than under any other coach, things can change quickly under Farrell.

Like Conan getting the start vs England. That was in large part due to James Ryan's injury and POM's red card in the Wales game.

Like JOB getting on vs SA. He got on the bench in large part down to injuries to Henshaw, suspension to Aki (and an injured Lowry?) and then got on due to a first half injury to McCloskey.

Coombes might need a few things like that to fall his way. It's a very competitive position.

That it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean he has nothing to offer. I'd love to see him getting a start vs Italy.

Na, sorry molloy, but that's not the full picture at all.

I've seen praise of Coombes described on here as "gassing him up" and "hype".

I suggested something as mild as Conan having a drop in form prior to the NZ summer tour, and got accused of all sorts.

There's absolutely a legitimate argument that Coombes deserves to be in and around the 23. There's also an argument that anyone suggesting that are the one's being lectured to also.