Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

But he clearly is in the plan as he's been the undisputed 3rd choice for well over a year now. One injury, and he's involved in a world cup quarter final.

Whether you agree with it or not, Craig Casey is Ireland's 3rd choice scrum half. That much is fairly obvious. And yet, he's never started against a tier one team. I think that's a problem that needs to be addressed.

Cannot see Murray dropping out of Ireland squad, Farrell doesn't really seem to be too bothered about provincial pecking order as long as the guy is doing well in green, and Murray has been playing well for us.

I think Ross Byrne is in with a good shout of a call up, especially if we name four OHs given Sexton's uncertainty. I don't think Crowley's position is cemented yet.

Other than that, I don't expect many new faces. Henshaw's injury and Hume's lack of form might open a slot for Jamie Osborne or maybe even Frisch.

With Furlong a doubt and Loughman also injured, we might get a look the depth chart at prop. Salanoa could do himself a big favour today.

Yes. He went on the emerging Ireland tour.

Surely Coombes gets a recall to the national squad given his form of late. His performance today was incredible. He was involved in all three of Munster's tries, made a host of tackles and also won at least two turnovers.

His versatility has to be a big selling point. He's looked very assured at lock these past few weeks, an area where we are not particularly strong outside of the 23. The fact that he can play 6, 8 and second row to a high level has to be in his favour.

My little cousin did well today at half time in Thomond Park,passed well, made his tackles and got a try

Coombes' recent form would definitely have him in the squad, yesterday was icing on the cake. Will be interesting to see if he can break the match day squad.

Interesting call in the back three, whether Earls is at the end of the line, Would expect Balacoune, Larmour and JOB to be involved. Lowry, not so much, and maybe Haley depending on the size of squad.

Centres: Ringrose, Aki, McCloskey, Osborne. I assume Henshaw is out for the early rounds at least.

OH; won't be surprised if they call up four and Ross Byrne is in.

SH; JGP, Murray, Casey.

Props: Salanoa to get a call up. Not sure who the next LH is if Loughman is out.

Hooker: assuming Herring is out, Stewart to get a call

SR: the usual trio plus Joe McCarthy and maybe Niall Murray?

BR: Doris, POM, VDF, Conan, Coombes, Timoney and Baird. Prendergast too maybe.

Yep, just forgot him. He'll be there

I hope Loughman recovers in time. Would like to see him involved. Tom O'Toole may not make it due to injury, so Salanoa should get a call.

Coombes will get a call too. Prendergast may lose out. Earls hasn't warranted a look, imo. Others have played really well.

I'd say benching against Italy would be regarded as a massive success for Osborne

To me McCloskey has been playing poorly since the "Ulster collapse". I'd be worried that would carry through to an Irish jersey. That said I'd definitely play Aki ahead of Osbourne (unless theres any truth to the rumours he is off in June before RWC).