Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Not to drag up moment from last years 6 nations that has been done to death again. But ultimately it comes down to the captains decision on if ireland go to the corner v France last year when carberry kicks the penalty on about 70 minutes to put 3 between the teams.

You could argue that's the winning or losing of the match.

Based on those stats, whatever about McCarthy. He should be ahead of Henderson.

There are valid arguments for Kleyn to be selected over McCarthy, who is there based on his potential. But equally, the same arguments could have been (and were) made when Casey was getting selected over McGrath, or when Crowley was selected over Ross Byrne.

For years we've complained about Ireland taking too long to pick young players compared to other countries. But now that we're doing that under Farrell, the young player is too raw/not the finished article and we want the steady old pro in instead. That's the thing about young players, 9 times out of 10 they are raw. Particularly in the TH lock role that McCarthy plays, where players often don't hit their peak until their late 20s (sometimes early 30s).

I'll be the first to admit that McCarthy's discipline isn't good enough. But even against Racing at the weekend, which wasn't his best game, his impact in the carry and in defense was clear to see. Also, look at his work in the lineout maul in the 28th minute that wins Leinster a turnover. He's also excellent at reading attacks and nailing opposition out halves. He did it to Carbery down in Thomond and he did it to Russell at the weekend.

Kleyn is 29 years old. Realistically, is he going to improve enough between now and the world cup to displace Ryan, Henderson or Beirne? IMO, probably not. But if O'Connell and Easterby can iron out some of the immaturities in McCarthy's game over the next couple of months, I think he can make an impact for Ireland in the medium term. I get why that might frustrate Munster fans. But Leinster fans said the same things when Casey was being invested in over McGrath. Luke may have been playing better, but Casey was always the higher potential player and we're seeing that now.

If Lowe is out, I could see Osbourne getting the nod for his boot

I would actually like Osborne to get a go at 12, he's the most Henshaw like player we have for the 12 position and with Sexton & Ringrose either side of him I would feel confident in him stepping up.

Surely one of the backrow should be up for debate. POM was incredible in NZ but hasn't been as good since. Coombes, Conan and Baird are in better form this season. There's also the option of Henderson coming in and shifting Beirne to 6. The backrow definitely shouldn't be set in stone. Even though the world Cup is this year, we should still be open to changes.

O mahony should not be an automatic starter, too lightweight for a 6 and goes missing in games too often, he is very good though when on his game