Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Some of the only valid criticisms there have been of Farrell is that there was no clarity about who th other two would be until this season.

To be fair to Farrell, up until the 6 nations there was clarity; Carbery was clearly seen as 2nd choice. That’s obviously change since.

Part of me thinks that Farrell has known for a long time that Byrne was a top candidate and he was slow to include him because he wanted to develop others

I’d be absolutely shocked if that was the case tbh. Pressure for results is too significant.

“Not disputing what you have, just basically disputing what you have”.

You’re really reading way too much into this; I simply asked if you had more detailed stats on who’s put-in. That’s relevant.

(And Stephen N also thought there was a penalty before Jenkins came on, fwiw).

Ah ya, fair enough then. There’s been so much flux around 3rd choice, I think it still there’s one of 3-4 different options that end up travelling.

it'll depend on how well carbery goes in the wider squad sessions (presuming hes picked). if hes showing good form then he may get into the squad due to his greater experience. but at this stage if crowley is at a similar level id expect him to be picked instead

Any idea when the irish training squad will be announced?

I know the Welsh squad was announced this week, but all their teams are finished for the year all ready.

We don't need to look to the future at the world cup. We just pick the best players in the here and now.

I'd be surprised if Harry Byrne is ranked ahead of Jack Crowley at the moment.

It's less than a year since Harry Byrne travelled to NZ as third choice out-half for Ireland. It's injury that has derailed him, not lack of ability.

Crowley is in the driving seat but I would expect Byrne to be in the wider training squad and from there, who knows?

While alot has been made about crowley and healy being picked for Munster the last few weeks and carberry missing out since the Sharks loss in Europe.

Less has been made about the fact that Conor Murray is back as the first choice 9 with munster and Playing past 70 minutes the last 2 weeks against the bigger south African packs and picked to start again this week.

I wonder does this leave the gap open for Blade or even mcgrath or doak to sneak into the irish squad at the expense of Casey.

Casey had an excellent opportunity to get ahead of Murray this year at munster and failed to capitalise on it.

I dont know since the 6 nations casey has started only 1 game for Munster. Was whipped off just after half time and has only had 5 minute cameos since. His size is a worry against these bigger packs.

While doak is unlikely to get picked since he has dropped back behind cooney recently he did start 2 of the emerging ireland games..

mcgraths familiarity with the leinster players could have him included in the training squad.

saying all that Blade is probably most likely to be involved given he was around the 6 nations squad.