Has Haley been involved in any squads recently? I think he is a good player but it would be a huge call to move him in after a number of years
No, but he has had bad timing with injuries so who knows how much that impacted it. But we are not exactly swimming in options - and I personally don't rate Larmour or Frawley there at international level. Frawley will travel though, so it depends on how many people they bring and what the expected cover is I guess.
No; I think his lack of versatility cost him as we got closer to the RWC.
Given we're pretty much at the start of a new cycle, and with this development with Keenan, personally I think it's the perfect time to bring him back in.
Wouldn't agree with "zero point", because putting your best foot forward in the here and now is important.
Farrell was defence coach when Haley was involved with Ireland in the build up to the 2019 RWC, so he would have an idea already what he is likely to add to the set up. But maybe he gets another opportunity and changes Farrell's mind.
Places will be pretty tight in the touring squad (probably 3 outhalves and 5 back three players). I wouldn't be surprised to see them go with only JOB at fullback, with Frawley covering from outhalf or Larmour/Hansen covering from the wing.
I wonder could Addison come into the reckoning now he's fit again. He's a player Farrell's turned to before, albeit briefly due to him getting injured a lot. He could also cover 13 if Ringrose is unavailable.
Addison is leaving Ulster, so no.
I think it would be more likely that they would look at someone like Osborne or Mcllroy as a backup to JOB and Frawley.
Part of the consideration on the squad make-up could come down to whether he intends on going 6-2 also. Frawley obviously in the driving seat for the 22 jersey if that's the case.
But ya, I think it's as close to 0% chance that Zebo gets selected as makes no difference.
and I personally don't rate Larmour or Frawley there at international level.
Me neither - but they've each performed well in the opportunities that have come their way and that will carry weight with Farrell.
If JOB and Frawley travel (which is not a given, considering their injuries), then we may not bring any other dedicated FB, it's only two matches after all.
You don't rate them yet both have played at 15 for Ireland recently, Haley has one cap and that is not down to injury.
If anyone I would suggest they would look at Lowry as an option
If Hansen is back fit, he will travel and could be an option.
If Farrell wants to stick with Nash on the wing but still get Hansen on the pitch, I wouldn't be shocked to see him line out at 15.
I don't think Nash gets in ahead of JOB if both are fit
Osborne's probably the best bet. I think he'd be more consistent and secure than Larmour at fullback, and he's pacier than Frawley. He also looks like someone with a big future in green, so it'd be good to get him involved even if fullback isn't his long term position.
I'd say he'll go as back up outside centre to Henshaw if Ringrose is out, and he could cover fullback too.
sh: Gibson-Park, Murray, Casey
oh: Crowley, Frawley, Byrne/Byrne
lw: Lowe, Stockdale
ic: Aki, McCloskey
oc: Henshaw, Osborne
rw: Hansen/Larmour, Nash
fb: O'Brien
So Addison, who is leaving, in.
Zebo, who is retiring, in.
And Kleyn, who is now a SA international, in for the EI tour?
Awaiting the next left-field suggestion, Richie ;)
I'd be surprised if both of Aki and McCloskey go. I think Osborne will be looked at as a centre going forward who can cover the back 3, inverse to JOB who is a back 3 who covers the centre.
Its a shame about Addison he schooled JOB on Saturday night as far as centre goes anyway. But hey ho, his fitness is unreliable.
JOB is likely going as first choice FB so Nash is going up against Hansen for a jersey but I’d expect him to travel.
Joe McCarthy wins the Ireland Players Young Player of the Year. Well deserved. He's been phenomenal this season.
I would read pretty much nothing into Larmour playing 15 given it was an on the day replacement. Obviously Farrell rates frawley at 15 higher than I do.
Lowry is not an international fullback.
Are u at premium fighting weight?
It's pretty **** that Keenan is doing this. He's bumping someonemore deserving. The union should tell him no thanks.
Off topic, and I've no crystal ball, but I'm happy to see Nucifore exit. I would say he accomplished a little but, was mostly a failure.
Humphrey is now on the clock?
Did you watch (or have you read about) Irish rugby in the 90s, to take just one example?
this is a genuinely bizarre take.
It’s a win win for literally everyone and you’ve managed to see nothing but bad in it.
Come on man, it’s a fantastic story
He was high performance director in our highest performing period ever.
He was incredibly, unbelievably successful
He was successful if you ignore the IRFU's own KPIs.
Yes we won the 6Ns back to back but that was only part of their KPIs.
Women's Rugby was shoddily treated, we made zero progress in our effort to get past a RWC QF, their stated results for the URC & CC were a failure.
Irish rugby is the strongest it has ever been. Yes or no?
Nucs has been simultaneously a right royal pain in the a*× and probably the best thing that has happened to pro rugby in Ireland.
Humphreys can be in no doubt that to get the HP Dir done he will incur the bile of every province.
I disagree. We still flamed out when it mattered.
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