Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

I agree with the sentiment of a game of low stakes. I still think a more prudent selection of Osborne, at 12, would be much more beneficial to the side and particularly to the player himself.

If there was scope for growth for him as a fullback I could somewhat get behind the selection, even though I would still think this selection is asking way too much from a young guy on his debut.

Pleasantly surprised that Farrell went with Casey.

If SA score a try early it could turn into a heavy defeat. SA 32-10 Ireland

On the social media stuff - Its unsavory from Erasmus and SA.

I'm probably in the minority but I was delighted that Johnny Watterson called it out in the IT today.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2024/07/05/hyping-up-the-violent-imagery-an-unhealthy-route-for-rugby-to-take/

War is mentioned again by a commentator, this time an “all-out war” with the video closing with two players, Irish centre Bundee Aki and South Africa’s Jesse Kriel in profile facing each other like a pair of heavyweight sluggers at a weigh-in looking as though they are eager to get on it right there and not wait for fight night.

As the video comes to an end, the profiles of the players move closer together with bolts of lightning shooting from their eyes, then closes with the Springbok and South African logo “Forever Green Forever Gold”.

From the many comments on social media, the hype video appears to have gone down very well with fans. Perhaps part of that is because it is something new for rugby, and that it has not reached the weary levels of fakery in professional boxing, which even when the aggression and insults are not fake, they seem fake because it has been done so many times in the past.

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Still, without being po-faced, there is a question for rugby. Everyone knows matches must be profitable to keep the game healthy. But does it want to normalise the talking up of war and violence on the pitch to attract a younger, bloodthirsty audience?

And is it appropriate given the cases currently running through the courts here and in the UK involving brain-damaged rugby players?

What channel is the match on tomorrow?

Its his first big start for Ireland. Italy games still don't count.

Kicking was the thing….has it improved much?

Its very hard to start a reasonable conversation here sometimes.

ok. they're not comparable matches at all…. but if you insist

Has his kicking improved much?

you should know better…..going on like that with genuine posters.

You know well I've been posting here long enough. And the 'irrationally dismissive'! Really? 36v0 ….haven't beaten Ireland in what 15 games?

You think those games v Italy are comparable. Good luck to you