Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

It could be ugly. But it could also be a Godsend. England up 1st! I eagerly await the 6nations. I can't wait to see how we go with Easterby. I reckon, that a 2nd place finish with some squad turnover should be the minimum requirements.

I will hope that the union cuts ties with the coaches who are not performing, if our current problems persist. O'Connell has got to be under the microscope? They all should be!

looking at the game again, we collectively sh@t the bed at the start of the second half. It’s like we didnt expect Argentina to throw everything at us, and were unprepared for the work required.

Our pack were out muscled yet again. Indiscipline cost Argentina in the end with the YC.

I know it’s only the November internationals but i dont think you can say we are in an upwards trajectory.

No great shame in that as no team continues upwards every year. The trick is to minimize the downward trajectory , which is a combination of new players and new coaches with a new philosophy.

On Osborne, who has been impressive the past 2 seasons in both blue and green, where is he going to get his starts ?

Osborne has had some injury problems, and has still managed 53 games for Leinster (83% of which - 44 games) were starts. He’s 22 years old. There isn’t a 22 year old anywhere in Irish rugby who comes close to that. He started the Champions Cup final last season (and all the knock outs leading to it).

One of our other centres is almost always injured.

This faux concern about Osborne’s starts is way overblown, he’s had huge exposure already.

There’s no basis for saying the 26 year Ronan Kelleher - rushed back from injuries for this game and was largely very good last night (lineout issues aside, and they aren’t all on him) is on a downward trend of his abilities. Same with James Ryan and Robbie Henshaw, both of whom were very good last night.

faux concern

the comments he's written arent even authentic.

Mod: Folks, can we please discuss the topics without questioning posters motives.

Agreed, one or other of Izzy or Prendergast at 6 for Aus for me. Mght come down to who goes better next week? Been impressed with Prendergast this season, and has stepped up into the captaincy really well.

My early prediction for the Fiji squad:

(15-9,1-8):

Osborne, Nash, Ringrose, McCloskey, Stockdale, Frawley, Casey, Porter, Kelleher, O’Toole (if fit), McCarthy, Henderson, Izuchukwu, Van der Flier, Doris.

Reps: G McCarthy, Boyle, Clarkson, Ryan, C Prendergast, Murray, S Prendergast, Hansen.

I wouldn’t mind seeing the Keenan/Osborne back three with the way the kicking rules are now.