Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Watching the lineout success of the provinces closely this weekend to gauge what the issue may be with the National team. Munster were close to 100% on their own throw and stole 3-4 of Stades throws on a very windy night. If that trend continues across the weekend then the national teams issues in the lineout seem to be root caused to coaching.

Agreed, but then lineout was very good on a very blustery night. Connacht up now next. The acid test will be the Leinster game tomorrow given that they make up the bulk of the Irish forward unit. If their lienout functions well then serious questions will have to be asked of POC et al.

Not much really, they worked a few nice short throws to a prop at the front, one of which Munster were caught napping for and it lead to a try. Munster did more damage to their throw when they had 15 on the pitch. POM was superb as a defensive jumper, think he stole 3 lineouts.

Bit of a Joe Schmidt / Simon Zebo thing going on with Coombes and Farrell. It's a pity, he'd have been ideal at no.6 or no.20 for the AI series. Would have allowed Beirne to play in his best position too

I agree with you, Farrell seems to like the rangy athlete type in the 6/20 shirt a la Baird and Izuchukwu. Not sure that strategy has worked of late though. Not sure Izuchukwu's performances have warranted it either, he has shown nothing like the consistency of high performance that Coombes has. Potential, yes, but that's all.

Agree that Doris is well ahead of Coombes. But I'm not sure the other options are, with the exception of Conan who was injured for the AI series. I think Coombes has been very hard done by, he was consistently performed at a high level for Munster and is the first name on our teamsheet whether at 8 or 4. None of the others who have played at 6/20 bar POM have shown the same level of consistent performance in the URC or Champions Cup.

I get that Coombes is a little bit of an old fashioned no.8, not the quickest but deadly at gaining hard yards. He has great hands too, super passer of the ball. I think he can feel slightly aggrieved at the lack of game time he's seen in a green jersey.

My fear as a Munster fan is that he turns 27 next week and has had 5 very good seasons with Munster with only a couple of Ireland caps to show for it. He has perhaps 6-7 years left at this level and he may be drawn to France for big money if his situation with Ireland continues. He'd be a fool not to go if he's ever offered it. His game is perfect for the top 14 and he is super durable. I'll be as p*ssed off as was when Donnacha Ryan was squeezed out if that comes to pass.

Yup, looks like coaching is the issue so. Both provinces excellent in the lineout this weekend. Same players, different outcome.

prendergast very poor first half.
He is still not ready to play 10 for Leinster never mind Ireland.
If Leinster win the European cup and they have a great chance they will not do so with prendergast at 10.

I never said he would never ready, simply he is not ready at moment.
maybe this season shadowing Barrett at 10 would help prendergast, and help Leinster win the European cup.
Barrett a massive purchase for Leinster.

Are there people that think it was Beauden who was signed... What's with the Barrett at 10 talk?

Starting from which game? Because he's already playing for Leinster at 10 and they've just won a game..