Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Costelow? Cannot see that. Really debatable if he makes the Welsh 23.

They'll bring Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, maybe another backrow (Taine Plumtree or Aaron Wainwright IMO). Possibly Tomos Williams as one of the 9s, and maybe an outside back like Rio Dyer (though unlikely).

Scotland had tiny numbers selected on numerous occasions (2005 - 3, 2009 - 4, 2013 - 3, 2o17 -2)

There is nothing unprecedented about them selecting very small numbers from a certain country, so wouldn't be surprised to only see 3 or 4 Welshmen selected.

For me - I don't want to see Irish guys selected because it tends to be disruptive and lead to injuries etc, but I get it's a huge personal honour for the players involved, and you want to see the players get to experience that.

There is a big difference in defence - FR is an excellent defender while MS a misses a lot of tackles

FR has not been inconsistent for years

I don't think lowe will make it, think they'll go with a more agile winger to better cover the Oz speedsters

I have no issue either.
but unless Owen Farrell signs for an English club pre tour I can see the RFU having a serious problem with it for obvious reasons

Also if smith and Russell do go and the third pick is Owen Farrell I can see the Irish 10s also having a problem with it , which would be natural especially if either go really well in the 6 nations.

But those players were still playing for their country, right? I think the article is talking about selecting players that aren't currently eligible for their national team.

I wasn't clear. Finn Russel was playing for Scotland in 2021 when he was selected. Halfpenny was playing for Wales when he was selected.

Farrell who is ineligible for England which is what the discussion was. So i don't see the relevance of the players in your list to the current discussion. And i don't mean that as rude as it reads, i promise.

Zero benefit to Ireland.

No. Even if you don't like the tour, it generates millions in profit which is shared between the 4 unions. Plus this year, the Aviva hosts the pre-tour game so that's more cash for IRFU coffers, plus it makes our players more marketable which means more money for sponsorships. Considering we ran at a loss last year, this isn't insignificant.

This tour is just a place to get tired and injured.

Well, that's the case for every summer tour.

If you are not sure why you think Irelands key players (esp. the forwards) would benefit more by less travel and less rugby instead of more travel and more rugby. Then ok.

e.g. Porter

Without a doubt Irelands most important player. He needs proper R&R.

From finishing the last summer tour in SA to starting this season, Porter (like Beirne and Doris) had three months without a match. How much more R&R does a guy need? This idea that we're flogging them overlooks the fact that IRFU have one of the best player management systems going.

I wouldn't be sure about Ringrose travelling