Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Not a bad shout. But I always felt he was a long term second fiddle because he wasn't up to doing the top job. Nothing since has changed my mind.

Not sure if serious, but ageism does not apply in sports for obvious reasons. Not least because these aren't octogenarians we're talking about.

Our points difference from the Wales/Italy games will be crucial if we don't get over France and want to win the title. France piled up a big score on Wales who will have a new coach and literally nothing to lose, in Cardiff. I can't see the coaches taking anything for granted or using the game to experiment. Easterly has a grand slam on the line!

On Wales, they need a DOR as much as a coach, someone is going to have to come in and take over by restructuring the entire union if there is any prospect of turning things around long term.

Ahhh stop now with your common sense will ya 😀

Random stat

I wouldn't be in favour of wholesale changes v Wales. They'll play with pride and passion at home and will get stuck into us. Their pride is wounded and although I don't think they're good enough to beat us, they are good enough to lose by less than 1 score if we select a team that doesn't show them respect. We could rue such a decision if we come unstuck vs. France and have to go to Rome chasing a huge points differential vs. an improved Italy.

I'd make 2 changes in the pack, start Joe McCarthy instead of Beirne, who needs a rest. Beirne to bench then at 19 and to play 10 mins max. Also, Conan deserves a start. POM did well last week but Conan has been playing really well. I'd keep Baird in the 20 shirt and bring on for VdF after 50 mins. Move Doris to 7 then and Conan to 8.

I'd start Prendergast again, he's the horse that's backed now and he seems to be improving the more time he gets. He's certainly not out of his depth at this level and now that he's been selected, I think we will benefit more as a team having him at 10 for the rest of the tournament. Crowley on after 50-60 then. I'd also keep Nash at 14 regardless of Hansen's fitness. Hansen in the 23 shirt for me. Aki rested totally. Start Henshaw at 12 and Ringrose at 13, Crowley can cover 12 and 15 if injury arises. Other than that, no changes. Boyle hasn't surpassed Healy at Leinster yet so forget about it. Same with Conor Murray, only Casey is currently ahead of him. The rest are prospects and that's all.

Does Furlong need to win his place back from Bealham now? Or does Furlong just go straight back in as starter? Would Furlong have bench impact?

Bealham has been really solid this last year. I think I forgot how good Keenan is, between the 7s and injury. When he came back for leinster in the Champions cup i realised how he makes everything better when he plays.

I wonder if Bealham is the man to start or maybe I've just forgotten how good Furlong is.