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Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

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Comments

  • #43292
    bingobango12
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,172 ✭✭✭bingobango12


    Is it a 9AM announcement tomorrow or back to the 2PM?



  • #43293
    AbusesToilets
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 13,942 ✭✭✭✭AbusesToilets


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123235964#Comment_123235964

    I'd rather they start TOB there if Hansen and Nash are out. Love Osborne, but I think struggled on the wing for Leinster. Just hasn't had the time playing there. Don't know if he's appreciatably slower than Lowe or Hansen, but his positioning is what would concern me.



  • #43294
    Wegians89
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,511 ✭✭✭Wegians89


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123235917#Comment_123235917

    Would probably be Keenan on the wing and Osbourne 15



  • #43295
    Podge_irl
    Moderators, Sports Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 32,765 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123236100#Comment_123236100

    I would assume 1400 given they are not travelling.

    I'm not convinced on Osborne on the wing, assume it is mostly due to his boot but he has struggled a little of late and moving position isn't going to help that.



  • #43296
    50HX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,686 ✭✭✭50HX


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123236113#Comment_123236113

    He's completely unproven at this level & a laugh if he started.

    at Least Osbourne has played & done well at test level.

    Either way Keenan goes to the wing I'd say.



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  • #43297
    AbusesToilets
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 13,942 ✭✭✭✭AbusesToilets


    Everyone is unproven until they aren't. Osborne made his debut in SA. I think he's more than talented enough for international rugby and more importantly, he's more experienced as a winger than Osborne or Keenan. We're facing arguably 2 of the best wingers in the world, I'd rather someone who's comfortable in their position personally.



  • #43298
    50HX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,686 ✭✭✭50HX


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123236164#Comment_123236164

    A grandslam & championship decider ain't the place to try out. Different story on summer tour.

    Has TOB even got meaningful minutes v higher end CC opposition?



  • #43299
    AbusesToilets
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 13,942 ✭✭✭✭AbusesToilets


    If someone is good enough, they're good enough.



  • #43300
    CalmaftertheGav
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 396 ✭✭CalmaftertheGav


    The starting team I'm happy enough with. Would prefer is Hansen was available but of the back 3 players we have he's the most replaceable imo, plus Osborne is an unbelievable player so we shouldn't be weakened too much with him coming in. Like others have said, I would prefer him at FB with Keenan on the right wing.

    The bench I'm less enthused by. I'm happy with the 6/2 split, would have picked it myself, but the injuries to Furlong & in particular Kelleher will limit the impact of our bench. I hope Gus McCarthy & Tom O'Toole get the nod in the 16 & 18 shirt, will add plenty of umph off the bench with those 2.



  • #43301
    ionadnapóca
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭ionadnapóca


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123236176#Comment_123236176

    IF Osborne is starting i would think its because Hansen and Nash are injured. Not ideal. Esp. without Ringrose.

    Osborne would have to play FB and Keenan wing. Osborne v Billie-Barry does not bear thinking about.

    6-2 Would actually be the best option now - Best available players in the 23 AND 7-1.

    GARRYOWEN'S Galore will be rained down upon the French Wings and FB.



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  • #43302
    Brief_Lives
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,818 ✭✭✭Brief_Lives


    If Ireland are going for a 6-2 split in the subs, it makes total sense. unfortunate for Nash.



  • #43303
    Former Former Former
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,713 ✭✭✭Former Former Former


    Nash went off early on Friday so I assumed he has a knock, hence TOB being called up?

    I don’t love Osborne on the wing, he’s a great fit for 23 but I’d play JOB ahead of him at 14.



  • #43304
    Clegg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,972 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    France have named their side. Alldritt starts and there's a 7-1 split on the bench.



  • #43305
    All_in_Flynn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,756 ✭✭✭All_in_Flynn


    image.png

    France have gone for the 7/1 split. Serious beef on the bench with Meafou and Jelonch. Alldritt makes it.



  • #43306
    Pudsy33
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 11,048 ✭✭✭✭Pudsy33


    Dupont is effectively covering 10-15. One back injury and they have to start shuffling. It's a massive risk.



  • #43307
    phog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 27,223 ✭✭✭✭phog


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123236870#Comment_123236870

    Barring injury enforced I think it's crazy to see 7-1 split of the bench



  • #43308
    All_in_Flynn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,756 ✭✭✭All_in_Flynn


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123237001#Comment_123237001

    Thornley was saying that they are going for this approach from a tactical perspective in that they want the forwards to absolutely empty themselves so that they can get the space to go wide. Something to that effect anyway.

    It's a massive risk.



  • #43309
    Podge_irl
    Moderators, Sports Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 32,765 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    I hope it backfires spectacularly. It is a fundamentally stupid idea.



  • #43310
    ionadnapóca
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭ionadnapóca


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123237018#Comment_123237018

    The French are ruffled.

    Dropping Penaud-Bringing him back-Cheaty Henry in camp-Alldritt 'Groin' issue to mirror Doris knock-

    The 7-1 Bench is the biggest indicator that they are desperate.

    IF Ireland score 1st Try and are leading at H-T; The French wont come back into it.

    7-1 has only convinced me further of that.

    Its still a big IF but the last time France won at Lansdowne Road when behind at HT was 1999. edit & 2011!



  • #43311
    Clegg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,972 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    Ireland dealt well with South Africa's 7)1 at the World Cup iirc. They were never overwhelmed by the extra physicality that bench brought.

    La Rochelle went 7/1 against Leinster a few months ago and it didn't really work either. I don't like the risk you take with your squad. If there's one injury in the backline you have to reshuffle everything.

    When Leinster played Toulouse in the 2023 Champions Cup semi final the French side went with a 6/2. They lost Barassi to injury early in the game so Ntamack had to move from 10 to centre and Dupont moved to flyhalf. They moved their entire playmaking hub because they had insufficient cover. They were hammered 41-22 and struggled in attack for large parts of that game. It's an even bigger risk with a 7/1. France might think they have cover with the players on the pitch but imo they'd be far worse if a switch like the above occurred again.



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  • #43312
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 56,215 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    Can someone start a match thread? Give us a decent write-up for this one.



  • #43313
    ionadnapóca
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭ionadnapóca


    I'll do one but If anyone else wants to by all means….



  • #43314
    Cookiemunster
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 13,403 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cookiemunster


    Here's the official announced line up.

    15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)(44)
    14. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(6)
    13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(80)
    12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(63)
    11. James Lowe (Leinster)(39)
    10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(6)
    9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(41)

    1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(73)
    2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(30)
    3. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(49)
    4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(17)
    5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(59)
    6. Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)(112)
    7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(71)
    8. Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College/Leinster) (captain)(49)

    Replacements:

    16. Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(42)
    17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)(136)
    18. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster)(5)
    19. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(70)
    20. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(49)
    21. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(26)
    22. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)(123)
    23. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(22)

    Mack Hansen (quad) and Rónan Kelleher (neck) were unavailable for selection due to injury, while Saturday’s match came too soon for Tadhg Furlong who continues to progress in his rehabilitation.

    https://www.irishrugby.ie/2025/03/06/easterby-names-ireland-team-to-face-france-at-aviva-stadium/



  • #43315
    AbusesToilets
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 13,942 ✭✭✭✭AbusesToilets


    Happy enough with that. Would rather Ryan start, and have had Boyle on the bench. If France defend the way they did versus Italy, I think we win it comfortably



  • #43316
    Clegg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,972 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    Osborne is a far better 12/15 than he is a wing. But he's an excellent line runner and I think/hope we'll have him make trailing runs off Henshaw's shoulder. He's a big athlete and could do a lot of damage breaking the line after receiving an offload. He also has the longest kicking distance of any player in the tournament to date. Prendergast, Lowe and he could be vitally important to counteracting the France kicking game.

    https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1895414478264791188?t=h3AckkC6bKYJR0B3Xkpxdw&s=09


  • #43317
    All_in_Flynn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,756 ✭✭✭All_in_Flynn


    Front row replacements are a concern for me but expect big impact from Conan, Baird and Ryan.

    I do wonder if we will actually see Osborne play 15 despite the number on his back.



  • #43318
    johnh6767
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 909 ✭✭✭johnh6767


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123237256#Comment_123237256

    you don’t win comfortably against that French team



  • #43319
    techdiver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,595 ✭✭✭techdiver


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123237274#Comment_123237274

    Props are a concern but in fairness Herring has never let us down when coming off the bench.



  • #43320
    eagle eye
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 42,675 ✭✭✭✭eagle eye


    For the life of me I don't understand the reason for a 6-2.

    Beine will play the full 80 and if there's an issue in the back row he can move there. O'Mahoney is the only one of them that is coming off unless there's an injury. We'd be much better with a 5-3 and proper cover for the backs.

    I wouldn't have Baird.



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  • #43321
    Mr Tickle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,209 ✭✭✭Mr Tickle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123237272#Comment_123237272

    In a couple of years that boot will be very useful when it comes to replacing Lowe.



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