Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Furlong playing / starting seems like a high risk move. You'd want to be really confident that he's fully healed..

Would be a little harsh on Bealham as well given that he's gone well this six nations.

Although I'd guess he's just happy to still be in the squad.

No way Clarkson starting against Wales wasn't a way to try and move him ahead of Bealham.

Why would it be to try move him ahead of Bealham and not just giving time to another prop option given Furlong's obvious injury concerns?

Delighted Doris is back but disappointed Coombes won't get his chance - would've been a great chance to either silence or confirm his doubters.

I mean he would've more than likely started if Doris and Conan were both injured. Don't see them starting Timoney or Prendergast Sr at 8.

(Now, even if Doris pulled out late, I presume they'd back Conan to play 80 and put on the above on the bench)

Do appreciate the attempt though, Niall.

I'd fear Bielle-Barrie and Penaud would have a field day against us if a guy who doesn't play wing is selected there. Has Calvin Nash been consigned to the scrapheap? Osborne seems like a better fit for the 23 jersey for this game.

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

Would probably be Keenan on the wing and Osbourne 15

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

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

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.