Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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