Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Lots of kneejerk commentary.

Understandable to a point - it was an upsetting performance - but we were maybe due a stuffing. We had a bad day, France had a good day. They were clinical, we weren't. The French defended out of their skins. Not sure if I'm being one-eyed, but felt like some crucial decisions went against us. The penalty against Porter from the kick-off was farce.

I think we're a long way from panic stations, and if anything, today will be very helpful in the long term. It's illuminated an over-dependence on Lowe's 'something from nothing' ability and a general lack of speed.

I suspect all the angst about the aging squad will fade this summer/autumn. Players like Ben Murphy, Hugh Gavin, McNabney, Postlethwaite, Jack Boyle, Brian Gleeson and so on will be playing against Romania and Portugal. Gus McCarthy, Izzy and Jamie Osbourne will bed in more. The new blood that goes well there will be involved for a stacked Autumn International fixture list, and then on into the 2026 Six Nations. The evolution will accelerate soon.

My main question at this stage: anybody know what's going on with JOB? Last I saw of him, he came back from injury (maybe at the start of this season?) looking sharper/faster than ever.

Another question: any quick/elusive outside backs coming through in the u20s sides of the last two/three seasons?

I don't know why they won't have a look at Coombes at 6. He covers two backrow positions and lock as well but more importantly he gives Ireland exactly what they need, a genuine try scoring threat when camped on the opposition line. We have a massive issue with converting pressure into points and Coombes is someone who could help with that. Yes, he's not the most explosive player but he'll make 15 tackles, carry all day and be a real bastard in the tight. Its exactly what we need. He has a great pair of hands too. What's to be lost by looking at him.

Another one who seems to be of the bizarre opinion that Osborne played badly yesterday.

He's better off to call it a day in green now alright although I'd like him to do 1 more season with us at Munster. That may not be for him though.

POM is an Ireland great and a Lions test captain, albeit one who was dropped. Was never the most gifted rugby player but extracted everything from his abilities and physical attributes. There's a lot to be learned in that for the likes of Big Joe.

VdF was the poorest of starting back row yesterday and has had a very mediocre 6N this year. And we didn't even bring another 7 into camp. I'd be far more concerned about that than POM, who played fairly well throughout the tournament.

I'm not disagreeing that VdF's poor tournament this year is anything more than a blip. But we've developed zero depth is his position and put all our eggs in one basket. You've named several suitors to the 6 jersey, care to do the same for the 7 shirt?

What annoys me is that we didn't even bring another no.7 to this tournament. Not 1. We've backed VdF as our only option. At least we've tried fellas in other positions, Boyle at LH, Clarkson at TH, Baird at 6 etc.

It's VdF or bust at 7. Doris ended up there after 48 mins yesterday. Or was it Baird? Either way, when other teams are playing 2 opensides to go after the breakdown we're playing 1 and hoping he can go 80 mins week in week out. It's crazy selection policy.