Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Last week we had a poster here claim that Sam was winning us a Grand Slam. Note, it wasn't Ireland might win it but that Sam was going to win it.

I didn't see anyone throw the toys out of the pram at that post but then that one was (stupidly) painting Sam as being a great player so there was nothing to be outraged at but the mere mention that Sam still has to develop or that he had a poor performance will get the hater/vitriol posters going.

Well you see he is both world class and/or ust a baby depending on the conversation

I think for most Munster folk it's nothing at all to do with Prendegast rather the treatment of Crowley. Over the years when we had competing outhalves both would be given their chance such as O Gara coming on for Humphreys etc after 60 mims. What happened with Crowley was bordering on public bullying where Crowley would come on alright out of position. Andy Farrell would never have left this toxic situation build where Munster folk feel an anti Munster sentiment at play. Ironically I'm certain this will drive on both Crowley and indeed Munster for the Champions cup!!

O Gara publicly backed Sam. Would you bet against that providing enormous petrol for the fans down at La Rochelle!! Folks the 6N might be coming to a close, but watch out for an explosive champions cup final rounds. With Crowley hurting and O Mahony retiring expect a massively hurting Munster to explode out the traps in April!

Thanks for coming along just in time to prove my point with your intelligent, well researched, factually accurate and non-hyperbolic point.

I fail to really see the issue to playing Sam at 10. You could argue that Crowley is better for sure. However, every world cup the narrative is that we don't "blood" enough players leading up to them. Well that is exactly what is happening now, and the discourse around the position seems to be a bit toxic. I back any young player to get minutes, especially in this window of 12-18 months where we can do it. To be honest, I don't think we are doing enough of it in other positions (though that is large part due to the lack of quality to bring in).

Oh spare me there's little of that on boards

He's a very talented young player who's been pushed by hype far beyond what he is right now, I hope he kills it for his career but anyone that feels hes a lions 10 now or should be starting for ireland is wilfully ignoring his current flaws

We had the complete opposite when Ireland lost to NZ in the autumn. The majority of the blame for loss was landed on Crowley by posters here despite Ireland being ahead at the time of the subbing.

Fcuk me, but this thread and the match thread are unreadable. Just provincial bickering.

I do for the following reasons,

Why play him out of position when his province has never played him anywhere outside of 10. Publicly show him up as a bad player?

Refuse to sub Prendegast for 3 matches in a row eventhough he's playing average or indeed poorly in all 3. Extraordinary arrogance by the mgmt!

A huge sway of Leinster public refusing to say Sam played badly after Cardiff eventhough he was falling off tackles. I was there.

Public, toxic bullying of a player in my opinion. Damage done to Sam for overplaying him and to Crowley for not giving him any gametime in his preferred position.

Easterby has been an utter failure in people mgmt and we can be thankful that Andy Farrell is the complete opposite

What a pity the likes of Pope and Hook are gone. By God would they call out as it should be

Couple of corrections: Crowley has played at 12 and 15 for Munster. Farrell is the one who started selecting Prendergast over Crowley so not sure why you’re describing Easterby an ‘utter failure’ in people management. Actually some ‘fans’ were using this bizarre bullying argument against Farrell 5 months ago when he picked Prendergast for the Australia game.

Oh give it a bloody rest.

We lost, physically dominated. End of. Very few players held their hands up, it was that sort of game, it happens.

Only question now. From 1 - 23, what do you change for next week, if any. More than just a Fly half discussion

This is the exact point I was making about Crowley after NZ beat us but no, the focus was on Crowley and Crowley alone. Some of those people are now annoyed that the focus is on Sam.

I'll repeat again, we were winning that game when Crowley was replaced.

And I don’t really agree with that either. Frawley was never going to the the winning of that game. And I would have no issue with SAM having been replaced by Crowley yesterday. But Bundee needed to be replaced more.

Question, Should Ireland make changes for Italy. Should some fringe players get gametime, if we are really about building our squad. Should Aherne, Coombes, Hodnett, Crowley all come into the mix. Pity Casey is injured, he would have come in at 9. What do we benefit from putting out a similar team next weekend. Give Osbourne a game at centre with ringrose. Give Beirne a weekend off for once..and porter