Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

With this summer tour being key in integrating new players to the squad the IRFU should put their foot down and not permit any more contracted coaches join the Lions. If they can’t stop them going they should be replaced.

Conan's role as sub seems to suit him very well.

Do you see McNabney or McCann as potential flankers for Ireland over the next year or two?

I think he's brilliant. He and Sheridan carried Ulster last season.

McNabney caught my eye when I saw him playing against Connacht. He's a bolter for me as a potential starter in the backrow the next 6 nations.

I might be wrong but I think he has a fairly even amount of game time in both positions. But one thing is for sure, with Augustus coming next season he will probably play a lot more at 6 and I think that will suit his international aspirations. What I'm not sure about yet is his handling ability(I dont mean this negatively I just haven't noticed it), he has the destructive power and the pace, but how would he adapt to the Ireland gameplan which requires forwards to be able to sit at first receiver and give tip ons and passes in behind like a 10 would? If he has that in his locker then he could be very very good.

Next season I think he'll have to, I'd imagine the Ulster back row would be McNabney, Timoney, Augustus with McCann as back up with Izzy and Hendy in the row.

To bring it back to Ireland, is it a good thing that Izzy moves to the row? Ryan and McCarthy have years left and Beirne isn't going anywhere this side of the WC either. Maybe there is an opening behind those three.

POC to be Ireland interim head coach while Farrell and Easterby are with the Lions.

I don't know if I'm alone here, but I think it's an absolutely shocking decision for Easterby to go to the Lions.

That means in 2025, we'll have had Easterby coaching the 6N, O'Connell doing the Summer, and Farrell back for the Autumn.

That kind of messing with coaching tickets helps absolutely nobody.

Most of the first XV will be playing to Farrell's structures. Just in a red jersey instead of a green one. And O'Connell will be a more experienced coach come next November. I don't really see the problem.