Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

phog · 23-03-2025 01:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289453#Comment_123289453

They'll need someone with POC, if they want someone like ROG or Noel Mc back in Ireland they could (if it's possible) look to second them for a summer tour.

Other than that they're looking at coaches coaching at home.

Podge_irl · 23-03-2025 01:35PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289498#Comment_123289498

I don't think either the IRFU would want to or that their existing employers would allow it to be honest. I can't think offhand of any similar situation happening anywhere before.

Noel McNamara is a complete non-runner anyway, as UBB will expect to be in the Top14 final. Any additions to the coaching panel are going to come from existing provincial coaches.

fonecrusher1 · 23-03-2025 01:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289032#Comment_123289032

We've a pretty important 2 years ahead pre RWC. Switching and swapping coaches like this cannot be good for continuity in the context of developing the team. Trying out new players, exploring different tactics etc. We need a steady hand.

Ideally it should be just Farrell knuckling down for this instead this lions tour BS interferring in our coaching. I'm interested in our future. Not that nonsense. I've no interest really.

Must love hardship · 23-03-2025 02:01PM

I think I read somewhere that johnny sexton will be part of the Irish coaching ticket this summer?

Wouldn't be surprised if some of the coache from the provinces also helped out. The A team coaches were: Mike Prendergast (Head Coach/Attack Coach)

Jimmy Duffy (Forwards)

Sean O’Brien (Defence)

Mark Sexton (Backs/Assistant Attack Coach)

Colm Tucker (Scrum/Breakdown).

I wouldn't be suprosed if they were involved again.

Jump_In_Jack · 23-03-2025 03:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289453#Comment_123289453

Is it Georgia and Romania confirmed and Portugal were after saying they were in talks to host Ireland too, so could be a three test tour to the Tier two teams.

Never checked since, but that was what was rumoured months ago as far as I can remember.

Podge_irl · 23-03-2025 03:17PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289753#Comment_123289753

Portugal is the only match announced by the IRFU. I have heard all of Spain, Romania and Georgia mentioned for the other matches, but I think the consensus is Georgia plus potentially one other.

23-03-2025 03:26PM

It'll be a selection of coaches from the provinces. We generally include one or more coaches on these tours anyway. Anything else just undermines the whole IRFU coach progression structure. If other Irish coaches want to get involved there are two clear paths through applying for national coaching roles, and applying for provincial roles.

Jump_In_Jack · 23-03-2025 03:40PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289763#Comment_123289763

I would love a four match tour, play all of those mentioned, why not, there should be plenty of guys of the calibre required available to resource that tour, and it would be valuable to see those guys in action.

Perfect timing to look at options two years out from a World Cup.

A squad of 33 should cover it.

2 deep in every position and an extra front row.

Could even make one or two into a mid-week game and shorten the tour, give everyone as many minutes each as much as possible.

AbusesToilets · 23-03-2025 04:08PM

Would love to see consistent games for Spain and Portugal against the 6Ns teams. They play a lovely style of rugby and fantastic destinations

Podge_irl · 23-03-2025 04:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289828#Comment_123289828

You could definitely do Spain and Portugal in one week anyway, they are both fairly poor at the moment (as, indeed, are Romania). But I think it is fairly unlikely.

sprucemoose · 24-03-2025 05:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289544#Comment_123289544

they already did it with O Gara in 2017 for the game against the USA. agree overall though that its highly unlikely

50HX · 26-03-2025 10:53PM

It's spot on

El Vino · 26-03-2025 10:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289032#Comment_123289032

O'Connell could do with being a better lineout coach and is certainly not ready for further advancement, as for not seeing a problem, if our last 3 6N games didn't show you we have a problem I'm not sure what will. The first XV need a refresh and are many are in decline. This completely devalues the development opportunity of the summer Ireland tour for players which should be the priority not coaches

27-03-2025 12:19AM

I'm hoping that Farrell will be using the Lions as a compressed experiment in evolving a variant in Ireland's game plan. If a huge contingent of Ireland starters are in camp then there could be a benefit. IMHO Farrell being away means we may not be able to "fix" our phase attack problems without him as it's a rugby league derived attack only he truly understands himself. Unless it's Sexton's moment to step up...

The Summer tour around the Lions year always feels more like an A selection, but I still think we're missing some value having so many coaches away. There should be a huge chance for players to break through given the aging profile of some squad members and the inevitable post-Lions player fatigue. This could cost some of them a shot.

eagle eye · 27-03-2025 07:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123301959#Comment_123301959

He could be a great head coach and not a good lineout coach. We've seen this many times working both ways.

Brief_Lives · 27-03-2025 08:11PM

this tour isn't worth a hoot to the players, as the MO returns to normal for the november tests, in prep for the world cup seeding in 2026.

The tour will be of benefit to POC, so at least there is that positive output.

Paul Smeenus · 28-03-2025 11:24AM

Watched the Irish Independent rugby podcast on YouTube yesterday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1oxObPNnNs

Cian Tracey said he was talking to Robbie Henshaw while attending the media jamboree for Andy Farrell announcing his Lions coaches. Henshaw told him (37:10) that the Leinster players had real issues this 6N switching between Neinaber's Leinster defensive system and the Ireland defensive system. He talked about not being on the same page as Bundee Aki, and it being his fault. Apparently it'll be in an Independent article.

Also, a suspicion that Easterby is a replacement for Felix Jones, who was the plan before he went back to SA. That's informed conjecture though.

Brief_Lives · 28-03-2025 04:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123305931#Comment_123305931

anything containing RoC, is a hard pass from me. the guy is stealing a living.

clsmooth · 28-03-2025 04:26PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123306951#Comment_123306951

100%. I feel he’s constantly trying to drive a narrative rather than reporting on what’s actually going on like a journalist should do.

Paul Smeenus · 28-03-2025 04:47PM

He's not the guy reporting it, and he won't be the journalist whose name will be on the article when it comes out.

Still, you're right to ignore it. I'm sure there's absolutely nothing to be gleaned from Henshaw explaining the defensive issues the Irish team experienced to a journalist appearing on a podcast with another contributor you don't like.

ersatz · 28-03-2025 06:01PM

there’s a lot of sh1t talked about all these journalists all the time, I’d take it with a pinch of salt. None are as good or bad as is made out. If the hosts facilitate any kind of space where there are interesting insights then it’s a win. Much of their blather reflects on the institutions they work for and the emphasis of editors/senior producers and the ad dept.

CalmaftertheGav · 28-03-2025 07:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123306965#Comment_123306965

To be fair, that’s the case with 90% of rugby journalism today.

Rugbyf565 · 28-03-2025 08:59PM

Baloucoune is officially the greatest Irish winger of all time

eagle eye · 28-03-2025 09:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123307198#Comment_123307198

I don't bother listening to anything unless you have a respected current or former head coach. You'll get great insight and get an education listening to them.

Former players know what it's like to be in an international setup but that doesn't mean they have a clue about what it takes today and what your job is for any position they didn't play.

crossman47 · 29-03-2025 05:38PM

Crowley showed to day what he can do - brilliant in all aspects of the game v Connacht - ok, it was only Connacht.

Brief_Lives · 29-03-2025 06:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123309588#Comment_123309588

nobody says "it was only connacht", anymore.

New to rugby?

johnh6767 · 29-03-2025 07:00PM

Crowley was top in decision making & execution, varied the game beautifully. Also shows the importance of Casey who was outstanding, a strong 9 makes life easier for 10

Brief_Lives · 29-03-2025 07:05PM

Crowley was excellent today.

Crowley and Casey made the game for Munster.

almostover · 29-03-2025 07:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123309811#Comment_123309811

It was a major pity Casey got injured for the 6N, he looks like a guy ready to step up to the next level.

joedamuss · 29-03-2025 07:28PM

Watching Leinster v sharks, Frawleys no outhalf !!!!!

Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

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