Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

I'd imagine part of the "defensiveness" is due to the fact that you routinely play the devil's advocate (for lack of a more direct phrase) for all matters regarding a certain province.

Setting that aside, you do really how paradoxical it is to say on the one hand "he has had loads of gametime, you can't blame injuries" and then on the other hand say "he hasn't gotten game time, he has stalled".

Action's speak louder than words - so surely the fact that he was starting ahead of JOD for the entire run in for the URC means that the selective example you're choosing to focus on (Saracens) is nothing more than that, a selective example. (Not to mention the five out of five Champions Cup games Ahern started the previous season). Wouldn't you agree?

Yeah Deegan and Penney are two guys who have just completely stalled over the last while.

After having come through from the sevens as an unknown, and off the back of a series of performances for the senior team. That's a whole different ball game from the 'tipped for greatness' that Deegan and Aherne carried with them.

Bit annoying that the sky guide hasn’t updated to say Virgin One are showing the match yet. Will be travelling when it’s on, so will have to record a few different programmes around that time and hope it works.

Has there ever been a less high profile ireland rugby match? A squad of 2nd and 3rd choice players, most of whom would prefer to be on a beach vs the not so mighty Georgia. I'd say a lot of people who regularly watch the 6 nations for example barely know it's on.

All the while, competing against the hurling semi finals, lions tour, Wimbledon, summer holidays etc.

And your point is?

Surprised they are capped occasions when Lions is on. In earnest it’s an Ireland A game , still excited to watch it though for emerging talent watch

Fair point yes. You're right, it's important for getting players into that environment and getting high level coaching.

My point was more so that it's a bit off Broadway if you like

Lashing down there.

Scrumptious

Prendergast and O’Brien look to be enjoying this

Ireland lucky there.
Terribly attempt by Stockdale and Prendergast

He has a career in reiki if the rugby thing doesn't work out!