Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

We do know it because we saw it with our own two eyes, which was a large reason we won the 6N that year and drew the series in SA.

Well reading the comments here and the media it appears that there’s more interest in scape goating players and making excuses for them to continue under performing than actually fixing the problems at source. It’s worrying really as I’ve seen us go down this path before and it isn’t pretty.

So you are happy with the number 13 position?

I never mentioned the lineout. You said 'we don't need replacements in either position' So I will ask again. Are you happy with the present incumbent of the number 13 Jersey?

MOD EDIT

The over criticism of Crowley when he plays ok (not brilliant) is also beyond ridiculous if you ask me. Sure, he made a few errors and tried things that perhaps weren't on, but many players were sub par on Saturday and even the great Beauden Barrett fluffed a few kicks, one particularly badly (the dimensions of the pitch didn't help the kickers IMO).

I'm guessing it's a push back to SP's dropping and the way he is lambasted from left right and centre for every small misdemeanour, which I don't agree with either. His form I believe is suffering at the moment because of it. Must we hammer these two young 10's every time they make mistakes until they're both devoid of any confidence?

There have been some comments on Crowley that to me crossed the line into nonsense, but that's largely the same on most topics here.

Most of the criticism of him has been justifiably fair IMO; he had a poor game on Saturday. He wasn't on his own, absolutely, but he was poor. I'm not saying he should be dropped (and don't think I've seen any other posts saying he should), but he certainly didn't bring his form from Croke Park with him.

Selection for next game will be interesting, does he pick mainly the same side, injuries aside, and say to them, go win, improve and be ready for last two tougher tests, seems to have been Farrells MO in previous years. what good does resting an underbaked starting 15 do. Changing 10 again will only cause more moaning when it comes to SA game as to who should start, he said he's picked on form, that doesnt change losing to the AB's.

I think we'll see a second-string side, most of those who started in Chicago will drop to the bench or out completely. A long flight followed by a short turnaround isn't great player welfare. Maybe something like (assuming Beirne is out):

McCarthy Kelleher Bealham

Ryan Izuchukwu

Ahern Doris Timoney

Casey Prendergast

Stockdale Aki/Henshaw Osborne TOB

JOB

I really hope we see Osborne in the centre, and hope we don't see Henshaw at 13. I think/hope he still has a lot to offer, but only at 12.

Izzy is injured. Don't think he travelled, even.

No. Fix the lineout, which has been garbage for years, and actually work on protecting our ruck ball.

1 poor performance at 13 from a player that’s normally very consistent is far from our biggest worry rn.

No team creates anything if their set piece isn’t up to snuff and the forwards aren’t working their ass off.

I don’t think that’s really good enough, you have 4 test lions starters in that tight five, they should be able to do a good job without Beirne there. Giving them a free pass is part of my concern that we are beginning to just accept mediocrity and these players not playing at their best.

Porter is only 29, his best days are not “behind him” and Furlong actually had a good game, not great but good, so don’t see the issue there. Bealham and Henderson need to be moved on, this is where Farrell needs to be ruthless, allowing them to continue is part of what allows mediocrity to continue in this side.

When POC was interviewed he never mentioned Ahern when he was discussing the 6 options which makes me think they seen him as a SR.

We should be very capable of handling Japan with Baird or Ahern in the second row I think. Would give a chance for Prendergast to come in at 6.

I'm doubtful Edogbo will be involved, not certain he's rejoining the squad coming off RTP, but I'd welcome his inclusion if he is there.

Can any of you explain the tactics NZ used to beat Ireland? Maybe a list of 3 main approaches they used?

I genuinely don't see how he was poor. A few errors yes, but not poor. The player ratings in most of the publications would back that up. 6/7 out of 10 across the board, which I would say is pretty decent.