Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Long overdue

Doak hd been playing well even when Ulster were dreadful last season

So if its JGP and Doak, who is in the squad as the third #9 ?

It's disappointing that we're not producing any quality scrum-halves. At least there's a few players who will have an opportunity in the next 3 months. Problems with the back 3 injuries have given Farrell a chance to bring in players he probably would never had considered

I wonder. Connacht's abject showings this season so far will count against either of them.

Judging by U20’s where they were all on show , Gunne is well ahead , but he’s the youngest by 2 / 3 years , so for now it’s Doak for me as the man in form

Agree with that JGP could well be in for the 80 given it’s the key game of the 6N and will likely be a fight to the end

So far all 3 look well below the standard set by JGP and Murray

JGP was incredible yesterday. All over the pitch in attack and defence. I dont remember seeing as industrious a display by a Leinster player. He wasn't perfect, kicks maybe too close to the line to allow quick restarts notable, but he's such a hard working player, unbelievable to track live for 15/20 mins. His fitness levels must be off the charts.

Andrew Porter is supposedly doubtful for the 6 Nations. Awaiting scan results on his calf, but rumoured he could be out for up to 8 weeks.

Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle both hurt at the moment too i believe. Leinster potentially looking at Jerry Cahir and Alex Usanov as our LHPs heading to Bayonne next weekend.

Leinster and Munster both seem to have issues with discipline at the moment, I think that’s a given. But both teams are being refereed slightly differently, particularly by English referees. It was quite obvious from watching that Carley either has an issue with Doris, or was infatuated with La Rochelle on Saturday. Spoke with the two teams completely differently.

Similarly I thought Dickson made some very harsh calls against Munster on Sunday.

It doesn’t bode too well for the 6 nations. It’s mainly on Leinster and Munster to fix their discipline, but I do think Ireland/Irish teams are being refereed slightly harsher at the moment.

I don't necessarily agree with the broader point, I think there's been a good willingness to play Gunne and he's gotten plenty of minutes for a 22-year-old; he just hasn't shown enough in those minutes. I'm not writing him off; I think one of the real challenges of playing 9 is the decision-making and it only kind of comes from exposure and experience, but I don't think he's where he needs to be yet where I'd consider him ready for any kind of higher honours.

This is probably a blessing in disguise because we now have to pick someone who is not Casey. Even if it ends up being a disaster, we'll learn something.

And tbh this is half the problem. No one has really put their hands up to be that someone. Blade is grand and no more, Murphy looked good for a while and faded, Gunne isn't really justifying the hype. Doak is probably the best option but even he's had his ups and downs the last couple of years. None of them have really made a strong case to be third-choice, let alone overtake Casey.