Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

If one of Izuchuckwu or Ahern had the durability that say Cian Prednergast has, we’d have potentially a world class 6 on our hands. They have all the raw materials, just neither can stay fit.

Bohan's late grandfather Mick Doyle was a legend of Leinster and Irish rugby, also a Lion and an outstanding coach. Best of luck to the young man.

There is no reason to do that if Osborne or Stockdale are available. So unless all 3 are out then no there is virtually no chance of this happening.

yet you think picking a flyhalf to start his first game at 15 (probably in professional rugby) away in Paris is the wiser selection?

after the last few weeks the players I would like to see fast tracked

JJ kennny

Tector - best young centre in Ireland

Niall smyth - believe the hype

As a development player:

Alan spicer - get him in early into camp, we never produce this sort of size in Ireland

Exciting times

And the Ward brothers. Spicer no way, he is a long-term project he'll need more S&C, looks very laboured jogging around the academy game vs Toulouse and will bedd to drastically show more work ethic and aggression.

I’d love to know you thoughts on how Lowe, Ringrose and Hanson have been playing in the past 12 months

Second half of last season they were all in good form. First half of this season, not so much. And Hansen is out on long term injury.

I think if Furlong is fit, we'll see Bealham deployed at LH either to start or on the bench. Loughman isn't bad though, I think he could surprise us.

Would love to see Edogbo getting a chance - but if he had to come on early, would he last the pace?

My predicted team based on current injury status:

Keenan

Lowe McCloskey Ringrose TOB

JGP Prendergast

Loughman Sheehan Furlong

Ryan McCarthy

Beirne Doris VDF

Kelleher Bealham Clarkson Prendergast Conan Casey Crowley Aki

Farrell's form has been poor enough too though, I can't see them making that switch here, especially when the backline will already be a bit rejigged I suspect.

I'm not as worried about Keenan; he's been back in full training for around a fortnight now. His match sharpness won't be there, but I bet his fitness will be fine.

I'd start Stockdale on the left wing instead; Lowe's form just doesn't justify inclusion IMO.