Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

sydthebeat · 03-02-2026 09:00AM

As predicted

Rayray98 · 03-02-2026 09:03AM

They are taking the piss with Furlong at this stage, he literally jogged off the field versus Bayonne 3 weeks ago how tf is he still out?

What, are we wrapping him up in cotton wool just so we can unleash him against Italy?

Also, genuinely, when was the last time a player that was a doubt actually pulled through? If the statement at the press conference is anything other than “he’s fit and available for selection” then you can bet you’re life on it that this player is unavailable.

OldRio · 03-02-2026 09:12AM

Bloody conservative coach always picking his favourites. I'm sick of................ (Team announced)....... 'How do I moan about this selection?'..............

You'll find a way. You always do.

big-al · 03-02-2026 09:12AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201577#Comment_124201577

I wouldn’t say as predicted, many on here didn’t have Prendergast starting, they had Lowe on the team, had Edogbo starting, had 3 outhalves in the 23 etc.

im actually impressed, actually shows that Farrell is trying to pick inform and players aren’t undroppable. If we aren’t going to win the six nations, at least built towards a competitive side in 2027.

DBK1 · 03-02-2026 09:14AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201593#Comment_124201593

I assume Syd meant as the journalists all predicted yesterday eve.

Podge_irl · 03-02-2026 09:16AM

Is Loughman generally ahead of Milne for Munster? It is a glaring weak point in the team, but it is what it is.

Anyway, can hardly say he isn't changing things up. I worry about the lineout a bit.

DBK1 · 03-02-2026 09:16AM

Thornley was fairly off with his prediction from Sunday!

CONSI · 03-02-2026 09:20AM

Would have liked to see Edogbo on the bench ahead of Ryan, not sure what Ryan can bring as an impact bench player. Harry Byrne must be disappointed this morning. Have to feel Crowley is covering more than just 10 on the bench and thats what got him there. Probably as good as we have at the moment, discipline will be the big thing for us.

Cosmo Kramer · 03-02-2026 09:30AM

Probably not a team that can stay within 15 of the French in Paris, but if there's ever a year to mix up the selections this is it. Winning the three home games is the limit of our ambitions this time around.

In terms of the 10 selection in a close call (if it even is one) I'll always take Sam Prendergast. He has obvious weaknesses, but he also has the potential to be a top class 10 in the future. Whereas neither Crowley or Byrne will ever be good enough.

France by 18+ points.

Rayray98 · 03-02-2026 09:31AM

For me it’ll be Ireland’s defence versus France’s attack.

Across 5 games in this fixture and on current form you expect Ireland to score approximately 27 points and 3 tries, Ireland’s attack in the autumn was good and France defence was below average so I don’t see why this would change.

However France have beaten this total twice versus Ireland, Last year and 2022, on both those occasions France’s key to victory was

Poor Irish defence in 2025, France got over the gain line far too many times
Poor discipline in 2022, Ireland won the try count 3-2 but still lost due to the concession of a rake of penalties

Ireland need to address both areas above if they want to stand any chance.

El_Duderino 09 · 03-02-2026 09:31AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201597#Comment_124201597

I think Milne has been ahead but I think Loughman had some injuries recently (concussion, I think) so it's hard to tell.

Dropping Lowe is a big call. I'm fine with it as stockdale has earned a shot on the wing and Osbourne can do the long clearance kicks.

I'm Also happy for Cian Prendergast. I felt he would have grown into the 6 jersey if he was given all the chances Baird got. Hope he can put in a big shift.

Tough game to try new things as it's not likely to end well. I hope we can judge the players on their individual performances rather than writing the whole thing off if France comfortably

Former Former Former · 03-02-2026 09:38AM

Good to see C Prendergast making something of a breakthrough and I think we have a better balance with Beirne in the second row rather than 6.

Only major beef is the 6-2 split which I just dislike in general.

Sammy96 · 03-02-2026 09:48AM

Is this the worse Ireland back 3 in a six nations in 20 years?

slowway20206 · 03-02-2026 10:02AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201597#Comment_124201597

yes, milne cant scrum.

slowway20206 · 03-02-2026 10:03AM

Mod Edit

Warning issued.

Podge_irl · 03-02-2026 10:03AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201646#Comment_124201646

Not even close. It is not even a bad back 3…

Pudsy33 · 03-02-2026 10:06AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201646#Comment_124201646

One of the more exciting back 3s we've put out in years imo.

Rayray98 · 03-02-2026 10:09AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201646#Comment_124201646

Farrell picks on form and this is the reaction…

Ben Bailey · 03-02-2026 10:18AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201674#Comment_124201674

23 from Ireland

Podge_irl · 03-02-2026 10:19AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201367#Comment_124201367

Yes, he was fine against LAR. No he wasn't caught out for two tries - he was caught for pace on one of them (nothing he can do about that long term) and the other was far more TOB's fault.

He also saved at least one sure try with a last ditch tackle so evens out really. But his defence will never be good - it only needs to get to "acceptable". If someone with his attacking skills comes along who is a better defender they will certainly overtake him.

Crowley can't even control a game at home against Castres at the moment. He is in pretty poor form.

The Macho Man · 03-02-2026 10:20AM

So Farrell has done his best to pick on form. As we had hoped. I doubt the naysayers on here will eat that humble pie, instead find something else to bitch about. Two big calls are VDF and Lowe not even in the matchday squad.

Very excited to see Prendergast and Stockdale in the team and also to Timoney for making the bench.

I would have thought Byrne ahead of Crowley on form but Crowley has some credit in the bank v France away. I've never really been convinced by Caseys temperament. Milne tends to struggle in the scrum but France have a hugely inexperienced front row. If we can keep their backline quiet we could easily do this.

Podge_irl · 03-02-2026 10:21AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201718#Comment_124201718

I would lean towards Crowley over Byrne regardless (I'm not as sold on him at 10 as others), but he just doesn't provide enough cover on a 6-2 bench.

aloooof · 03-02-2026 10:26AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201633#Comment_124201633

No reaction to the Stockdale selection, after all your gnashing of teeth anytime someone suggested Lowe should be dropped over the last few weeks?

Rayray98 · 03-02-2026 10:29AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201718#Comment_124201718

It’s all down to if Ireland can stay in the game up until around the 60th minute. The last 20 is traditionally when France are at their most exposed, the hope is it’s not like last year when the game is essentially over at that point.

During the autumn France led by 4, 6 and 1 point in all 3 games at this point in the game so it’s certainly doable, then it’s up to the bench to provide impact.

MarinersBlues · 03-02-2026 10:32AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201674#Comment_124201674

Terrible bait, ill bite:

If you are going for place if birth

1 from Connacht - 1 starter - captain

aloooof · 03-02-2026 10:36AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201714#Comment_124201714

Crowley can't even control a game at home against Castres at the moment.

Whatever about his form, this is way over-stating it (and smacks of punching-down, tbh).

Crowley had some good moments during phase play; his biggest issue that day by far was his kicking from the tee.

almostover · 03-02-2026 10:39AM

I'm happy with that squad selection overall. Would loved to have seen Edogbo bench over Timoney, he would have brought a bit of raw power in the final 20mins. But that's nit picking.

Farrell has selected on form here anyway, can be no complaints on that front. Lowe dropped, Stockdale starting is evidence of this. Scrum is going to be huge, a lot rests on that front row. It's likely we would want less kicking in the game with this selection, more ball in hand time. Less set pieces etc. Let's see if that will work out.

Podge_irl · 03-02-2026 10:41AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201749#Comment_124201749

How can I punch down on an international rugby player from my desk?

His biggest issue was kicking from the tee, but his kicking from hand is also quite poor at the moment and his good moments in phase play are generally individual moments - I just do not think he is good at imposing structure on an attack. Interestingly, ROG called him a "12 playing 10" on the Rugby Pod this week and I think it captures his play quite well. I think he is a great rugby player still.

mogwai81 · 03-02-2026 10:45AM

Any idea when the French team is due to be announced?

slowway20206 · 03-02-2026 10:48AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124201773#Comment_124201773

10am

Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

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