Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Rayray98 · 16-02-2026 10:51AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239828#Comment_124239828

You don’t just lose attacking skills.

Either it’s a coaching issue or the players aren’t performing…in any case something needs to change weather it’s those players or it’s the coaches.

El_Duderino 09 · 16-02-2026 11:00AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239398#Comment_124239398

This is one way of looking at it. But there's also the argument that Ireland needs to build depth before the world cup in 18 months.

I think there are enough people who want to play the strongest 15 every week, and enough people who want to experiment with new players and build depth, that no matter what they do, there will be a chorus of opposition.

I wouldn't mind if Farrell was explicit about the plan. If he'd said this is a funny 6N with lots of injuries so we're trying new players and building depth so the results might vary. Then we'd know what he's doing and he might get some grace from people who just want to see the strongest 15 and don't want to try new players.

I think if you look at his selections, he is experimenting and building depth and I think it's a good decision. But results will vary as a consequence

CatInABox · 16-02-2026 11:13AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239733#Comment_124239733

I'd agree with you, but there's a pretty strong correlation between teams that dominate the Lions, and teams in the 6 nations that struggle the year after the Lions.

It's not necessarily causation, but it's still there.

I do think we've got more than a Lions hangover though

pjohnson · 16-02-2026 11:20AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239770#Comment_124239770

Just so out of tune. Be surprised if it isnt Sam starting after that.

OldRio · 16-02-2026 11:35AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239921#Comment_124239921

And to prove the point Farrell made….....

pjohnson · 16-02-2026 11:39AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239955#Comment_124239955

Exactly. If I hadnt said that Prendergast wouldn't be missing conversions and tackles and visibly devoid of confidence. Thats just the amount of mystical power I wield.

CatInABox · 16-02-2026 11:46AM

Indeed, Farrell was talking about the abuse that both players were receiving, not just Sam.

This is also after Irish rugby had to turn off comments under the post congratulating Edogbo on his first cap, due to some vile racist posts. Most people wouldn't think the same obviously, but many of those racists are also under every part about Sam and Jack too.

OldRio · 16-02-2026 11:59AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239960#Comment_124239960

Word salad.

pjohnson · 16-02-2026 12:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240014#Comment_124240014

Dont doubt my powers.

Lost Ormond · 16-02-2026 12:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239497#Comment_124239497

I wouldnt keep Ryan and McCarthy together in row. think McCarthys consistent ability to give away stupid penalties has to be punished. Dont see how Edogbo would be found out against England. And ruin him? Unlikely.

Ringrose isnt in good form. He isnt streets ahead of any other 13 option in his current form

Utah_Saint · 16-02-2026 12:26PM

Would love to see Osbourne at 13 but unfortunately leaves us short at 15.

Hard to believe we only have 2 specialist 15s in the country (Keenan & Haley)

Cluedo Monopoly · 16-02-2026 12:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240092#Comment_124240092

Keenan is a huge loss. When is he back?

ednwireland · 16-02-2026 12:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124238169#Comment_124238169

if farrell cant work this out what does it say about him as a coach ??????

lawrencesummers · 16-02-2026 01:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240140#Comment_124240140

The learning is that whoever plays with JGP is always going to look better, so maybe he has figured it out and wanted to see how the pairings went when reversed from the France game.

El_Duderino 09 · 16-02-2026 01:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239983#Comment_124239983

On the racism towards Edogbo; I really doubt it's rugby fans posting this stuff. The IRFU are doing some kind of investigation and I really wonder what it could possibly show. Anonymous people on the Internet hurled racist abuse.

I'd imagine a good portion of it is bots and another good portion is not rugby fans, just racists or people trolling for the craic. I've heard nothing but enthusiasm for Edogbo in real life. His race doesn't come into the discussion in real life.

I can see the IRFU has to be seen to act, but I also think the bots and racists are getting what they want from people suspecting everyone else is a racist. I'd be fine if they just said they picked him because he's Irish and earned his place through working hard and playing well. Then move on.

shootermacg · 16-02-2026 01:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240181#Comment_124240181

Lets just travel back in time to the France game..

ionadnapóca · 16-02-2026 02:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239648#Comment_124239648

The entire coaching ticket should be shouldering the blame.

Picking TOT to play LHP - That there is yet another RED FLAG of selection.

Replacement Italian front row after 58mins:

LHP - Spagnolo: Age 25 22nd Cap (Benetton) Never started a 6N game

Hooker - Di Bartolomeo: Age 25 6th Cap (Zebre) 2nd 6N game

THP - Hasa: Age 24 5th Cap (Zebre) 2nd 6N game

Yes we know Spagnolo can scrummage but the level of damage Genge and Cowan-Dickie will wreak on Furlong doesn't bear thinking about.

Furlong basically played no rugby for 6 weeks and no competitive scrummaging to speak of since SA game.

As bad as the Scrum and Maul were the Gameplan and strategy was again completely off for the opposition.

Ireland go from one extreme of kicking in Paris, to another of limited kicking against Italy.

Ioane was at 6s&7s in defence and at times there was oceans of space in behind with the FB Pani not covering!!

I think its fair to say Italy were within a bounce of a rugby ball or pass of winning that game.
Im confident they would have won if Brex and Capuozzo had played.

Ireland look very unsure of themselves allot of the time and yet can score that brilliant try.

Baloucoune and McCloskey were excellent yesterday. Lowe back to what he does best.

Reasons to be optimistic for Twickenham:

https://www.the42.ie/ireland-baloucoune-analysis-6957622-Feb2026/

England are an average side.

LO - Ireland finally embracing the quick throw.

Stu

Robert "The Cat" Baloucoune

Reasons to be negative:

Just like England, Ireland are also an average side.

The Italy games have been a bellwether for struggling Irish teams.

The 2019 win in Rome signified that the Joe Schmidt empire was crumbling.

The 2013 loss in Rome was the end for Declan Kidney.

The 2008 rnd 1 win in Dublin was the beginning of the end for Eddie O'Sullivan.

If Ireland put in yet another below average performance I fear what could happen to this team in Twickenham.

Predicted Team:

Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; JC, JGP; Loughman, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Ryan; Beirne, vdF, Doris.
Reps: TOT, Kelleher, Bealham, Edogbo, Izuchukwu, Conan, Casey, SP.

My Team:

Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; JC, JGP; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson; Ryan, McCarthy, Izechukwu, vdF, Doris.

Reps: Milne, Kelleher, Bealham, Beirne, Conan, Doak (Casey was shook), Byrne, SP.

If Jack doesnt have his kicking boots Harry has to come on. Jack goes to FB, Osborne effectively replaces Ringrose.

Ireland should have started this campaign with Crowley at FB, Osborne at 13 and Byrne on the bench.

Rayray98 · 16-02-2026 03:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240452#Comment_124240452

I don’t disagree with that but if all issue the scrum is the area where there is most concern for me, that scrummaging performance against Italy was somehow even worse than the SA game if that was even possible…do they genuinely practice scrums at training as that looked like a pack who’d never seen a scrum before.

The difference between the sides while Ireland are an average side atm we are clearly capable of far better as we’ve seen before, I’m still not convinced this English side is all that. They’ve put together an impressive run but I feel once you put it up to them there really isn’t a whole lot there, a lot of decent players but not a whole lot of players that would be anywhere near the conversation for a world XV which was reflected in the Lions selection.

The worry I have is while their game plan is quite limited, it’s arguably the kind of gameplan that will make this Irish side crack which worries me greatly this weekend.

For me it’s

Osborne, Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe, Crowley, JGP, Conan, Doris, Izuchukwu, Ryan, Beirne, Furlong, Sheehan, Loughman

Kelleher, O’Toole, Clarkson, McCarthy, Edogbo, VDF, Casey, Prendergast

On paper we are definetly good enough to win this, the question is for the first time in 18 months against a “top 5 nations” can we get a good performance, enough passengers, if they guys want to just go for a jog just stay at Carton House thanks!

CONSI · 16-02-2026 03:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240507#Comment_124240507

I dont think you can have prendergast as a bench option, he either starts or isnt in the 23 for me. He only covers 10, so if Crowley did go down thats fine, saying that Crowley is more robust of late and doesnt tend to cry off injuted (touch wood), if not, your shuffling Crowley to cover elsewhere to accomodate Prendergast, what if Crowley is having a worldie at 10, would you put prendergast in at 15 or centre, not a chance…I think Harry Byrne is a better option from the bench. Prendergast needs to come out of the firing line for a few games. If as the " rugby commentators" are saying he is playing with no confidence than having him as a target for a rampaging english forward line wont help. I think you give JC the england and wales games, then decide who gets Scotland based on those games. Saying all that we need to move on from the 10 debate, they are not the only reason we are underperforming and I think a few others are playing for their futures in green.

bingobango12 · 16-02-2026 03:36PM

For me:

Milne 2. Kelleher 3. Furlong 4. McCarthy 5. Ryan 6 Beirne 7. Timoney 8. Conan 9 JGP 10 Byrne 11. Lowe 12. McCloskey 13. Farrell/Osbourne 14. Baloucoune 15. Osbourne/Stockdale

16. Sheehan 17. O’Toole 18. Clarkson 19. Edogbo 20. Doris 21. Izuchukwu 22. Doak 23. Crowley

The above is very unlikely before people say but it's just what I would choose if I was AF.

Farrells team:

Loughman 2. Sheehan 3. Furlong 4. McCarthy 5. Ryan 6. Beirne 7. VDF 8. Doris 9. JGP 10. Crowley 11. Lowe. 12. McCloskey 13. Ringrose 14. Baloucoune 15. Osbourne

16. Kelleher 17. O'Toole 18. Clarkson 19. Edogbo 20. Conan 21. Timoney/Izuchukwu 22. Casey 23. Prendergast

Podge_irl · 16-02-2026 03:41PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240559#Comment_124240559

Harry Byrne does not cover anything outside 10 either.

Rayray98 · 16-02-2026 03:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240559#Comment_124240559

No because with Crowley and Osborne in the XV you’ve got enough versatility that you can afford to have a specialist FH on the bench in a 6/2 split, you also have JGP an Ringrose who can cover the wing.

The 10 jersey is definitely not the only issue with this team right now but the more I watch Ireland with Crowley at 10 the more I’m convinced that it’s still a large contributing factor. It’s not just how Crowley plays but I feel with him on the field we look much more assured collectively plus our attack is more unpredictable with him there. Like I’ve said many times, there was far too many players playing at a 4-6/10 level which is nowhere near enough to beat a top side, but if the change at 10 is enough to raise that level to a 7-8/10 across the board then it’s a change we need to make.

What ever happens with the 23 shirt one thing is for sure, Crowley needs to start this weekend if we want any chance and if he does who knows, this could be the game that seals him the Irish 10 shirt going forward if all goes well.

Quin_Dub · 16-02-2026 03:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240580#Comment_124240580

I think Byrne could cover 12 and 15 , certainly a better option than Prendergast might be in those positions.

I think Prendergast either starts or he isn't in the 23 , especially with all of the other injuries.

If Keenan was available suddenly Osbournes flexibility becomes usable and you could afford to have a "single use" player on the bench.

Prendergasts playing style requires a dominant pack providing extremely fast possession which gives him the time to pick out those passes.

The Irish pack is not currently providing that level of dominance so the impact of Prendergasts struggles and confidence dip are greatly amplified.

I think both Crowley and Byrne are the better options playing behind the current pack.

breezy1985 · 16-02-2026 04:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240580#Comment_124240580

Harry Bryne can do everything.

Podge_irl · 16-02-2026 04:03PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240621#Comment_124240621

Could is doing an awful lot of supposition there though. I don't think Harry Byrne has spent a minute of his career at fullback (indeed when him and SP are on the pitch together this season for Leinster it is SP at fullback). No matter which of them is on the bench, Crowley is going to be the one moving out of the 10 jersey if they have to come on.

I think if SP is on the bench you need a 5/3 bench, but the only one who could do a Crowley-esque job on the bench is Frawley and I would be far from enamoured with that.

Quin_Dub · 16-02-2026 04:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240653#Comment_124240653

That's not an unreasonable viewpoint.

I think we likely need the 6-2 to try to provide the necessary heft for the full 80 minutes against England but our options are severely limited given the lack of player availability.

I think Crowley starts and a 6-2 bench is the most likely decision and therefore based on the fit and available options I think Byrne is the best pick for the 23 shirt.

If any of Aki, Henshaw , Keenan or Hansen were available or if Jimmy O'Brien or Frawley were showing anything like their best form , the choice would be different , but none of them are a viable choice for this weekend.

ujjjjjjjjj · 16-02-2026 04:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239755#Comment_124239755

If Keenan comes back Osborne enters the equation for 13 , until then it's Ringers. That is how I think Farrell sees it.

Quin_Dub · 16-02-2026 04:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240696#Comment_124240696

Did I not read that Keenan was not expected back before the end of the 6N ?

I think Porter is the only one of the injured that they think may be back before the end.

Sammy96 · 16-02-2026 04:26PM

I would be shocked if Farrell drops Prendergast.

I think he is guaranteed to start against England. Farrell is going with him no matter what.

bingobango12 · 16-02-2026 04:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240711#Comment_124240711

Nah, I would say almost impossible to start him after Saturday. It would be absolutely crazy from Farrell and co. Confidence must also be completely shot. I would hope he gets released to Leinster next week to try build some confidence back against Cardiff. They can afford to play him vs Wales if they choose to and again try get some confidence back in that fixture.

Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

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