Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Really interesting comment from Andy Farrell over the weekend around JGP and the value of him to Ireland's attack in the following piece:

“Here's an interesting stat for you as far as all the GPS scores and stuff like that. I try not to get too carried away with it, but when he came on the field last week (against Italy), our intensity grew by 30 per cent."The ball was quicker by 30 per cent and that's what he does...

Beyond the fact it is obviously an exceptional strength of JGP's game, I think it's a weakness in Casey's game that he needs to address.

Casey's quality of pass is exceptional - the best IMO of any 9 in Ireland, and he does bring good leadership and intensity to the side (recognised by him captaining the side during the summer tour last year etc), but I do think he's a bit one-dimensional as a 9 all the same. His athleticism is poor, so he's just not a viable running threat to the extent JGP is at all. His kicking game is okay - he's pretty good at clearing lines defensively IMO and can hoist a good Garryowen from a box kick etc, but still lacks variety and creativity I think in attack.

I wouldn't mind seeing what Doak could bring from the bench against Wales.

Depends on the Wales result and the off chance we can still catch France.

I dunno if it's that stark - Casey is a lot further along and much more experienced potentially heading into RWC 27 than the likes of Crowley would have been in RWC23 (i.e Casey will be 28 by then, and probably sitting on north of 150 Munster caps etc), but would agree the picture behind isn't as rosy as it appeared not that long ago.

Ben Murphy's performances have slipped this year, and Matthew Devine hasn't yet lived up to the potential he showed at U20s. The same is true of Fintan Gunne who is still no where close to Irish reckoning.

Nathan Doak is the guy who's form has been good this season, and he has probably done enough at this point to warrant a closer look.

JGP is 33

Casey is 26

Doak, Murphy & Devine 24

Gunne 22

Personal preference is for Casey to get as much game time as possible as to me he is the best number 2 scrum half by a margin although there are huge gaps when compared to JGP

Doak is the third in my opinion and his position in the extended squad is warranted but I don’t feel he will ever be a world class 9 which is what we need for post JGP era

Murphy is fast in space , his frame lacks the requisite upper body strength and his defence is very questionable. Devine is aggressive and has energy , I’m not an enthusiast

I’m backing Gunne in the medium term , he needs a lot more game time at club level but has the physique and skill set to be exceptional in my view

What’s important is to let time flow and get them all game time as that’s the magic potion and thankfully JGP is in all likelihood in Ireland until the end of next year .

Be interesting to see what happens at 7 for the Wales game. Expect it'll be VdF starting, but there's a case for Timoney to start, or for Bryn Ward on the bench.

Does his contract with IRFU expire next year?

Presumably it will be extended!

What age could he continue to play to where he would still be the best option? 36/37/38?

I suspect he will go to Japan or France for end of career dollars but who knows , he looks to have plenty of longevity but we know that can turn quite rapidly at that stage

Casey gives the ten an excellent chance to shine… or not shine.

His contract is finished in June. Hard to know will he get the money that he wants in Ireland. I don't know how negotiations are dealt with these days, but you would suspect that with Leinster picking up 70% on his salary on his next contract they won't be too keen to commit to 2 years when his final year would see him playing for Ireland for most of the season and at that age he could pick up a career ending injury or have a big dip in form.

I dunno if I'd share your view on the runners and riders necessarily.

I don't think Casey is the "best number 2 scrum half by a margin" in all honesty. He absolutely should be, he's older and more experienced, but I wouldn't dismiss Doak as not ever becoming a world class 9 when he's just 24, because I think it's less likely Casey ever gets to that level.

I don't share your optimism on Gunne unfortunately either. Just haven't seen enough from him, even with a decent amount of game time this year. He's not seizing his opportunities at all, and thought he was close to one of the worst players on the field in the recent Ireland A game v England.

JGP's performance at the weekend though does really underline the importance of getting his central contract wrapped to the end of the RWC. Just pay the man and give him what he wants; I don't think there is any position where the step down is so stark.

surprised no Stockdale.

lowe must have a serious enough injury

They must not have been doing the business in training eh