Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

aloooof · 23-02-2026 04:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259592#Comment_124259592

There's also the argument tho that the 9 will be the one sweeping, whereas the 10 is more likely to be in the defensive line. Imo, it's not as big of an issue at 9 as it is vs 10.

leakyboots · 23-02-2026 04:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259592#Comment_124259592

Perhaps - I'd agree Craig Casey can have all the desire in the world but the outcome might end up being the the same, other than chop tackling really. SP has more of a physique on him though, I do think with him it's a both a lack of desire coupled with poor technique, even athleticism. He clearly should be doing better with the physical tools at his disposal. That's the issue there.

However I think SP can ultimately fix his work-ons, I don't think Casey can to the same extent. So then it's up to management if they think whatever else Casey offers (which I do think is a lot more than a fast pass) is worth the fact that he can be bumped if isolated. He wouldn't be number 2 if they didn't think he was worth it you'd imagine, similar to SP.

FtD v2 · 23-02-2026 05:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259623#Comment_124259623

No, it isn't, but its still a noted point of weakness in his game, and it's an area he's weaker in than JGP or Nathan Doak and maybe a few others on though.

I feel like my thinking on him has evolved a bit in recent weeks, and it's entirely possible its a snap judgment on a poor-ish performance v Italy. He's definitely earned the right to get another shot and see how he does, so I wouldn't have any objections to him featuring again v Wales and ideally we're far enough ahead to give him meaningful minutes.

eagle eye · 23-02-2026 05:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259586#Comment_124259586

I don't remember anyone saying that. Some were unhappy with the team selected and thought we'd get a hiding.

Some are going overboard about the win and not considering that Scotland dominated them the week before.

It was a great win, thumping England brings extra joy to a lot of people.

Firstsub · 23-02-2026 05:33PM

After getting thrashed at Senior, U20 and A level 2 weeks ago, the victories of the Senior and U20's this weekend brought a smile to Irish rugby.

However, it is too soon to say we are back to 2022 performance levels. We conceded 3 tries, needed last ditch tackles by Balacoune and McLoskey to prevent 2 more, Ford blew 2 opportunies and we had a lot of goalline defending, Beirne doing Beirne things. England had more possession and territory, Ireland made more tackles. Some of the England tackling was comical, they were also asleep for JGP's try.

I don't think we should make many changes for Wales as a defeat would be catastrophic. Timoney in the backrow is one maybe as the fall off fron VDF isn't great. Balacoune, TOB, Osbourne, Stu, Crowley have played very little together so should be retained imo. Talks that Bundee may be available. He was terrific in the last world cup but I think he has slowed a lot.. Maybe Doak on the bench?

Podge_irl · 23-02-2026 05:40PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259725#Comment_124259725

Bundee is available, it is not talk.

I can't see him coming back into the 23 though. But I have been surprised by plenty of Farrell's selections this 6N so who knows.

darkened_scrum · 23-02-2026 05:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259725#Comment_124259725

We also blew a couple of really good chances ourselves. Crossfield kick to nobody in the first half with England on the back foot, interception in the second half when it looked impossible to not score, knock-on that may or may not have been a knock-on, contact in the air that might not have been a penalty, etc.

AbusesToilets · 23-02-2026 05:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259573#Comment_124259573

I wouldn't argue that Casey does those things for Munster, and I'm sure he is a good leader. I haven't seen do much in that regard with Ireland, even accounting for his reduced minutes. Perhaps it's hyperbolic, but I doubt any team devotes time to working out how to deal with Casey as a threat.

Put it this way, before his injury last season, Casey was playing at his ceiling. Doak is already matching that, if not exceeding it imo, for Ulster and has potential to improve beyond that. I don't see Casey having much of a hold on the 9 jersey going forward, post JGP. For me Doak and Murphy look to be the most likely heirs after 2027.

phog · 23-02-2026 05:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259770#Comment_124259770

I thought Casey was captain for the summer tour.

eagle eye · 23-02-2026 05:57PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259770#Comment_124259770

Nobody is even taking about Ben Murphy. He's developing nicely with Connacht. I think he'll be considered shortly. He's 24 as well.

aloooof · 23-02-2026 06:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259770#Comment_124259770

Put it this way, before his injury last season, Casey was playing at his ceiling.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that tbh; Casey is only 26, and if you compare him to JGP, he didn't get his first international cap til 28, I think, and wasn't even in Farrell's first squad for the 6 Nations.

AbusesToilets · 23-02-2026 06:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259815#Comment_124259815

ok, from your perspective, what can he do to improve from there? His passing and kicking are already very good. He's unlikely to improve physically, which fundamentally is what holds him back. He could become more of a general on the field, in the French mold, but Munster don't play like that, if I'm not mistaken. Doak is given that role for Ulster and is inherently more of a physical threat.

sydthebeat · 23-02-2026 06:20PM

This was absolutely top level sh!thousery from Ryan near the end.

fair due to JGP for playing along as well.

🤣

https://twitter.com/ek_rugby/status/2025551844823511105?s=20

aloooof · 23-02-2026 06:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259829#Comment_124259829

I think his kicking has tapered off; about 18 months to 2 years ago it was much better, imo. His form too has dipped too, but he was excellent back then, imo.

I also think he needs more minutes vs Tier 1 nations. Outside of the Italy game, his minutes in 7 of his last 8 Tier 1 games, in reverse chronological order are: 9, 8, 8, 10, 13, 15 and 7. That amounts to 70 minutes across 7 caps, but you're really not giving him any opportunity to influence the game.

But the obvious one, imo, is his decision making; which is exactly the thing that JGP improved dramatically to make him the player he is today.

I really don't think it's accurate the suggest Casey, at only 26, has hit his ceiling yet. I doubt any player has, tbh.

Ben Bailey · 23-02-2026 07:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259914#Comment_124259914

Would agree on most of this. Always recall Justin Marshall being adamant that 9s should be replaced after 60 mins max on the basis that if your 9 is not absolutely flogged by 60 mins he hasn't been doing his job. JGPs ability to play 80 at his pace & at his age is truly exceptional, and not something we should be expecting any 9 to do. Switching out your half backs at 50-55 mins would be ideal. Would help Casey further improve his decision making, but apart from an occasional snipe where even a half tackle usually stops him, his abilty to find his 10 or 12 in phase play is exceptional. It's in broken play that his decision making, particularly compared to the best 9s, is sometimes weak. Still time for him 'though.

Bogwoppit · 23-02-2026 07:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259725#Comment_124259725

So what you’re telling us is that we would have conceded more scores if we didn’t defend as well as we did or if we were playing against better opposition.

AbusesToilets · 23-02-2026 07:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259914#Comment_124259914

I don't entirely disagree, he could certainly grow as a leader on the field, but Casey needs to show that game managing ability at club level before he be entrusted to do so for Ireland. JGP benefited massively from Sexton, he really didn't take on that role until after 23, and you can see an example of how he floundered with it in the 2nd La Rochelle final, where he ignored Bryne and we ended up fluffing the lines.

I think Doak has been thrust into that role for Ulster, and worked through difficulties to become the player he is now. Feel we ought to be looking to utilise that, and give him an opportunity to build on it in green. Probably shouldn't be asking a player, like Casey, to learn a new skill set in the hardest of environments.

ironingbored · 23-02-2026 09:43PM

Watching Against the Head and Jackman did a piece on Ireland's work at the breakdown. There were some outstanding examples of insanely accurate clean outs that prevented turnovers.

JvdF on Pollock when JGP made the break.

Ryan on Genge.

Ringrose, Lowe, Furlong, Loughman other examples of note.

phog · 23-02-2026 09:46PM

Jaysus, that YouTube of the match is a tough listen with Mark Robson on the comms

almostover · 23-02-2026 09:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259423#Comment_124259423

Yes and he could well be picked to bench vs. Wales. I'm just saying that I think it would be better to go with Sam, especially in a 5/3 bench. It's a good opportunity to give him time to steer the ship home v Wales to rebuild his confidence.

jacothelad · 23-02-2026 10:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124259971#Comment_124259971

I am not advocating one player over another but surely they should develop at their club in the higher end games in the URC and European games. Like JGP did at Leinster. Like Murray did at Munster. They need to be ready for Ireland by what they learn and experience under the direction of their own coaches, not finishing their apprenticeship in Green. They might then get even better if they are frequent starters.

Felexicon · 23-02-2026 10:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124260436#Comment_124260436

I can see how they could go with Sam starting against Wales.

It would be harsh on Crowley but you tell him he's definitely getting the Scotland game.

What other upcoming game can they get Sam back in the team? Wales are the weakest we'll face for a while.

BoardsMember · 23-02-2026 10:55PM

I heard on a Podcast earlier that Ireland were 30% quicker ball to first receiver when JGP replaced Casey v Italy. If speed is Casey big thing then he needs to be less ponderous. I've always thought him quick but he looked slow v Italy and the stats back that up.

Jelly Welly · 23-02-2026 10:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124260436#Comment_124260436

SP needs to rebuild at Leinster first and be clear first choice 10 there (which he is not)

Felexicon · 23-02-2026 11:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124260723#Comment_124260723

I don't think AF agrees with you. Crowley and Prendergast are still options 1 and 2 for Ireland. Harry Byrne sent back to Leinster probably signals he won't be involved in this tournament.

50HX · 23-02-2026 11:57PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124260423#Comment_124260423

He is utterly intolerable.

AbusesToilets · 24-02-2026 12:08AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124260423#Comment_124260423

He's the bane of anyone with ears.

bilston · 24-02-2026 12:10AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124260896#Comment_124260896

I have ears and enjoy listening to him. Each to their own.

bilston · 24-02-2026 12:13AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124260685#Comment_124260685

No chance they go back to Prendergast for the Welsh game. Crowley should keep the jersey until there is a compelling case for Prendergast to win it back.

padraig.od · 24-02-2026 12:14AM

Robbo is great! Do you have link for the game?

Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

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