Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Hard to judge any player on that match, utter shitshow all around. JOB could allow Osborne to play at 13, with him at 15. He's a great option at 23 too, given his versatility.

Odd

Unless Stockdale is out of favour post Paris.

JOB should have been in the initial squad in Nov. I would have him there ahead of Stockdale (game is more suitable. see Paris and Twickenham kicking to wing)

Bundee was a great player. Great for Irish rugby. I dont think he needs to play in this 6N.

Agree he shouldn't be considered for Nov either.

Once they stick with the 3 backs on the bench that would be paramount.

e.g. 23.JOB or Farrell or Frawley or Aki

It's usually reserved for older players from provinces they don't like. I can understand liking some Ireland Internationals from ones own province more than others but yes it's a kinda weird trait.

Recent examples would be Henderson, PoM, Murray, Aki and Healy. None of those was playing really badly, but clearly Henderson and Healy weren't contributing much of late. Aki either to be fair.

Only one (Healy) got an over-extended lap of honour whilst not contributing much but there really wasnt anyone putting their hand up for his jersey either. Henderson was called up sporadically but couldnt reproduce good club form in test situations anymore. PoM and Murray were worth their places till the last day they played.

Giants of the game and dedicated servants of the cause over many years deserve a little more dignity than constant calls for them to be dropped, particularly when they're playing reasonably well or where there isn't an alternative.

The nastiness towards Bundee Aki in particular stands out as real lowlife stuff.

He left nothing in the tank for us and was our best player by 10 miles in the 2023 world Cup but couldn't ultimately it on his own.

Some people just love to show their lack of class though.

If the coach doesn't think a player will ever reach the level required then he's not going to play him. You have to consider that when you see a veteran getting the nod over the player you think is good enough.

I personally don't think Postlethwaite is all that, I think Gavin is a much better prospect. He's out injured at the moment.

Jack starts, if he gets injured Sam takes over, if another back gets injured, move Jack and Sam goes to outhalf. A 6-2 makes Sam less likely to be on the bench but a 5-3 and he's probably on the bench

All that I get and agreee with. I don't see Aki, Henderson or even Henshaw in a starting 15 for Ireland again bar a massive raft of injuries at centre or lock. The younger (+ McCloskey) players are already better - so as you say, there's no investment needed now. They've made their places. One year ago, maybe, as you say, there should have been more investment in the next generation but that didn't have to involve denigrating the absolute heroes who's only fault was getting older.

Bench them 65 to 80% of the time maybe, but not this horrible "he should never again wear a green shirt" bullsh1t.

When did he get a prolonged period at 10?

Has he 25 starts for Leinster at the position. I'd guess he's played more there this year than at any time in his career. He's had a couple of good games this year too. He's been better than Sam but that's not saying much.

I'm interested to see if he gets the opportunity at 10 in Connacht. I think it's the reason he's going there. He's not going to be a starting centre or full back.