Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

He definitely doesn't have the same acceleration off the mark as TOB or Balacoune. He can shift once he gets into his stride and I think thats why he has been so effective for Ulster at fullback this season, more time to get up a head of steam and pick cutting lines in field, rather than operating in narrow channels where speed is everything. Shame we didn't see him get a run at 15. He had a decent game against Wales and maybe would have thrived against England, but TOB/Balacoune deserve the start based on their form this six nations.

James Ryan out with his calf, Darragh Murray on the bench

Edit: wrong Murray brother

James Ryan is a huge loss - he's had a strong tournament to date, and I feel when he's playing well he's absolutely central to Ireland (and Leinster) generating quick ruck ball.

I wish him the absolute very best, but haven't seen anything up to now to suggest Darragh Murray is at the level required here, though I very much hope I'm wrong here. It's interesting he's got the nod ahead of Edogbo here, and it also explains why Henderson was training with the squad this week too. The rumours about the Irish coaching staff's concerns on Edogbo's fitness and ability to play big minutes at this level seem to be credible.

A big part of me would rather have Iain Henderson sitting on that bench this weekend.

Given the perceived weakness in the Scottish side was them losing Brown and Cummings, this gives back some of that advantage I feel. We need a big game from Joe McCarthy now (I'm confident Beirne will deliver).

The only players on our bench I have a lot of confidence in to come in and make a big impact are Ronan Kelleher and Nick Timoney. I can't understand the Aki inclusion, he can only play one position, and it's the position where our best player in this championship plays, a guy we'd be really hoping doesn't come off the field. It would be scary thinking of those pacy Scottish backs running at a McCloskey-Aki centre combo.

I'd rather have Prendergast there instead of Frawley too.

Has Murray been training with the Ireland squad since the start of the 6nations?

Does Darragh Murray call lineouts for Connacht does anyone know?

Was Ryan not poor enough the first couple of games, no? I don't know is there a whole lot between him and McCarthy to be honest. They both have their strengths and weaknesses

He was excellent against England, but he was woejous against France. The England game was more recent, ergo he's had a fantastic Six Nations.

Ryan was good off the bench against France. Are you referring to McCarthy?

I thought Ryan was alright off the bench, but that's beside the point - yeah, full disclosure, I did get myself confused.

Disregard!