Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Massive game from the Irish forwards, O'Toole had a super game, Sheehan all over the place, Furlong was rejuvenated. Back five in the pack incredible stuff, totally schooled the Scottish pack and Timoney continues to impress. Doris had monster workrate all game. McCloskey outstanding and everything good in our backs pivoted through him and once again with two genuinely pacey wingers we look a different team. Chapeau.

Lessons from this six nations .....McCloskey a real find and you can't beat two pacey wingers....

Wow thanks for those numbers, impressive stats, 16 carries from Doris is something else and defensively he was insane too, would imagine his tackle counts is off the scale. McCloskey has shown not only incredible go forward in tight contact almost always getting over the gainline but his offloading, decision making and passing accuracy has been world class.

One of the most pleasing aspects to me today was the celebrating of Ulstermen, Munster, Leinster and Connacht after tries. The spirit in the team was evident

A good day. Don’t think anyone had a poor game.

Thought Sheehan looked somewhat back to his best, TOT was everywhere and strong in the scrum, Beirne and Doris doing their normal superhuman work, Conan and VDF both really solid and worked hard.

Backs again were all good, McCloskey the pick of the bunch and think I heard it right that TOB has 8 tries in 9 caps? Very impressive numbers, would be brilliant if he can keep that level of scoring up.

Was nice to see Prendergast in the thick of it for the post match celebrations with a big smile on his face. Say what you want about where he should or shouldn't be in the pecking order he's at an age that he needs to be enjoying his rugby and that clearly wasn't the case in his appearances in this tournament.

Think taking him out of the spotlight will turn out to be another man management master stroke by Farrell.

The median voter Irish rugby fan, ladies and gentlemen.

Can't agree. He's head and shoulders above any other 13 in the country. Again outplayed Jones today. He's not asked to do the things you hold against him.

You've had a weird thing about the centres for Ireland and Leinster recently. Really think you are off the mark on this one. Like he was without doubt the leading 13 for the Lions barring concussion.

Edit

Because even at 34, none of them are anywhere near as good as JGP.

Seriously, it's the Sexton argument all over again. If any of the other 9s are good enough, they'll take the jersey off JGP.

Breaking news: None of them are, and its not even close.

Let's keep Crowley off the pitch while we're at it. Need to give Prendergast more minutes.

Obviously I am aware how a league system works pal.

I'm not saying it's irrelevant or anything but I doubt it's a big downer for them.

If he's the massive weak link I'd love to know what you make of 1-meter-gained Huw Jones.

Again, people somehow managing to watch a completely different rugby match to the one that was actually on the telly.