Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

There are a few different opinions as to what our first choice team is, but most would agree on 12/13 of the players that are rumored to start this weekend.

There are then a vast variety of opinions as to what team we should pick for friendly games that are against poor opposition, these can all be debated and debated again and again because people see it differently, some take a longer term view that is based around adding depth, gaining experience and developing players some a shorter term view that you play the best team all the time, and prepare for a challenge like NZ by playing your best team and everyone is entitled to an opinion.

Almost all would agree that we have to start our best team against Nz.

So the answer to your question is both.

And the real answer to the question has to be based on the results.

If we beat NZ saturday then Farrell dod everything right, if we lose then he missed an opportunity to give gametime to people who could beat them down the road.

Ah Jesus lads. As much as I hate the term "shiny new toy syndrome", I think theres a bit of it here.

The set piece is integral to the modern game - and Sheehan last season had games where he could have two or three miscues in the lineout during a game (some will say he doesn't have lineout issues and you're free to disagree - but my assessment based of viewing him is he's still shaky - has a miss v Japan the last day which we missed because TV was showing a replay too although fault could've been elsewhere). I don't think it's an absurd claim to be worried about his experience after one cap for a game against THE BLOODY ALL BLACKS.

There's no denying he's a beast, with serious impact contributions - but it's far from crazy to be having question marks over his potential inclusion in the bench. I'd say something if Herring was a pure set piece hooker,but he's plenty dynamic in his own right - strong carrier with a serious jackalling game and loads of breakdown work every game. With the lineout upside.

Even outside of a performance perspective, if Sheehan plays and screws up tomorrow, it could be confidence shattering from a player development point of view. I don't see the benefit in throwing him in off the deep end without some interpro/Champions Cup time. If he shows his worth over the next period, then by all means fire away in the 6N (or let him start the Argentina game where the stakes aren't as high).

Lawrence says a lot of stupid ****, but this isn't one of those occasions. He has a point here.

And if you're trying to turn this into a provincial thing, kindly grow up.

We beat them last time in the aviva? That will be news to a lot of people.

Basically he's an exceptionally talented 23 year old hooker (higher ceiling than Kelleher IMO) and will probably surpass him very soon.

6'3 and 110kg so a bit of a physical monster. Extremely quick, extremely powerful, solid set piece and scores a rake of tries (9 in 17 games for Leinster)

World class potential, the likes of which you don't leave out because he's a bit inexperienced

NZ fans on here confirmed last week that France is the big one on this tour and Ireland is a secondary consideration.

I guess that explains this third-string side. Journeymen and rookies in equal measure. We're going to hockey them.

Barrett starts for full strength New Zealand side (rte.ie)

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sevu Reece, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock (capt.), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Richie Mo’unga, David Havili.

I think Sheehan will be better than Kelleher. Just a guess. They are both fine players. Hopefully, they are joined by Stewart from Ulster. A massive competition is what we need.

I couldn't read past the first sentence. You are sick man.

Was about to post the same thing.