Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

I forgot that Greg Feek was New Zealands scrum coach. He was a with Leinster and then Ireland for 10 years. He'll have a lot of insight into what we're trying to do at the weekend.

It's harsh if it's a judgement on Beirne, but i suspect it's a mater of bulking up the starting team and Beirne being a better impact player of the bench.

I'd say it's a horses-for-courses selection rather than an assessment of the players in total .

I'd be inclined to agree. Beirne was involved in some lovely mid-field handling vs Japan. If that's he game they're planning on playing then it would be more suited to TB. But IH is probably better in the tight game.

But bringing in Hendy and moving Beirne to 6 would bulk the team up even more.

In terms of impact, Beirne at 6 would mean we could have two backrowers on the bench.

Again, I'm not criticising Farrell or saying he's wrong, because he got it spot on last week. But I'm struggling to get my head round dropping one of our best players.

Wish Coombes were healthy. Him and Sheehan coming off of the bench would be massive in terms of impact. I'd have prob gone for Dillane as the replacement lock and had Beirne as backrow sub for this. Bench is rather lacking in terms of impact, but hopefully by 6Ns time, that'll be resolved.

I always felt Henderson was likely to come back in, certainly if there was one player to come in it was probably going to be him. On the basis that Ryan was never going to be dropped, and Ryan was excellent last week, it was then a choice between Beirne and Doris at 6. I guess it shows how highly regarded Doris is.

The thing is we have great options there now that a really top player is going to miss out if everyone is fit.

Imagine what it will be like if and when Baird and Coombes get up to speed at test level and Leavy continues his rehabilitation, never mind the even younger guys below that such as Thomas Ahern who is clearly very highly rated too. There will be serious competition, perhaps unprecedented competition from an Irish POV!

All these guys are young as well. Henderson is probably the oldest at 29 so the depth is there for a few years to come.

It is not as if Hendo isn't a very good player as well and play the same kind of game. Doris is an excellent 6 and was injured last year, he is just as physical as Beirne anyway would no issue with either Beirne/Hendo/Doris starting but one unfortunately has to miss out.

Beirne's the oldest. But yeah, he and Hendo are 29, and the rest are just pups in second row terms. Bodes very well.

Disappointed for Beirne! Outrageous talent! My guess is he is being used for versatility! Beirne is generational talent!

I think it will be a close encounter. I think we can surprise them and win. If our pack gets on top....

Sexton yea, but midfield especially Aki is crucial, earls might do a job at 13 but i dont think either he or ringrose can cover 12 effectively.

Murray is not playing well enough if he was called on early.

Yea I felt Beirnes "all court" game would be a key ingredient if Ireland want to keep this loose. Genuinely thought he was now cemented as a first choice for Farrell considering how well he has played under his watch and he offers the greater skillset and mobility in 2nd row.

Considering that selection decision and the bench of Herring and PO'M, I'm thinking Ireland will be kicking allot more to touch this week. 50:22's and all!

Hopefully we dont see the return of the dreaded box-kick "attack". Although I'm all in favour of a Garryowen or two.

Bar Aaron Smith, that is arguably NZ's top XV on current form. Bench is missing Scott Barrett (paternity leave). Sam Cane is on the road back from injury. I quite rate Luke Jacobson and also Taukei'aho the new hooker, but Ioane and Coles probably deserve their spots. What I am saying is there is no "we were missing players" excuses if we lose.

Irish starting XV looks good, however the bench has experience but also players arguably at the twilight of their careers. Only Beirne strikes me as genuine impact.

Not sure what I think about 3 Kiwis in the Irish starting XV, can't hide it would leave a certain taste if one of the 3 score the winning try. Much like if the boot was on the other foot and the NZ XV had Luke McGrath, Robbie Henshaw and Jordan Larmour in the team. Wish the players the best of luck though.

Ref is good too, should be no complaints there.

Should be a cracking match, and remember there are more important things in life than rugby!