Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

It’s unlikely but it would be interesting if all three were fit for the 6N. What selection would look like. Going by the AI’s it seems likely it would be Ryan and either Henderson or Beirne, possibly depending on the opposition.

Though a bit like with the centre’s, it’s very unlikely all three would stay fit for all 5 games.

I think we overstate the horses for courses thing.

When you pick the same second row pairing in consecutive weeks against NZ and Argentina, then it's fair to assume that's the first choice.

No he didn't.

On the second rows, whatever we think should happen, it looked pretty clear in the autumn that Ryan and Henderson were the first choice pair.

Well unless they've changed their selection policy, Dillane won't be in the squad as he's off to France. And they won't have a guy in the squad who won't be available for the World Cup, especially given he'd only be 5th choice anyway.

I reckon it's between Wycherley and Molony for that 5th lock spot. Murray could be in the mix too.

I'm not one to obsess over size, I think being a good rugby player is the most important thing, but those options are a bit on the light side (less so with Molony but he's lacking in other areas). Dillane and Roux wouldn't be pushing for a starting spot but having them there as options would be handy.

Off the back of this evening, I'm most delighted for Lawrence Summers. I know that Lawrence was massively concerned about Hume, especially given his presence in the Ireland squad, that Hume wasn't any good when he wasn't playing outside McCloskey.

This evening's performance will have shown that Hume is just a genuinely brilliant O)C. I'm sure Lawrence is both delighted and reassured. You must be so relieved, Lawrence.

Judging by how Haley is left out I don't think there's space for a full back.

So if lowry is also seen as viable for another position then I'd say he'll make the squad.

Balacoune has to start for me. The best winger we have at the moment.

There’s also a huge difference between being a second pivot and being a 10 who needs to control things. I haven’t seen much from Lowry (at all really tbh) to suggest he has the tactical and strategic elements to his game to play 10. Maybe he has it, but if he did surely he’d be playing 10 more often.

Ulster are considering it. They know lowrys a 10, Lowry knows he’s a 10. But without Addison he’s the best 15. Once Addison is back or Aaron sexton breaks through Lowry will be straight back into 10 like he was at the start of the season

Addison is injured.

I just see it's been covered. Lowry is only at 15 due to injury. If Addison was fit Lowry would be getting much more time at 10.

As good as Balououcne was yesterday (and he was really, really good), he has been injured and hasn't played a lot recently. I'd like to and see how he goes next week before pencilling him in to start v Wales. But if Baloucoune is half as good as he was v Northampton, then yeah I think I'd start him. I can't see a weakness in his game. It's worth noting Conway was excellent in November and has been playing well for Munster with very little service.

Ringrose has rediscovered his 19/20 form which is brilliant. But I still think Aki/Henshaw is the most effective partnership. And if Henshaw plays v Bath and comes through unscathed, I'd have him in. But our depth at centre is unbelievable.

I'd actually start Sheehan. I think he's an animal. I've never seen a hooker like him.

That's interesting, I'd actually say the exact opposite.

You look at the way the game is going, the modern day full backs are getting very big. For example J.Barrett and Steward are both 6'5. L.Williams is 6'2. Keenan 6'1. 5'10/5'11 guys like Jaminet, Hogg and McKenzie would be on he short side.

A 5'7 test full back would be unheard of today. I think Lowry could be a good impact player at 15, but I could only see him starting a test match at 10 or on the wing.

Lowry is far better under the high ball than Jacob Stockdale and Stockdale is almost a foot taller.

I really wish people would get over this size business. Maybe he will turn out to be too small, but jeepers he deserves a chance. He is tearing every team he plays against apart.

His running game is as good as anyones in Ireland

He has amazing footwork

His one on one tackling is excellent

His kicking game is top class

His positional play is really good

He is good under the high ball

He is already a leader in the Ulster squad at the grand old age of 23.

In my opinion all the above trumps the fact he is 5'7.

Give him a go and see what happens.

Has Doak played much at 10? I know he played at least one ireland u20 game there but could he be an option there?

(Lowry would make a great sniping 9.)

Personally Id have lowry in the 6 nations squad. Haven't seen enough of him at 10, ( I thought he carried into contact too much when he did play 10) but on form he looks better than the other back up 15 options this season.