Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Strongest pack we've ever had imo. Looking forward to seeing them against France. Said it before but VDF should have been called up to the Lions when JT got injured. Curry was pretty poor in both the 6 nations and the tour, was there on reputation. Lawes was OK, good half in the first test, but Beirne and VDF on the flanks would have been a better option.

Big claim there about our strongest pack ever. We look good at the moment but they've a way to go yet before that can be said in my opinion. Let's see how the two 6N and RWC go with this lot

The front row, maybe, yes. But the claim was about the pack.

It's a very good pack. And there's a little depth too. I've been impressed with Bealham. I think he's upped his game over the last year. POM has been magnificent. He's playing top notch atm.

I think though, the squad does need the back ups to get match time against top level opposition. I'm think this summer and autumn. Players like Coombes; Timoney and O'Toole getting starts against tier one sides could serve us well for the world cup.

It would be very hard to say definitively that one pack is better than another one a decade ago. Or decades ago. I think this is possibly the most skillful and evenly balanced pack we have had though. Ferris, Heaslip and SOB, was probably our best ever back row combination and individually were probably all better players than the current BR. I would still think VDF, Conan and Doris have the ability to form a better unit. Front row is definitely the best unit we have ever had.

What is all this talk about a guy not even in the squad, He is lucky to be involved at all, With guys such as AJ McGinty who is also Irish and a far better player declaring for another country, Paddy Jackson being unfairly excluded etc....

I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments gentlemen. Perhaps I'm over thinking this a little.

Plus those who think Ireland's RWC is over before it started thanks to the draw will have to sit back and think.

When I saw the WC draw, I thought balls! Now, I think we can go far into the tournament. Right now we're on the correct course, imo. Farrell after a somewhat dodgy start, has grabbed the reins and is imposing a mentality, style and a lack of fear into the squad.

The future looks bright and even further down the road, the talent coming through the 20's over the past 3 years, is reason to be hopeful. I think we could make the WC final! Of course, a lot would depend on injuries and luck. And Sexton. If he's still performing like he is....

Farrell has really placed his stamp on Ireland. He's turning things around after the shocking world cup we came out of. It didn't look good a year ago, but he's turned a corner.

I know but I still dont get this idea of France keeping their cards to their chest, what exactly are they keeping them there for? This is arguably the biggest game they are playing this year, maybe also Scotland next week since they have become abit of a bogey team for France since Galthie took over, if this isnt the game to go all out then what game is?

Sportsfile - Ireland Rugby Squad Training Photos | page 1

Photos from training.

Bib theory indicates that Henderson and Henshaw are in the 23, Baird and Hume are out.

Edit; POM also in a bib, but so are Coombes and Timoney. Hmmm..

 Have we ever had that depth?

In the centre - probably not tbh.

On the wings, I would say our best depth was around 2013/14 when Earls and Bowe were a world-class first choice pair, and we had Trimble, Dave K, Fitzgerald, Zebo, McFadden and Jones as the supporting cast.