Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

I just don't listen to OTB any more. It's tabloid stuff these days, or else Joe Molloy asking a question in 14 parts, 13 of which he answers himself.

Crowley will impress with his stony glaring from the sidelines as Frawley gets the opportunity to actually play.

What was the actual point of the EI tour?

The narrative about Ireland has been set in stone, doesnt matter if facts or logic defies this though.

IRFU look to improve match-day experience in wake of fan discontent over alcohol sales

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2022/11/03/irfu-attempting-to-improve-match-day-experience-for-november-internationals/

“There will also be more interaction during the game by the stadium MC”

Oh Jesus. Talk of more cringe MC engagement with the crowd and playing music etc.

If they’re trying to improve the crowd experience they couldn’t be coming up with worse ideas.

The narrative around Farrell has been properly bizarre. I think it was the start of the 6N last year people were still calling him conservative this, blah blah that. People complaining after we absolutely hammered Wales, people complaining about a BP win away to England because we didn't score 50 points. He has done a huge amount of squad building, more than anyone could possibly have hoped for imo. I would have to hold my hands up and admit I said some stupid things about his performance as head coach in his first season, but he has done a truly excellent job in pretty much all facets imo.

Even in his very first season he was trying to evolve the playing style to what we see today, it just takes a long time and a lot of practice so it was hard for fans (like me) to see it at the time.

It's today, so probably right now at 1 o clock.

I think Farrell has done very well. The amount of players involved in various stages of the wider set up is great. The EI tour probably will only bear fruit for a few lads down the pike. On the other hand, this Friday's match is geared to those knocking on the door.

The Hume Osborne partnership could be a winning ticket. Loughman will get into the 23 this autumn and Prendergast too! Coombes and Deegan, both good options, are thereabouts.

My only problem is the continued selection of Healy and Murray. Both are shadows at this stage. I suppose experience is helpful and they're knowledge of the system benifits them but, we won't go far with these lads in situ.

Stockdale returning is great to see. A good effort this week and he could get into the match next week. Ideally. I think Farrell will add 4 to 7 A lads to the squad v Fiji. So, a hood chance for them to lay a marker.

So why was Baloucoune on the left wing for Emerging Ireland? Would it not have been better to get him bedded in at 14? Nash could have played 11.

Maybe flexibility.

You do know that whether you've heard of a player or not has no bearing on how good they are?

Good Ireland team and congrats to Murray on his 100 caps, some achievement.

Accurate.