Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

It was reported that in Nucifora's big state of the union address is early November that his contract was up after the World Cup but he wanted to stay longer but he wanted to be transitioning to his replacement rather than finishing up and have his replacement start when he finished.

Money stuff. Consulting with Nucifora on money vs rugby decisions.

I posted a summary of a bunch of things he spoke about during his big address in early November. He has a significant role in everything he spoke about.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119801940/#Comment_119801940

His contract is up after the world cup. He expects to add another year but would like it to be with his successor in place and slowly transition his role.

There's a lot going on that Nucifora is involved in that requires a delicate handover.

it's a fair point but I think this position is very different to a rugby coach or a role like that where someone is often hired because they bring a new vision and have a path to success that they wish to implement. Right now the IRFU seems to already have much of that development and strategy part figured out. As much as anything I'd say they will be looking for continuity and to build on what's been achieved already. The role is one of the few that has visibility into the entire state of rugby on the island and the most important components are (likely) player pathways and coaching talent, so nurturing those and continuing to develop the parts of the system that are working while helping clubs develop in their ability to bring players to the professional track are, I'd say, the most vital parts of the role. Yes, they have a massive say in what players can be brought in from abroad, who gets central contracts, etc. but I doubt Nucifora is down in the weeds about the style of play that should be developed between the provinces and the Irish team, I would say that job is much more concerned with the production line of young players/coaches and how that can be improved and how the IRFU needs to orient itself to maximize success there. I doubt they'll hire someone who wants to make drastic changes to the system that's place.

Ah no, Balacoune is a far more traditional winger. He isn’t one to go roving about the place at all.

No Ireland 23 should ever be decided based on 1 provincial game. But it’s not like any of the guys in that Ulster side are currently in a first choice 23 anyway. Herring and Treadwell are next cabs off the rank but Sheehan, Kelleher, Ryan, Beirne and Henderson are ahead of all of those. There isn’t really anyone else realistically that close to the 23. Maybe McCloskey and Lowry, but they’re debatable.

EDIT: Timoney is in the mix in the back row too obviously. But again, as a next cab off the rank.

i didnt follow the game as it was happening and judging just by the score it looks terrible, but in fairness it sounds like the travel situation disrupted things massively so that probably was a factor

having said that, if everyone is available id probably have henderson and moore on the bench and thats about it from ulster if i were picking the 23 - nothing to do with the sale game though. doak will probably push into the squad at some stage after the rwc too and guys like mccloskey, balacoune, timoney and herring are options if needed

You can't just dump players after 1 awful outing! If that was the case, Murray would have pissed off 4 years ago!

Treadwell has credit too. He played really well v Leinster. Lowry is probably waning. He's not big enough. McCloskey will be in the mix as will Timoney.

Ulster have had a terrible week, which will probably get worse this week.

They shouldn't be in the Ulster 23 either

Hume has probably dropped down the pecking order as well. It's a bit unfair as he has been injured a lot, but he isn't near his performances of last season either.

James Cronin is having a superb game for Leicester against Clermont. We could really do with him now. Bizarre that he was always frozen out when you see what he's doing for the best team in England, particularly given our dearth of quality at loosehead.

I reckon Cronin would be in the frame. I think he's a good all round player. Fair play to him. He deserves to make money and he seems to be enjoying himself.