Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Farrell wasn't to know Crowley would be starting that game. Sexton pulled out very close to KO. No reason Casey couldn't have been named to start with Sexton at 10.

Anyway, so what if we'd lost it with Casey and Crowley? It would have been great exposure for them. And I'm still raging about our performance in that game, we were awful. It, like the Fiji game, felt like a bit of a loss to me even though it wasn't.

I think if murray was lined up to start against toulouse, he’d at least be on the bench for this.

But he clearly is in the plan as he's been the undisputed 3rd choice for well over a year now. One injury, and he's involved in a world cup quarter final.

Whether you agree with it or not, Craig Casey is Ireland's 3rd choice scrum half. That much is fairly obvious. And yet, he's never started against a tier one team. I think that's a problem that needs to be addressed.

Cannot see Murray dropping out of Ireland squad, Farrell doesn't really seem to be too bothered about provincial pecking order as long as the guy is doing well in green, and Murray has been playing well for us.

I think Ross Byrne is in with a good shout of a call up, especially if we name four OHs given Sexton's uncertainty. I don't think Crowley's position is cemented yet.

Other than that, I don't expect many new faces. Henshaw's injury and Hume's lack of form might open a slot for Jamie Osborne or maybe even Frisch.

With Furlong a doubt and Loughman also injured, we might get a look the depth chart at prop. Salanoa could do himself a big favour today.

Yes. He went on the emerging Ireland tour.

I think he'll get overlooked but Ross Byrne is playing so well at the moment. Definitely deserves to make the squad imo.

Surely Coombes gets a recall to the national squad given his form of late. His performance today was incredible. He was involved in all three of Munster's tries, made a host of tackles and also won at least two turnovers.

His versatility has to be a big selling point. He's looked very assured at lock these past few weeks, an area where we are not particularly strong outside of the 23. The fact that he can play 6, 8 and second row to a high level has to be in his favour.

My little cousin did well today at half time in Thomond Park,passed well, made his tackles and got a try

Coombes' recent form would definitely have him in the squad, yesterday was icing on the cake. Will be interesting to see if he can break the match day squad.

Interesting call in the back three, whether Earls is at the end of the line, Would expect Balacoune, Larmour and JOB to be involved. Lowry, not so much, and maybe Haley depending on the size of squad.

Centres: Ringrose, Aki, McCloskey, Osborne. I assume Henshaw is out for the early rounds at least.

OH; won't be surprised if they call up four and Ross Byrne is in.

SH; JGP, Murray, Casey.

Props: Salanoa to get a call up. Not sure who the next LH is if Loughman is out.

Hooker: assuming Herring is out, Stewart to get a call

SR: the usual trio plus Joe McCarthy and maybe Niall Murray?

BR: Doris, POM, VDF, Conan, Coombes, Timoney and Baird. Prendergast too maybe.

Yep, just forgot him. He'll be there

I hope Loughman recovers in time. Would like to see him involved. Tom O'Toole may not make it due to injury, so Salanoa should get a call.

Coombes will get a call too. Prendergast may lose out. Earls hasn't warranted a look, imo. Others have played really well.

Conan is playing very well. Just goes to show the level he was playing at previously.

Would not be shocked to see Osbourne start if Henshaw is injured for start of the 6Ns. He's been sensational this season, and I'd argue already showing more talent than Aki or McCloskey. If Lowe is out, I could see Farrell valuing his massive boot too. Choices galore