Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Not happening.
I have no source!

Osborne at 15 is just plain ridiculous

Same old conservative Andy...

Does job really have that pace though and I don't see how job has so much or any more game breaking ability than Nash.

Its nothing provincial related. I think JOBs ability to play all through the back line has allowed him to develop a more varied skill set than a pure wing.

Posters want Farrell to experiment at 6..

Ah no honestly.. Great to see Osborne get a start. Has a cannon of a boot which might be very beneficial at altitude..

Was a great full back at U20 level back in 21. Worth a look. Has played very well this season.

Would honestly be worried about POM lasting 60 minutes at altitude especially given he barely managed 50 for Munster at Loftus back in April.

he’s in charge of Ireland for November so it’s really only a Six Nations that he’s missing plus whatever tier 2 country we visit next summer

If the Osborne story is true, then it would appear he's out-performing JOB, Frawley and Larmour in training, each of whom has played 15 (and done fine) for Ireland in the last 12 months.

At the same time, WLR was able to exploit space in the backfield so ruthlessly against Leinster that the positioning of an inexperienced FB could be a concern.

Still, one way or another, we're going to learn something and Osborne is such a talented player that I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do.

I'm happy enough to see Osborne there. I really don't think he's any worse than the other options. I don't particularly rate any of them as test level full backs but, at 22, Osborne at least could be. And if they're all at similar levels with various strengths/weaknesses, I'm happy for them to look at JO.

I do think this probably isn't a black and white "We think Jamie is better than Jimmy/Jordan/Ciarán". I'd imagine there's a tactical consideration of having that booming boot in the backfield at altitude. It also potentially works in tandem with the Casey selection. Conor Murray would still be a better kicker and well able to take responsibility for exit kicks from his own 22 at the base of the ruck. Casey isn't quite at that level. With Osborne (and Casey's pass) it gives us a stronger option to exit. We have Lowe obviously but England showed in the 6N that a team can do their homework and put massive pressure on a guy who is going to be the dedicated kicking option in those situations. Obviously Osborne is a bigger unit too which could be useful as a strike runner.

I would have defensive concerns over all the options out there on tour at 15 whether it's positioning, tackling or under the high ball. So it's all much of a muchness.

I'm really hoping that Timoney gets the nod on the bench. He has the potential to be used in the same manner that SA have used Kwagga Smith in the past. Covers across the backrow, former Sevens player who is incredibly quick, industrious and punches above his weight with a strong breakdown game.

Hoping for the bench to be Kelleher, Healy, Bealham, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Timoney, Murray and Frawley…..but expect it to be Kelleher, Healy, Bealham, Ryan, Baird, Murray, Frawley, Henshaw.

His left boot will give them options for clearing the ball instead of just throwing to Lowe

Let's see if it works

As pointed out here, Irish fans

"We demand change"

Farrell changes it

"Not that type of change"

I know everyone is going with Izuchukwu because he is the shiny new toy, but has he played better than Baird all season? no

Is Baird now seen as predictable or familiar becuase he has been around the squad even if not starting? it would seem so

I would prefer to see Healy not on bench, all reports are Tom O'Toole is playing that side of scrum, if he is going well in training etc why not put him on bench? or at least plan to have him on bench for next game or start him

Its an interesting call at least. Job, frawley or in particular larmor would have been setting ourselves up for failure i think. Theres risk with osbourne certainly more than some of the suggestions that have been panned here given hes player 15 at senior level once i think? But i think we lose with thr other options anyway so why not roll the dice

If playing a player at 15 for the second time is acceptable to people here though i do hope plauing lads in positions theve been excellent in for 60+ caps is mo longer seen as "sacrificing" games

'out-performing _____ in training' - I think its important that that thinking/logic is tempered with the previous selection of Stockdale at FB.

Stockdale started at FB v Italy & France with disastrous results.

Keenan started at 11 v Italy & France instead.

A terrible selection decision.

I can see the logic and benefit of having Osborne at FB when in possession of the ball.

a) Kick it to touch beyond our 10m or b) kick it as deep as you can if they don't have backfield cover

Osborne has huge potential. Defending is not one of strengths.

It would be an unfair ask & also be complete folly – He will probably never play there for Leinster again.

Pick him at 12 - Yes. 15 - No

I dont want to be disagreeing with everything you are saying!….but Timoney is no Kwagga Smith. Im just not convinced about Timoney at this level.

Baird & if they're going to pick another forward Izuchukwo.