Hi Tim, as an Irish fan I have to disagree with you on putting us as Favourites. I think France in particular are looking very hot, with England and Scotland being dark horses. I sincerely hope you are right though. My first rugby match ever will be Wales v Ireland, I CANNOT WAIT, AM SOOOO EXCITED!! ☘🇮🇪💚
Many key players injured for France, not even sure Danty and Fickou can make it mid competition or will be selected. The replacement is good but also need players used to playing together.
Nailed it on the importance of the summer tours Tim, keep the experience for this last 6N but next year will see the next generation make their move for the next World Cup
Unless we sort out our chronic lineout issues we could struggle and no Farrell this time either. Have a funny feeling there's a loss in there somewhere. France are looking awesome and England are always dangerous. Scotland away will be tough too.
As a Connacht supporter, I'm delighted for our lads, particularly Ben, Cian, and Cathal, as they've been exceptional this season. There's other talent here aswell but I'm sure they'll get their chance in the summer.
Very good read on the current Ireland team. Can't really fault the selection either. I think Hodnett, Ahern and Coombes must be wondering what they have to do to get a look in. I reckon Ulster and Connacht probably have a view on their some more of performing players that should be getting call ups. Hopefully the summer will see a shift when a good portion of that side head off on Lions duty. Always good to keep a few older heads around the camp to set some tone and guide new lads along, I think your point on England doing it is for the same reason.
Your point on the back row is interesting. I can't understand the idea behind having so many blind side flankers. It's just taking up space for the likes of John Hodnett who 100% deserves a spot in the set up.
I agree he is the best replacement for Josh Van De Flier in his age profile. From a skill, mentality, athleticism and talent perspective, he has multiple victories against teams with Springbok back-rowers. Shocking to think people view him as not fit for Ireland due to one or two injuries. Lets face it Scott Penny is not as well developed.
I can understand bringing a few of Healy, POM, Henderson, Murray and Herring along in the squad for guidance and leadership. I cannot understand dedicating nearly 15% of the squad to those players, ESPECIALLY when there exists numerous experienced veterans of the squad who are still easily of starting quality. Beirne, VDF, Doris, Ryan, Furlong, Porter, Conan, JGP, Aki, Lowe, Ringrose, Keenan, and others are all bolted on starters (or very close to) for every team in the six nations, and have dozens of tests each to their name. You do not need to waste 5 places in the squad for the sake of “leadership” when you also have 3/4 of the province captains, as well as those other veterans I just mentioned. It also tanks our bench’s impact. A bit part of the problem Ireland has faced recently is finishing out games strong. Players like Conan and Baird have been exceptional off the bench, because they’re young and/or mobile enough to make a real difference against tired legs. Wheeling out old, slow PoM and Henderson doesn’t provide anything over a 20 minute stretch. The lineout issues are the one thing they help with, which is more of a call to sort that out rather than clutch onto the players who execute it slightly better. Healy I totally understand, and Herring makes sense given Sheehan is returning from injury. But POM and Henderson are both clogging the way for younger players talent like Ahern, Timoney, Hobnett, Deegan to come through, and stringing Murray along has caused the transition to Casey to go far less smoothly than what is necessary.
We're going to play POM, Healy, Henderson, and Murray until their knees fall off, then donate the rest of them to science. That appears to be the plan.
@PB22559 u20 WC player of the tournament. 100+ caps for leinster and 160 points. His problem is he plays in leinster he should go to France or Connacht.
I’m happy with that squad. There are a number of relatively new players in Gus McCarthy, Cormac, Jack Boyle, Tom clarkson, Jamie Osborne and SamP. Given the meagre number of professional players Ireland has I think it’s sensible to bring players through in a measured and careful fashion. We can’t afford to burn through talent or not maximise their potential. I do feel for Aherne and Hodnett but a bit like Calvin Nash they are only an injury away. The Lads will get their chance this summer and autumn to put their hands up and they better be ready to take it or like Coombes they won’t get another chance easy. Farrell is very straight and blunt with the players and whilst fans of certain provinces may not like it I think it brings the best out of genuine top tier talent. Folk who can’t respond and deliver the standards he expects aren’t going to cut it at international level anyway. I think it’s the key ingredient in the high performance environment he and the other coaches create. What a day for Connacht btw. More representation than Ulster and the same as Munster in an Ireland squad shows the value of the “4th province”.
There are players coming through, like Sam Prendergast, Gus McCarthy, Jamie Osborne and - not in the squad but also emerging, guys like Brian Gleeson. Nothing to worry about!
Scotland and France have the ability to really push Ireland this year, the schedule is more favourable for them too, but I think the French squad is quite inexperienced - a few of their big names are off form in my opinion too... I think their 2nd round fixture away to England could be a huge banana peel !! In terms of the squad, I can understand why some fans are unhappy with it - Ahern and Hodnett should probably be there, but its still one hell of a squad; huge depth in the pack (for the first time ever), world class depth at 10, great backs... What I'm most happy about, is seeing junior members of the squad getting selected regularly, the likes of Osborne McCarthy Clarkson Baird C.Prendergast and Izuchukwu, the future is bright for Ireland! Thanks for the video, Tim!
France have 3 away games in a row. Scotland have three home games this year, but away to England and France, who Ireland have at home. I’d say schedule favours Ireland more than those teams this year.
Agree with your 2: Tim , am hoping Dan Sheehan plays for Leinster v Bath on Saturday otherwise he won’t start against England im sure ! I think Dan is by far our best player , we missed him v NZ last year , he fit can make huge difference
It’s about cementing a top seeding in the world rankings. Younger lads will get a run out in the summer tour to Romania and Georgia. Hopefully some of them will be live contenders to take over from the old guard come November. I’m more worried about the lack of cutting edge since Lancaster and Catt have moved on.
I’d say the team will stay settled as possible during the 6N and then once Farrell is back I suspect most of the older players will be moved on and Ireland will focus full bore for the 2027 RWC.
Id rather see a rebuild and POM is my favourite player but I don't need a load of older players here winning the 6N isn't as important as our rebuild process. France, England, SA and NZ all starting their rebuild already. We don't take risks in our selections it's clear as day. Farrell himself said we don't have depth this just proves they arent risk taking as much as they should be.
France have to play in Ireland, so do England. If Ireland perform reasonably well, they'll win it again. I could see Scotland beating Ireland in Scotland as they're due a win against them.
Many key players injured for France, not even sure Danty and Fickou can make it mid competition or will be selected. The replacement is good but also need players used to playing together.
1Healy 2 Kelleher 3 Bealham 4 McCarthy 5 Beirne 6 Izuchukwu 7 Van Der Flier 8 Doris 9 Gibson Park 10 Prendergast 12 Aki 13 Ringrose 11 Lowe 14 Hansen 15 Keenan Subs: Sheehan, Porter, Furlong, Ryan,Conan, Murray, Crowley, Osborne. I think they start Healy for 20-25 minutes like Leinster have been doing and deploy Porter for the remainder of the game. I think they feel comfortable with starting Kelleher and Bealham and putting Sheehan and Furlong in a bomb squad off the bench. Same with Ryan and Conan and Murray. Crowley is the solid performer off the bench and Osborne the utility player.
They could select John Hodnett but then they will just get a blind side flanker to do that. Which says it all, John Hodnett has done a lot the past few years but never will get an Ireland cap.
One thing you didn’t mention is that the world rankings (generally pointless as they are) will dictate the World Cup seedings at the end of year. Therefore there is a focus on winning points before that as the summer internationals won’t provide any given the opposition. Once Ireland have, hopefully, a decent seeding they can forget the rankings and start building depth for the world cup
Great video. Irish person here, personally i think it is France's year, all going good Ireland come second but Scotland are the team I am the most worried about. I can imagine Ireland beating France in Dublin but coming undone in Edinburgh. That's based on vibes more than any analysis though
Many key players injured for France, not even sure Danty and Fickou can make it mid competition or will be selected. The replacement is good but also need players used to playing together.
As a long suffering Scotsman, I can't see the status quo shifting this year even though it's arguably our best chance in a decade. Ireland are a proper elite team and I think will secure the narrow win. I hope I'm wrong though and if we are going to win it will need every ounce of Glasgow's steel and improved physicality
If handling errors improve we might challenge les francais, but les bleus are absolument favourites for the 6 nations. Basing this off both autumn internationals performance and European championship where Toulouse are also clear favourites. And that's not just in terms of winning, but just pleasure of viewing. Scotland are looking better every year and will challenge again for the title. Would love to see some more Italian flare, they can challenge France for entertaining rugby.
I think there’s more politics in Irish rugby than people think. It was the same with Sexton at the world cup. He could hardly walk and he was still on.
Against England Peter O'm will 100% be in the squad. He is a different animal against the English. Prendergast I dont see as a game changer off the bench but interested to see how he gets on.
The Irish system will always prioritise the 6 nations. We really value the competition and if having Healy etc there will help with that then that’s what will happen.
I still think Ireland are more vulnerable than ever in this world cup cycle. They'll still be in contention for the tournament (because they always will be), but I think they won't walk alll over England, France or Scotland.
Coombes, as well as Hodnett, Timoney and Aherne, have all been sacrificed on the altar of an old, immobile, tackle-shy, and apparently un-droppable POM It's bonkers frankly
Tim, I hear you when you say "...I'm an England fan..." And in your heart of hearts I suppose you are an England fan, while also being just as big a fan of Rugby football itself. But having watched these Eggchasers videos for some time now, I'm convinced that you are also in the closet. Fact is, you are a huge, enormous, gigantic closet Ireland fan! So I urge you now to emerge. Come out of the closet and publicly announce and embrace your undoubted fanship of this magnificent Ireland rugby generation!!! 😂
Frawley would be on the bench over Prendergast as he covers the whole backline. Crowley can play 12. Osborne similar to Frawley except not at 10. Prendergast either needs to start or he misses out. Dorris and O’Mahoney will cover 7. All the old heads are there to offload their IP as part of their swan song w/ Farrell out. New blood in the Summer as you’ve said. Ireland will need to find/develop another 23 similar calibre players before the next RWC, like SA did last go round, to be competitive, otherwise QF exit (again).
Ireland are there for the taking. They misfired in the Autumn and Leinster are struggling to win a line out and pass the ball along the line without dropping it! 😂
Think Ireland as favs is correct. Having France and England at home is massive. Scotland again talked up but dont produce when pressure on over last few years so until they do its hard to see them win it.
Your reasoning about the senior players makes a lot of sense. They have introduced, or gave game time to, a lot of new faces in November and the summer (Prendergast, Clarkson, G McCarthy and Izuckukwu). This is a proper team for the most important international tournament this season. Remember, at the end of the year the rankings will be important because of the World Cup draw. You put your eye off the ball and Ireland could easily lose the first 2 games and the narrative is completely different. O'Mahony, Herring, Healy and Henderson offer continuity. Murray has an outside chance of getting into the Lions squad. If those 5 have to be cut, the time to start doing it is November 2025. Your analysis is that we need a 17 and a 6. Well, I think there is a clear pathway for the 6/19 Jersey with Baird, Izuckukwu, Conan and C Prendergast identified as the the heirs to Henderson and O'Mahony. The 17 shirt is much more up in the air. Boyle is been given his chance. Has Loughman, O'Sullivan, Aungier and Milne failed to impress because a 4th loose head is probably what this squad needs. Unless, there is a clear message that Boyle is been given the reigns to challenge Healy for his shirt. If that's the case, Boyle will have the 17 shirt for the England game. Herring is a very underrated player. What a lot of Irish fans think is that he has already been supplanted so why still pick him for these squads. 2 younger players are ahead of him in the pecking order and 2 aren't that far behind (McCarthy and Stewart). There might be a worry about the fitness of Sheehan and the possible long term effects of an ACL injury. Murray was always going to make the squad, even before Casey's injury. We have 3 rookies at 10, we can't have a scrumhalf also learning the ropes at international level. Despite been involved in the South African second test, I think Blade is unlikely going to contest for a place in this series.
We'll be doing well to retain it. Loss of Farrell, lineout wobbles, aging front row, teams working out our attack, and recent results suggest we're not retaining the title. France, Scotland and maybe England have a good chance of taking us. Hope I'm wrong, but I'll keep my money in my pocket.
Sheehan has not played a game yet, he will no doubt do a short shift against Bath, but has not played a game since July and is bound to be a bit rusty , Keenan, Sheehan, Furlong, Hansen are all missing match time. I think Kelleher will start with Sheehan on the bench. Will see how match fit he is against Bath and a week later against the Stormers . James Lowe will also play against the Stormers and both will go to camp after that game. I think Prendergast will start, with Frawley on the bench. I would give England the edge if they come with the same energy as last year. The further Leinster change their game away from Ireland the harder and harder it is going to be. France the favourite's, it could well be Scotland's year, this is the best chance they have had for such a long time. Would be happy to see Scotland win the Six nations if Ireland are not up to the task. But, you can never rule out England, if they get the win over Ireland, they will be hard to stop. The opening weekend will be nail-biting
Hi Tim, have to point out you spelt Sheehan wrong, looks like a typo so I’ll let you off. I too understand some of the “older”:selections but I was really hoping to see Ahern selected for this 6Ns, and I always like to see Stuart McCloskey onboard so that’s a disappointment. We shall see how it all pans out. I agree, Dan Sheehan may be being eased in after such a long injury. Hoping they all stay fit throughout the tournament.
Doak, Ahern, Coombs, Oli Jager were close. Injuries to Casey, McCloskey, Edwin Edogbo are eased because of the potential return of Lowe, Sheehan, Keenan, O’Mahoney. Hopefully they start Baird and bring Byrne off the bench so we finish strong. I would have Osbourne at fullback. Bundi off the bench. Blade off the bench.
3 number 10's is something we are not used to. O'Mahoney, Murray and a few other shouldn't be playing. We should be building to 2027. It's 2 years away. We need to start building and we need another number 7
Sorry but Conor Murray is actually very very very reliable. He’s not the starting choice anymore but he is reliable and that’s why you need a tournament and we can focus on 2027 which is a full near to 3 years away for the World Cup after the six nation ends, let’s just all try and enjoy the tournaments and try and hopefully we can win as many games as possible
France have the best young talent coming through right now, we will have a down year, all the signs are towards regression, we have looked terrible in the Autumn series, we have huge problems in lineout and fly half and Aki is looking old now , it’s hard too see from my NBC app in New York but we are in trouble!!!
We need more depth brought in! Healy showed last Sunday that he can't go any longer than 20 minutes at best! What is the point in having him in the squad now? Loughman can play longer and then we also have Michael Milne and Jack Boyle. I personally don't get it! Iain Henderson also has been great but he is past his best and Tom Ahern is very unlucky to miss out in that position! I'd like Tadhg Beirne at 6 and then James Ryan and Joe McCarthy in the 2nd row. POM in fairness was a fantastic line-out option against Stade Francais so maybe some gas left in the tank! Healy and Henderson though are well past their best and can't understand why they're still in the squad
England played better in autumn internationals than Ireland. Borthwick has to be learning from mistakes, So I think England has a very good chance of beating us on form , France are favourites, building a very good squad.
I mean lets be honest, it would be kind of stupid to bet against them, wouldn't it? They've won the last two, they were able to draw a series away in South Africa... You kind of have to out your chips on green.
I don’t really wanna say this but I reckon France will get it this time. I think it’ll be: France Ireland England Scotland Wales Italy But hope wales are better this year that was embarrassing
This is an Anti-World Cup squad. We are year two of this World Cup cycle. Healy, Murray, Henderson and O'Mahony should not be playing as they will all not be at the next World Cup. This is a British & Irish Lions years? Honestly mate don't care. The world cup is far more important that a 6 Nations or a piss up in Oz this summer. Sorry to be dismissive but time to start taking World Cups seriously especially if you listen to Andy Farrell's lamentations before the Autumn series that our player pool depth isn't that strong.....
Agreed!! We should be building a squad for the world cup! Healy has been well past it for a while now!! He showed he's not able to last more than 20 minutes at the weekend against La Rochelle! He's wayyy past it now! Michael Milne and Jack Boyle are the future now
Agree Farrell can't bemoan a lack of depth and then pick a bunch of mid-thirties players like: POM over Timoney/Hodnett Henderson over Aherne Murray over Murphy*/Gunne (I know Murphy is listed as a dev player, but he won't get near a match day 23 ahead of Murray I reckon) Herring over Lee Barron/Stewart If we're not going to ease older players out this year then when are we going to do it?
There's more to Rugby than 7 weeks every four years. Andy Farrell built up towards the last World Cup fairly well, if it wasn't for Jordie Barretts leg holding the ball up then you probably wouldn't be commenting this right now. I can't think of any other sport where fans want their team to play weaker players and intentionally lose a major tournament.
We’re never going to win the World Cup. 6 nations is our only hope of silverware We should play to win while keeping an eye on youth coming through. Plus, there’s plenty more games to blood some youngsters.
@liamwilliams6651 this is why the north will not win a world cup any time soon Short term gratification over the long term goal. You would rather pick old players who won't be good enough in 2 years to win the biggest comp in the game and win right now than sacrifice a game or two here and there to blood the youngsters and prepare them for when the big moment comes in 2 years time. The world cup is the biggest and most important competition in the sport end of discussion. No matter how much you cope and seethe about it not mattering that much at the end of the day it does in fact matter
You cant ignore the persistent Irish lineout problems of the last 18 months , they arent going tio magically disappear overnight, our scrum isnt top tier either , plus our attack has looked decidedly one dimensional, so that is a concern. I agree with others who are critical of the retaining of players like Healy at this stage. I do think France are favourites for this 6 nations, primarily because they are better in attack, they have more flair players than Ireland and they have Antoine Dupont. Ireland need more pace out wide, we are too pedestrian at the moment.
Thomas no one can predict what’s going to happen in 2027 there could be bad injuries. Someone could not even make it to 2027 and retire before that for other reasons no one knows.
While we have fantastic players, without a functioning line out and all the handling errors that have been so common in the last games (and with Leinster) I can't see us taking it this year. I think France first, and possibly England second (if you manage to not shoot yourself in the foot half way through the game ;))
It’s the strongest team but I really feel this is shortsighted by Irish rugby once again, we are so resistant to blood players in properly that we hold on to tried and tested methods. Last RWC our starting XV players had the most minutes in their legs then any other team who went through to the QF. Why, because we hadn’t experimented and gained enough trust in the replacements. Our summer tour is against Georgia, Romania and Portugal whilst they’ve come on a lot it’s not the level we need our young players blooded against if we want to beat someone in the QF. After that people will say we need to get experience between combos rather than experiment. There will be roughly 30 more tests before the next RWC, 5 tests against tier 1 opposition shouldn’t be squandered only on win now mentality (most likely another 5 tests for the 2027 six nations will be the best of the best and lacking any major experimentation) that’s nearly a 1/3 of our tests we aren’t bothering to experiment properly. Some players make sense due to injuries, Henderson and POM don’t and that’s not to diminish the incredible servants to the country they have been. I’d have preferred to come 3rd or 4th this 6 nations but experiment properly. I know what a 6 nations win and grand slam is like, I dream to know what it’s like to see my country in the SF. Can’t blame Easterby to much as this is his name in the shop window as well for future coaching opportunities.
Far too many players in this squad are tired, stale and past their prime. Add into the mix a week scrum, a lineout that's a shambles, a back line with no pace and a game plan that is no longer working you get a team who are past their peak. France, England and Scotland will beat them and I wouldn't be surprised if Italy did the same. That just leaves the Wales v Ireland match to decide the wooden spoon.
We will see. The performances over the last 12 months have been steadily going downhill and the provinces are not exactly setting the world on fire either.
@@Hometruths29 even going downhill, they still beat the Boks in SA; something no other team did in 24. The lineout is a massive concern, but we definitely beat at least one (most likely two) of France, England and Scotland. Wales and Italy are not going to trouble this team
Average age of the 36 man squad is 28, if Healy, O'Mahony and Murray are replaced, it would be 27 average age, surprised that Healy and POM are still there, saw a video that Gavin Coombes stats are far above the likes of Conan and Prendergast. We are still a bit vulnerable in the props. England Scotland and France could go either way, impossible to predict a winner.
France 1 scotland 2 for me. Scotland due a win against Ireland and England always good for an ambush when they get us up first. I fancy our lads Ireland to finish 3rd. Predictions: France Scotland Ireland England Italy Wales.
Predicted team is good although Sam Prendergast will start against England at 10, that's why he was thrown into the lion's den last week against La Rochelle instead of a more experienced Ross Byrne. They are building him up for this big six nations game and the game against France. Crowley hasn't impressed in the autumn or at club level while Sam Prendergast has on both fronts, and also hasn't massive international experience as he's only been a regular for about 12 months so still hasn't fully established himself as a senior player
Team Of Us indeed. FIVE from Munster is an abomination!! What do Tom Ahearn, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes have to do to get into a squad!!?? Tom Farrell too has had a magnificent season. I'm irish and the leinsterfication of the National team is really putting me off.
I think on form, Sam Predergast will get nod at 10 - otherwise match day 22 will be very close to your selection - perhaps Baird for an old head such as POM or even Henderson, I personally hope not as Baird seems good impact player from the bench but being first match, these players may be important as much for their leadership as for their ability. I hope to see Murphy at scrum half and Boyle being blooded in this 6N as with more of Clarkson and Gus McCarthy, but anyone can beat anyone in this competition on their day so we will have to see how that goes. But Ireland are no doubt in it. to win it and maybe the junior players will have to wait until later in the year
If you take out the old guard of o Mahony and Murray(who are their on past merit not current form) , munster have developed 2 players to feature in this squad of 36 Crowley and Nash ,(beirne is from leinster and made his name at scarlet's) that is simply not good enough, the province needs to take a long look at itself and start sorting the development of their young players, leinster has close to ten times the players munster has , embarrassing!! from a munster man
@ yeah and there should be loads in other provinces on Central contracts that are not an even Lancaster fans sorry even smart than fans are able to admit us
@@28copland development is heavily influenced by the quality of rugby played in schools which is not, fundamentally, in the Munster branches control. That's also were investment is vastly greater in Leinster. Not all investment in rugby is IRFU money
Hi Tim, as an Irish fan I have to disagree with you on putting us as Favourites. I think France in particular are looking very hot, with England and Scotland being dark horses.
I sincerely hope you are right though.
My first rugby match ever will be Wales v Ireland, I CANNOT WAIT, AM SOOOO EXCITED!! ☘🇮🇪💚
Cardiff is a great place to watch the rugby, have an awesome time!
@@SMacCuUladh thank you ☘
I think you guys are the benchmark and have been for years.
This is what makes it the best tournament..we could finish 1st..or even 4th..as could any of those 4 you mentioned..
Delighted to see Ben Murphy in as a rookie/ whatyamacallit. Dazzling chap, often as fast/canny as JGP is.
English??
I just have a deep gut feeling that France will take the 6N this year!! Looking forward to this years 6 Nations Series!!!!
Many key players injured for France, not even sure Danty and Fickou can make it mid competition or will be selected. The replacement is good but also need players used to playing together.
We love your gut!
I disagree and agree, it just feels like a French 6n year
France have to come win in Dublin which they don't find easy.
Nailed it on the importance of the summer tours Tim, keep the experience for this last 6N but next year will see the next generation make their move for the next World Cup
Unless we sort out our chronic lineout issues we could struggle and no Farrell this time either. Have a funny feeling there's a loss in there somewhere. France are looking awesome and England are always dangerous. Scotland away will be tough too.
As a Connacht supporter, I'm delighted for our lads, particularly Ben, Cian, and Cathal, as they've been exceptional this season. There's other talent here aswell but I'm sure they'll get their chance in the summer.
Very good read on the current Ireland team. Can't really fault the selection either. I think Hodnett, Ahern and Coombes must be wondering what they have to do to get a look in. I reckon Ulster and Connacht probably have a view on their some more of performing players that should be getting call ups. Hopefully the summer will see a shift when a good portion of that side head off on Lions duty. Always good to keep a few older heads around the camp to set some tone and guide new lads along, I think your point on England doing it is for the same reason.
I suspect Henderson and POM will soon be replaced, and Ahern definitely is in with a good shout.
I feel so bad for hodnett .. is there just too many good options for his position
@ No there aren't, there is only one specialist openside flanker in the squad (JVDF) and that's what makes it more baffling
Finally, I've been waiting all day since the team announcement for you to tell me how I should feel about the team news!
Your point on the back row is interesting. I can't understand the idea behind having so many blind side flankers. It's just taking up space for the likes of John Hodnett who 100% deserves a spot in the set up.
He's phenomenal we call him the badger
I agree he is the best replacement for Josh Van De Flier in his age profile.
From a skill, mentality, athleticism and talent perspective, he has multiple victories against teams with Springbok back-rowers. Shocking to think people view him as not fit for Ireland due to one or two injuries.
Lets face it Scott Penny is not as well developed.
I can understand bringing a few of Healy, POM, Henderson, Murray and Herring along in the squad for guidance and leadership. I cannot understand dedicating nearly 15% of the squad to those players, ESPECIALLY when there exists numerous experienced veterans of the squad who are still easily of starting quality. Beirne, VDF, Doris, Ryan, Furlong, Porter, Conan, JGP, Aki, Lowe, Ringrose, Keenan, and others are all bolted on starters (or very close to) for every team in the six nations, and have dozens of tests each to their name. You do not need to waste 5 places in the squad for the sake of “leadership” when you also have 3/4 of the province captains, as well as those other veterans I just mentioned.
It also tanks our bench’s impact. A bit part of the problem Ireland has faced recently is finishing out games strong. Players like Conan and Baird have been exceptional off the bench, because they’re young and/or mobile enough to make a real difference against tired legs. Wheeling out old, slow PoM and Henderson doesn’t provide anything over a 20 minute stretch. The lineout issues are the one thing they help with, which is more of a call to sort that out rather than clutch onto the players who execute it slightly better.
Healy I totally understand, and Herring makes sense given Sheehan is returning from injury. But POM and Henderson are both clogging the way for younger players talent like Ahern, Timoney, Hobnett, Deegan to come through, and stringing Murray along has caused the transition to Casey to go far less smoothly than what is necessary.
Deegan? lol he never made the grade.
We're going to play POM, Healy, Henderson, and Murray until their knees fall off, then donate the rest of them to science. That appears to be the plan.
@@CamcolitoThen build a shrine in front of the Aviva for them
@PB22559 u20 WC player of the tournament. 100+ caps for leinster and 160 points. His problem is he plays in leinster he should go to France or Connacht.
I’m happy with that squad. There are a number of relatively new players in Gus McCarthy, Cormac, Jack Boyle, Tom clarkson, Jamie Osborne and SamP.
Given the meagre number of professional players Ireland has I think it’s sensible to bring players through in a measured and careful fashion. We can’t afford to burn through talent or not maximise their potential.
I do feel for Aherne and Hodnett but a bit like Calvin Nash they are only an injury away. The Lads will get their chance this summer and autumn to put their hands up and they better be ready to take it or like Coombes they won’t get another chance easy. Farrell is very straight and blunt with the players and whilst fans of certain provinces may not like it I think it brings the best out of genuine top tier talent. Folk who can’t respond and deliver the standards he expects aren’t going to cut it at international level anyway. I think it’s the key ingredient in the high performance environment he and the other coaches create.
What a day for Connacht btw. More representation than Ulster and the same as Munster in an Ireland squad shows the value of the “4th province”.
There is no 4th province. There's Leinster and all the rest. No shits given about young lads outside the m50.
@ ah cmon young Ben Murphy getting a chance as a training panelist and he’s from Bray. 😉
@@Ollyk1Still within the M50.
There are players coming through, like Sam Prendergast, Gus McCarthy, Jamie Osborne and - not in the squad but also emerging, guys like Brian Gleeson. Nothing to worry about!
Scotland and France have the ability to really push Ireland this year, the schedule is more favourable for them too, but I think the French squad is quite inexperienced - a few of their big names are off form in my opinion too... I think their 2nd round fixture away to England could be a huge banana peel !!
In terms of the squad, I can understand why some fans are unhappy with it - Ahern and Hodnett should probably be there, but its still one hell of a squad; huge depth in the pack (for the first time ever), world class depth at 10, great backs... What I'm most happy about, is seeing junior members of the squad getting selected regularly, the likes of Osborne McCarthy Clarkson Baird C.Prendergast and Izuchukwu, the future is bright for Ireland!
Thanks for the video, Tim!
France have 3 away games in a row. Scotland have three home games this year, but away to England and France, who Ireland have at home. I’d say schedule favours Ireland more than those teams this year.
Sheehan and Lowe will be joining Ireland camp a week later than everyone else so they will likely need some more time to get up to speed.
Agree with your 2: Tim , am hoping Dan Sheehan plays for Leinster v Bath on Saturday otherwise he won’t start against England im sure ! I think Dan is by far our best player , we missed him v NZ last year , he fit can make huge difference
I'm not so sure you could call us favourites. We were quite pedestrian in the autumn matches.
Too many mistakes, that's my take on it
Great assessment!
It’s about cementing a top seeding in the world rankings. Younger lads will get a run out in the summer tour to Romania and Georgia. Hopefully some of them will be live contenders to take over from the old guard come November.
I’m more worried about the lack of cutting edge since Lancaster and Catt have moved on.
I’d say the team will stay settled as possible during the 6N and then once Farrell is back I suspect most of the older players will be moved on and Ireland will focus full bore for the 2027 RWC.
Id rather see a rebuild and POM is my favourite player but I don't need a load of older players here winning the 6N isn't as important as our rebuild process.
France, England, SA and NZ all starting their rebuild already. We don't take risks in our selections it's clear as day. Farrell himself said we don't have depth this just proves they arent risk taking as much as they should be.
Doris would slot at 7 if Van der flier can't play for whatever reason.
Also, Conan played at 6 last weekend with Leinster !
You know who can really play at open side flanker really well, is still young and specialises in that position? John Hodnett.
Personally, I would have liked more youth getting a shot tom farrell, Tom ahren.
Might be interesting if I could understand any of this
excellent analysis
France are clear favourites based on form in Autumn internationals.
France have to play in Ireland, so do England. If Ireland perform reasonably well, they'll win it again. I could see Scotland beating Ireland in Scotland as they're due a win against them.
Agreed
Scotland are the favourites in alot of peoples books.
Yeah, mostly the Scots.
Many key players injured for France, not even sure Danty and Fickou can make it mid competition or will be selected. The replacement is good but also need players used to playing together.
1Healy 2 Kelleher 3 Bealham
4 McCarthy 5 Beirne
6 Izuchukwu 7 Van Der Flier 8 Doris
9 Gibson Park 10 Prendergast
12 Aki 13 Ringrose
11 Lowe 14 Hansen 15 Keenan
Subs:
Sheehan, Porter, Furlong, Ryan,Conan, Murray, Crowley, Osborne.
I think they start Healy for 20-25 minutes like Leinster have been doing and deploy Porter for the remainder of the game. I think they feel comfortable with starting Kelleher and Bealham and putting Sheehan and Furlong in a bomb squad off the bench. Same with Ryan and Conan and Murray. Crowley is the solid performer off the bench and Osborne the utility player.
I agree re: lack of cover or succession planning for open side flanker. Are they planning for JVDF to play every match this 6N?
They could select John Hodnett but then they will just get a blind side flanker to do that.
Which says it all, John Hodnett has done a lot the past few years but never will get an Ireland cap.
@ I would love to see him in an Ireland side and hopefully he will get a chance in the summer
@@aonghus3860 I hope so too.
great video again Tim💪
I know he's named in the development squad but I would've liked to see Ben Murphy more involved as scrum half
One thing you didn’t mention is that the world rankings (generally pointless as they are) will dictate the World Cup seedings at the end of year. Therefore there is a focus on winning points before that as the summer internationals won’t provide any given the opposition. Once Ireland have, hopefully, a decent seeding they can forget the rankings and start building depth for the world cup
Correct
@@aonghus3860brilliant point and one I overlooked admittedly
Munster did Ahern no favours by keeping him on the bench, should be starting
Great video.
Irish person here, personally i think it is France's year, all going good Ireland come second but Scotland are the team I am the most worried about. I can imagine Ireland beating France in Dublin but coming undone in Edinburgh. That's based on vibes more than any analysis though
France are still france, never keep their form it's all guesswork with france
that's in my bones too, we've beaten them too many times without reply.
Many key players injured for France, not even sure Danty and Fickou can make it mid competition or will be selected. The replacement is good but also need players used to playing together.
Could say we know their number.
As a long suffering Scotsman, I can't see the status quo shifting this year even though it's arguably our best chance in a decade. Ireland are a proper elite team and I think will secure the narrow win. I hope I'm wrong though and if we are going to win it will need every ounce of Glasgow's steel and improved physicality
If handling errors improve we might challenge les francais, but les bleus are absolument favourites for the 6 nations. Basing this off both autumn internationals performance and European championship where Toulouse are also clear favourites. And that's not just in terms of winning, but just pleasure of viewing. Scotland are looking better every year and will challenge again for the title. Would love to see some more Italian flare, they can challenge France for entertaining rugby.
Ireland in a good place for 2025. Also advantage of home games against England & France. However it is the 6 Nations!!
Jack Crowley to start vs England.
Nice squad.
Honestly I’m happy with the selection apart from Ahern not being called up
Any doubt Farrell had a hand in picking the squad? :) Agree on the lack of a true openside understudy for VdF! Whatever happened to Robert Baloucoune?
He picked it .... 100%
Handing the reins to Easterby was the perfect opportunity to ease out some of the old guard .... it's baffling to be honest
I think there’s more politics in Irish rugby than people think. It was the same with Sexton at the world cup. He could hardly walk and he was still on.
John Hodnett should in at 7.
@@OscarOSullivanover who?
@ ruclips.net/video/EbxaQh2G4tE/видео.htmlsi=8rNlZgoJHgmxxOgU.
Tom Ahern has done enough to be in the squad. Ireland were brutal against NZ. Surely France are favourites.
As has John Hodnett.
Against England Peter O'm will 100% be in the squad. He is a different animal against the English. Prendergast I dont see as a game changer off the bench but interested to see how he gets on.
The Irish system will always prioritise the 6 nations. We really value the competition and if having Healy etc there will help with that then that’s what will happen.
A 6 N’s win is major for the IRFU.
It pays the bills. The RWC costs us money! If we let the Boks in the 6 Nations they would soon wise up about which trophy truly counts!
Absolutely right about the Lions. This is why we need Cooney in now. We'll be short of 13s in the Summer
Henshaw will make the 23, too good to leave out
Ireland v England - massive.
I still think Ireland are more vulnerable than ever in this world cup cycle. They'll still be in contention for the tournament (because they always will be), but I think they won't walk alll over England, France or Scotland.
Frawley on the bench, and he'll play 10 or 15 depending on the matches
A hat trick? France will have something to say about that with Dupont back, plus England will fancy it.
thoughts on no coombes
Coombes, as well as Hodnett, Timoney and Aherne, have all been sacrificed on the altar of an old, immobile, tackle-shy, and apparently un-droppable POM
It's bonkers frankly
Serious lack of open-sides in the squad now thanks to this (ongoing) selection mistake
Coombes has really come on, he needs to be in the squad
yeah he can be a bit hot and cold but this season i think he's been better and definitely better than Prendergast.
@@kanecol2401 He's been playing well but consistency is an issue.
Why didn’t you put the development players in the positions section of the video?
Tim, I hear you when you say "...I'm an England fan..." And in your heart of hearts I suppose you are an England fan, while also being just as big a fan of Rugby football itself. But having watched these Eggchasers videos for some time now, I'm convinced that you are also in the closet. Fact is, you are a huge, enormous, gigantic closet Ireland fan! So I urge you now to emerge. Come out of the closet and publicly announce and embrace your undoubted fanship of this magnificent Ireland rugby generation!!! 😂
As an Ireland supporter, I think we could’ve looking at a 3rd place finish - just not enough of a cutting edge in attack.
Why ever is there no Nick Timoney in the mix? As a hybrid back row player, he can fill in at 6, 7, or 8. I can’t comprehend his omission!
Is baffling how players that aren’t in the first choice 23 for Leinster can get into the national squad
Also I thought TOT had to be in the squad for those games to count again his ban ?
All the while John Hodnett is denied a chance to play for Ireland.
Well no.. because it’s club rugby not international rugby
Frawley would be on the bench over Prendergast as he covers the whole backline. Crowley can play 12. Osborne similar to Frawley except not at 10. Prendergast either needs to start or he misses out. Dorris and O’Mahoney will cover 7.
All the old heads are there to offload their IP as part of their swan song w/ Farrell out. New blood in the Summer as you’ve said. Ireland will need to find/develop another 23 similar calibre players before the next RWC, like SA did last go round, to be competitive, otherwise QF exit (again).
Ireland are there for the taking. They misfired in the Autumn and Leinster are struggling to win a line out and pass the ball along the line without dropping it! 😂
Guess who wasn't there for those games?
lol, you wish. England were bang average in all fairness too.
And yet Leinster are unbeaten all season. What's going to happen when they stop dropping the ball?
Mack Hansen explained why Leinster haven't been beaten all season 😂
Prendergast on the bench?? You wish!
Think Ireland as favs is correct. Having France and England at home is massive. Scotland again talked up but dont produce when pressure on over last few years so until they do its hard to see them win it.
100% agree with you`re pick..not a thing i would change.
Your reasoning about the senior players makes a lot of sense. They have introduced, or gave game time to, a lot of new faces in November and the summer (Prendergast, Clarkson, G McCarthy and Izuckukwu). This is a proper team for the most important international tournament this season. Remember, at the end of the year the rankings will be important because of the World Cup draw. You put your eye off the ball and Ireland could easily lose the first 2 games and the narrative is completely different. O'Mahony, Herring, Healy and Henderson offer continuity. Murray has an outside chance of getting into the Lions squad. If those 5 have to be cut, the time to start doing it is November 2025.
Your analysis is that we need a 17 and a 6. Well, I think there is a clear pathway for the 6/19 Jersey with Baird, Izuckukwu, Conan and C Prendergast identified as the the heirs to Henderson and O'Mahony. The 17 shirt is much more up in the air. Boyle is been given his chance. Has Loughman, O'Sullivan, Aungier and Milne failed to impress because a 4th loose head is probably what this squad needs. Unless, there is a clear message that Boyle is been given the reigns to challenge Healy for his shirt. If that's the case, Boyle will have the 17 shirt for the England game.
Herring is a very underrated player. What a lot of Irish fans think is that he has already been supplanted so why still pick him for these squads. 2 younger players are ahead of him in the pecking order and 2 aren't that far behind (McCarthy and Stewart). There might be a worry about the fitness of Sheehan and the possible long term effects of an ACL injury.
Murray was always going to make the squad, even before Casey's injury. We have 3 rookies at 10, we can't have a scrumhalf also learning the ropes at international level. Despite been involved in the South African second test, I think Blade is unlikely going to contest for a place in this series.
pleaaaaaase post the power rankings
We'll be doing well to retain it. Loss of Farrell, lineout wobbles, aging front row, teams working out our attack, and recent results suggest we're not retaining the title. France, Scotland and maybe England have a good chance of taking us. Hope I'm wrong, but I'll keep my money in my pocket.
Scotland are alot of peoples favourites for the six nations.
Dark horse favourites for sure, got to back Ireland though.
Scotland buckle at the sight of Green.ask the saffies and irish.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Your deluded.try and beat Italy to be even considered jock.😂😂😂😂😂
Sheehan has not played a game yet, he will no doubt do a short shift against Bath, but has not played a game since July and is bound to be a bit rusty , Keenan, Sheehan, Furlong, Hansen are all missing match time. I think Kelleher will start with Sheehan on the bench. Will see how match fit he is against Bath and a week later against the Stormers . James Lowe will also play against the Stormers and both will go to camp after that game. I think Prendergast will start, with Frawley on the bench. I would give England the edge if they come with the same energy as last year. The further Leinster change their game away from Ireland the harder and harder it is going to be. France the favourite's, it could well be Scotland's year, this is the best chance they have had for such a long time. Would be happy to see Scotland win the Six nations if Ireland are not up to the task. But, you can never rule out England, if they get the win over Ireland, they will be hard to stop. The opening weekend will be nail-biting
Hmmm , having POM on the field will mess with Atojie and the ruck
Hi Tim, have to point out you spelt Sheehan wrong, looks like a typo so I’ll let you off.
I too understand some of the “older”:selections but I was really hoping to see Ahern selected for this 6Ns, and I always like to see Stuart McCloskey onboard so that’s a disappointment. We shall see how it all pans out.
I agree, Dan Sheehan may be being eased in after such a long injury. Hoping they all stay fit throughout the tournament.
Stuey is injured.
@ Shame, thanks for letting me know.
Doak, Ahern, Coombs, Oli Jager were close. Injuries to Casey, McCloskey, Edwin Edogbo are eased because of the potential return of Lowe, Sheehan, Keenan, O’Mahoney. Hopefully they start Baird and bring Byrne off the bench so we finish strong. I would have Osbourne at fullback. Bundi off the bench. Blade off the bench.
For me France will do it this year. We have been a bit disjointed. I think France are back better and stronger ☘️🇮🇪
3 number 10's is something we are not used to.
O'Mahoney, Murray and a few other shouldn't be playing. We should be building to 2027. It's 2 years away. We need to start building and we need another number 7
Sorry but Conor Murray is actually very very very reliable. He’s not the starting choice anymore but he is reliable and that’s why you need a tournament and we can focus on 2027 which is a full near to 3 years away for the World Cup after the six nation ends, let’s just all try and enjoy the tournaments and try and hopefully we can win as many games as possible
France have the best young talent coming through right now, we will have a down year, all the signs are towards regression, we have looked terrible in the Autumn series, we have huge problems in lineout and fly half and Aki is looking old now , it’s hard too see from my NBC app in New York but we are in trouble!!!
We need more depth brought in! Healy showed last Sunday that he can't go any longer than 20 minutes at best! What is the point in having him in the squad now? Loughman can play longer and then we also have Michael Milne and Jack Boyle. I personally don't get it! Iain Henderson also has been great but he is past his best and Tom Ahern is very unlucky to miss out in that position! I'd like Tadhg Beirne at 6 and then James Ryan and Joe McCarthy in the 2nd row. POM in fairness was a fantastic line-out option against Stade Francais so maybe some gas left in the tank! Healy and Henderson though are well past their best and can't understand why they're still in the squad
France are my favourites but Ireland are close second.
England or Scotland in 3rd. Which I’d take as an Englishman
I agree but we all know france it's hit and miss with them but yes after autumn internationals they should be favourites
England played better in autumn internationals than Ireland.
Borthwick has to be learning from mistakes,
So I think England has a very good chance of beating us on form ,
France are favourites, building a very good squad.
@@Munstermarty it's funny for centuries Ireland wanted to beat England a feather in our cap 😆 now it's the other way round
Ireland have home advantage against Les blues this year so that balances things out a little.
Tim, happy to see our Irish URC comrades win the 6 nations, but just not France. 🐓
The 4 selections at hooker indicate to me that Easterby is being cautious about Sheehan.
I mean lets be honest, it would be kind of stupid to bet against them, wouldn't it?
They've won the last two, they were able to draw a series away in South Africa... You kind of have to out your chips on green.
I don’t really wanna say this but I reckon France will get it this time. I think it’ll be:
France
Ireland
England
Scotland
Wales
Italy
But hope wales are better this year that was embarrassing
Fair play Tim 👍
There's been a lot of negative reaction to the lack of fresh faces in the squad. Good to have some objectivity from the outside
The predictable green machine
Our best open side for a generation had to retire so VDF would have made a great backup
This is an Anti-World Cup squad. We are year two of this World Cup cycle. Healy, Murray, Henderson and O'Mahony should not be playing as they will all not be at the next World Cup. This is a British & Irish Lions years? Honestly mate don't care. The world cup is far more important that a 6 Nations or a piss up in Oz this summer. Sorry to be dismissive but time to start taking World Cups seriously especially if you listen to Andy Farrell's lamentations before the Autumn series that our player pool depth isn't that strong.....
Agreed!! We should be building a squad for the world cup! Healy has been well past it for a while now!! He showed he's not able to last more than 20 minutes at the weekend against La Rochelle! He's wayyy past it now! Michael Milne and Jack Boyle are the future now
Agree
Farrell can't bemoan a lack of depth and then pick a bunch of mid-thirties players like:
POM over Timoney/Hodnett
Henderson over Aherne
Murray over Murphy*/Gunne (I know Murphy is listed as a dev player, but he won't get near a match day 23 ahead of Murray I reckon)
Herring over Lee Barron/Stewart
If we're not going to ease older players out this year then when are we going to do it?
There's more to Rugby than 7 weeks every four years. Andy Farrell built up towards the last World Cup fairly well, if it wasn't for Jordie Barretts leg holding the ball up then you probably wouldn't be commenting this right now. I can't think of any other sport where fans want their team to play weaker players and intentionally lose a major tournament.
We’re never going to win the World Cup.
6 nations is our only hope of silverware
We should play to win while keeping an eye on youth coming through.
Plus, there’s plenty more games to blood some youngsters.
@liamwilliams6651 this is why the north will not win a world cup any time soon
Short term gratification over the long term goal. You would rather pick old players who won't be good enough in 2 years to win the biggest comp in the game and win right now than sacrifice a game or two here and there to blood the youngsters and prepare them for when the big moment comes in 2 years time. The world cup is the biggest and most important competition in the sport end of discussion. No matter how much you cope and seethe about it not mattering that much at the end of the day it does in fact matter
Just an aside Tim.... Caolin is pronounced "Kay-linn" (same Caelan too), not "Cow-linn". ;)
France are favorites no doubt, still hopeful for Ireland but things are not on fire right now
You cant ignore the persistent Irish lineout problems of the last 18 months , they arent going tio magically disappear overnight, our scrum isnt top tier either , plus our attack has looked decidedly one dimensional, so that is a concern. I agree with others who are critical of the retaining of players like Healy at this stage. I do think France are favourites for this 6 nations, primarily because they are better in attack, they have more flair players than Ireland and they have Antoine Dupont. Ireland need more pace out wide, we are too pedestrian at the moment.
Do you think Gibson Park will still be the main 9 for Ireland in 2027 ? Or will Casey come through ?
JGP will be like 34 won't he?
Thomas no one can predict what’s going to happen in 2027 there could be bad injuries. Someone could not even make it to 2027 and retire before that for other reasons no one knows.
Ben Murphy will have taken over the number 9 position at that point I think.
Anything is possible in rugby 😅
Ireland needs to eliminate their mistakes there has been many last few games
I think Ireland view Cian Prendergast as an 8
I’d argue a 7, he’s definitely mobile enough for it
@ I think he’s too big though, there are better candidates for the 7 shirt.
Yup he's been utilised as 7/8
@@cathalsheehan9596 there are bigger 7's in France, SA and Australia.
@@SMacCuUladh France and SA play their blindside flanker in the 7 jersey and McReight is only 6ft...
Sheehan not match fit. Prendergast to start at 10
While we have fantastic players, without a functioning line out and all the handling errors that have been so common in the last games (and with Leinster) I can't see us taking it this year. I think France first, and possibly England second (if you manage to not shoot yourself in the foot half way through the game ;))
It’s the strongest team but I really feel this is shortsighted by Irish rugby once again, we are so resistant to blood players in properly that we hold on to tried and tested methods. Last RWC our starting XV players had the most minutes in their legs then any other team who went through to the QF. Why, because we hadn’t experimented and gained enough trust in the replacements. Our summer tour is against Georgia, Romania and Portugal whilst they’ve come on a lot it’s not the level we need our young players blooded against if we want to beat someone in the QF. After that people will say we need to get experience between combos rather than experiment. There will be roughly 30 more tests before the next RWC, 5 tests against tier 1 opposition shouldn’t be squandered only on win now mentality (most likely another 5 tests for the 2027 six nations will be the best of the best and lacking any major experimentation) that’s nearly a 1/3 of our tests we aren’t bothering to experiment properly. Some players make sense due to injuries, Henderson and POM don’t and that’s not to diminish the incredible servants to the country they have been. I’d have preferred to come 3rd or 4th this 6 nations but experiment properly. I know what a 6 nations win and grand slam is like, I dream to know what it’s like to see my country in the SF. Can’t blame Easterby to much as this is his name in the shop window as well for future coaching opportunities.
Far too many players in this squad are tired, stale and past their prime. Add into the mix a week scrum, a lineout that's a shambles, a back line with no pace and a game plan that is no longer working you get a team who are past their peak. France, England and Scotland will beat them and I wouldn't be surprised if Italy did the same. That just leaves the Wales v Ireland match to decide the wooden spoon.
Nonsense mate.
Nonsense. They might not win it, but they will be 3rd at minimum.
We will see. The performances over the last 12 months have been steadily going downhill and the provinces are not exactly setting the world on fire either.
@@Hometruths29 even going downhill, they still beat the Boks in SA; something no other team did in 24.
The lineout is a massive concern, but we definitely beat at least one (most likely two) of France, England and Scotland.
Wales and Italy are not going to trouble this team
Average age of the 36 man squad is 28, if Healy, O'Mahony and Murray are replaced, it would be 27 average age, surprised that Healy and POM are still there, saw a video that Gavin Coombes stats are far above the likes of Conan and Prendergast. We are still a bit vulnerable in the props. England Scotland and France could go either way, impossible to predict a winner.
1 porter
2 kelleher
3 furlong
4 mccarthy
5 Ryan
6 Bierne
7 vdf
8 Doris
9 jgp
10 Pendergast
11 osbourne
12 Aki
13 henshaw
14 Hansen
15 Keenan
16 mcarty
17 Healy
18 beahlam
19 Baird
20 Conan
21 Murray
22 Crowley
23 ringrose
My prediction
France 1 scotland 2 for me. Scotland due a win against Ireland and England always good for an ambush when they get us up first. I fancy our lads Ireland to finish 3rd.
Predictions:
France
Scotland
Ireland
England
Italy
Wales.
Predicted team is good although Sam Prendergast will start against England at 10, that's why he was thrown into the lion's den last week against La Rochelle instead of a more experienced Ross Byrne. They are building him up for this big six nations game and the game against France. Crowley hasn't impressed in the autumn or at club level while Sam Prendergast has on both fronts, and also hasn't massive international experience as he's only been a regular for about 12 months so still hasn't fully established himself as a senior player
Who's colen isn't that something do with yo ar$3
No one similar to Van Der vlier - will be a big gap if he’s injured
They can bring in will connors who will tackle all day long
Team Of Us indeed.
FIVE from Munster is an abomination!! What do Tom Ahearn, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes have to do to get into a squad!!??
Tom Farrell too has had a magnificent season.
I'm irish and the leinsterfication of the National team is really putting me off.
I think on form, Sam Predergast will get nod at 10 - otherwise match day 22 will be very close to your selection - perhaps Baird for an old head such as POM or even Henderson, I personally hope not as Baird seems good impact player from the bench but being first match, these players may be important as much for their leadership as for their ability. I hope to see Murphy at scrum half and Boyle being blooded in this 6N as with more of Clarkson and Gus McCarthy, but anyone can beat anyone in this competition on their day so we will have to see how that goes. But Ireland are no doubt in it. to win it and maybe the junior players will have to wait until later in the year
Nah, he won't.
James Ryan ahead of McCarthy on form. Beirne at 5, Baird at 6
Against the English pack we need bulk, Ryan and McCarthy in the engine room.
If you take out the old guard of o Mahony and Murray(who are their on past merit not current form) , munster have developed 2 players to feature in this squad of 36 Crowley and Nash ,(beirne is from leinster and made his name at scarlet's) that is simply not good enough, the province needs to take a long look at itself and start sorting the development of their young players, leinster has close to ten times the players munster has , embarrassing!! from a munster man
Yeah, Leinster so has 10 times a budget that Munster has
All four provinces are paid same amount by irfu, what makes extra available is number of central Contracts
@ yeah and there should be loads in other provinces on Central contracts that are not an even Lancaster fans sorry even smart than fans are able to admit us
@@28copland development is heavily influenced by the quality of rugby played in schools which is not, fundamentally, in the Munster branches control. That's also were investment is vastly greater in Leinster. Not all investment in rugby is IRFU money
1st - France
2nd - Scotland
3rd - England
4th - Ireland
5th - Italy
6th - Wales
There won't be a grand slam this year. I wouldn't bet against Scotland. If irl end fra all take points of each other Scotland could squeeze it.
Scots can't beat Italy kid Scotland and six nations is a no kid. 😂😂😂😂😂