So with Andy Farrell naming his first Ireland team, We have to ask has he picked the right team to play Scotland on Saturday?
My honest answer is no he hasn’t considering 13 of the side that started against Scotland start in the World Cup start here. Rory Best is retired, Rob Herring replaces him here and Caelan Dorris comes in to replace Peter O’Mahony who is on the bench. Personally, would like to see some other players get their opportunity to start.
John Cooney must wonder what he has to do to get into the team. He has put in some exceptional performances for Ulster this season. He is very unlucky. In saying that some may argue their is not much changing that can be done to the team. Stuart McCloskey is also unlucky not to start as is Chris Farrell. Max Deegan is another player that probably on form should be in the squad and starting this game.
Leinster’s Ronan Kelleher is on the bench but he probably should be starting as well ahead of Rob Herring. However, Kelleher has been out with an injury so this is probably why. The Ireland team in full for the game can be got here.Â
Whatever we look at it though we need to give Andy Farrell time. He will have learned the trade from his time working with Joe Schmidt. He will know the players, he will know what will be required to beat Gregor Townsend’s side on Saturday.
Whether they will or not is another question but they should have to much firepower for a Scotland side that will be without Finn Russell. Lets hope Andy Farrell and his team can deliver a big 80 minutes at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
