FAREWELL FOR LEGENDS? | IRELAND vs AUSTRALIA | SELECTION REACTION

[@Mzansi74]

Eggchasers and Two Cents, you guys are the best! All the best for 2025! Love from South Africa!

[@HarryNye]

I speak for everyone when I say that the biggest thing I'm going to miss about these Autumn Internationals is not necessarily the rugby but Tim's videos!

[@jaygeeist]

Hopefully that won't be the case. I'm sure he'll be covering all the URC and Premiership and Champions and Challengers Cup competitions.

[@prudenceforbes]

Thanks so much for your intelligent and entertaining chats. I saw you at Loftus. Hope to see you again in 2025. Keep up the great work.

[@HarryNye]

@@jaygeeist Hope so 🙏🏻 Of course, Tim has his UK-FR channel too though

[@TheKgv1]

You nailed it Harry, great comment, Tim is the "bees knees" of Rugby commentators, you can feel his enthusiasm for the game every time round....

[@considerthis7712]

You must have missed asking me first. You asked 8 billion people?

[@PadraigMccarthy-k2k]

Tim, Hope you really enjoy Dublin and keep up the great work, love what you do ,as a rugby and Irish fan

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

One of the indelible memories I have of Cian Healy is a moment in a game vs New Zealand where he was carrying the ball and literally ran over Richie McCaw.

[@jasonwall5012]

I absolutely love the gold crest, i think they should keep it. Also, when you buy that 150th year anniversary jersey, it comes in a box. inside the box, it has all the names of all the previous Ireland captains and current captain.

[@28copland]

Def pickup, savage jersey

[@kidMclean]

I have nothing against either team but I would love to see Australia have a brilliant game. Those Ireland jersey's do look epic, alot better than the English ones. Not sure who signed off on those.

[@seanquigley8041]

🍀

[@aughalough1]

@@seanquigley8041☘️

[@padawan9127]

Ya I would too, if we/Ireland play to our potential also! Could be a great game

[@Anxiety101Awareness]

As a frustrated Welsh man that kit is a thing of pure beauty ! 🔥🔥also nice that Cian Healys Test Debut was against Australia!

[@robertfridjhon550]

As a neutral Saffa, I'm excited to see this! I think Ireland to win by a penalty! Really want to see the Aussies give it a go! As always, love your videos!!!

[@Hushimajosh]

Love the videos mate, hope you have a great time in Dublin ❤

[@TheKgv1]

Nice one Tim, amazing insights/scenario regrading Church's "possible last outing" in green, you've got me thinking about that one now...exit on 150 year last home game, sensational stuff

[@tjobrien8436]

That irish jersey is amazing

[@cathalsheehan9596]

Ireland Australia is always an intriguing fixture as it seems no matter how well Ireland are playing or how poorly Australia are playing it always seems to be a one score game, in fact all 5 of Ireland’s last 5 wins v Australia were by 7 points or less. I suspect this will be tight but overall Ireland should have enough.

[@MichaelCooney-zh8je]

Osborne will be our future center, also Cathal Forde should break through soon, think he's quality

[@EggchasersRugby]

Quite right on Osborne. Will look at Forde in a new light

[@MichaelCooney-zh8je]

@EggchasersRugby He's raw enough but only 23, can also play Fly Half. Could definitely see him in the squad for the 6N. Jude Postlethwaite of Ulster is another promising center.

[@ronanfurlong2708]

@@EggchasersRugby Forde is the real deal Tim .... and I'm saying that as a Leinster supporter not a Connacht one! He's very unlucky not to have been included in an Ireland squad yet. Osborne, Forde, Gavin and Postlethwaite are the future at centre in the medium to long term

[@tjobrien8436]

Have a lookmat hugh gavin and jude postlethwaite aswell. Phenomenal talents ​@@EggchasersRugby

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@ronanfurlong2708 Sounds exciting to have these young players coming through.

[@gavindoyle692]

Suitably jealous that you’ll be in Dublin, Tim. Enjoying a few pints of Guinness no doubt. I hope myself to make the game against the All Blacks in Chicago next November.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Planning on going to that one too Gavin! See you there

[@ronanodowd8326]

@@EggchasersRugby Are you arranging to meet up with people in Dublin Tim?. You should do an informal roadshow.

[@MichaelCooney-zh8je]

I do think it's time for Pom and Healy to go, we have to look to the future. Two Legends though

[@PFarrell]

Your rugby knowledge and level of detail is insane. I don't think anyone else was thinking this at all ( I mean its not like it was mentioned in the video ) any chance you can do all the Irish fans a favour and contact the IRFU to see if you can get on the coaching team ?.

[@wikuscarstens5264]

First! Looking forward to this I must say ! Edit : From a Saffa I hope we get a great showpiece. Both teams to prove themselves and some points to make. As with probably most comments a good Aussie performance would be great foor the B&I Lions l!

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

How does Ireland have to prove themselves exactly? I mean granted their autumn series hasn’t exactly been their most fantastic rugby but it not as if they are a horrific team. Be interesting to see how the game goes

[@axxey]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k Played pretty horrific against NZ. NZ played badly against them and beat them at home in front of their fans.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@ ireland beat South Africa in front of their fans at home for South Africa couldn’t even score one try as current world champions what logic are you trying to get out here? Ireland losing to New Zealand is not unheard of in fact it was very normal for more than 100 years. Ireland hammered France in front of their France in the six Nations.. your logic is flawed

[@wikuscarstens5264]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k Some matches had close results and some results could be of interresting reading. Ireland lost against NZ, NZ won ENG narrowly and ENG lost against AUS narrowly. Out of all those teams only IRE has an "experienced" couch. The rest are all new to their roles and therefore perhaps IRE need a convincing result. Dont get me wrong I am not saying the odds are against IRE, but with all the surprising results that all the teams had I am sure it would make for an exciting game.

[@geotruthnz7013]

Surely Tom Wright makes the joint team, no outside back out there has made the impacts he has this year

[@ronanodowd8326]

Hi Tim, Are you meeting up with people/subscribers when you're in Dublin? Informal roadshows (leading to more organised ones) would be a great way to grow the channel. Love the vids. Looking forward to wearing my anniversary jersey to the (hopefully quality) game. C'mon Ireland.

[@padraigosullivan3975]

Enjoy Dublin, Tim. Just a tad very jealous that i cannot make the trip from Sydney. love your videos.

[@gavindoyle692]

That new commemorative jersey is out tomorrow. It’ll make a nice Christmas present!

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Thanks so much!! I’ll let you know where my Chimney is 🤣☘💚

[@IrelandisrugbyGOAT]

@@lizzyhanahoe4197 me too!

[@seanhorgan5380]

134 caps is some going for a prop. Fantastic career Cian Healy has had. Can be so proud of his career with Leinster and Ireland.

[@MattRose-f2n]

Really happy to see the young guns are getting their chance again, I still wish there was a young back-three option at 23 though! Sexton was Ireland's "single point of failure", so I'm delighted to see two top 10's in the squad fighting it out - happy Prendergast is starting, trial by fire! Crowley is still my 1st choice for now, however... ALSO, Yes, I wish that was the main jersey, its beautiful!

[@KieranBacon-m8i]

Now it's Andrew Porter...

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@KieranBacon-m8i good point! Where are the loose head props??

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Thanks for this Tim. Love that vest! I have thought the Irish have been quiet at the Aviva these last few weeks, not sure what that is about? Just want to say,: Come on, if you are lucky enough to be there, raise yours voices, and sing Fields of Athenry, full volume please. Erin Go Bragh ☘🇮🇪☘

[@kerrylass2]

Woo Hoo just picked up a resale ticket so see ya there Tim! Very excited at prendergast starting again and being there to applaud Healy. Doubt it will be The War Gods last game as I think he will finish on a six nations game somehow. We will see.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

You’re sooooo lucky!! Cheer the lads on for me, I’ll be raising the roof at home! ☘🇮🇪💚

[@kerrylass2]

@@lizzyhanahoe4197 Yes pure luck I went on ticketmaster and it popped up. Look out for me on da tellyI 'll be the one shoutin and roarin' waving da green flag. Easy to spot.

[@Coreylahey1000]

Welcome back Tim! Enjoy the game

[@C00sanb0y]

See you in Dublin Tim , love the show ,

[@BarryHawk]

Great stuff Tim, enjoy Dublin.

[@geoffnelson6756]

Bit of needle with this one, excellent promo by Tim, Cian Healy says he finds the outside 'noise' affects his performance, but he deserves this level of send off, hats off to Andy Farrell and the team in making this happen, POM is likely going to announce his retirement, many fans feeling that younger players need a shot, but it is a message that respect is earned and rewarded. Also lets hope we get a convincing win regardless of all the fanfare and emotion.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Do you think POM would announce the same as cian?

[@geoffnelson6756]

@SmcdMcd-d2k He won't say anything prior to the game, but it sure looks like a send off for POM also.

[@darrenbyrne5465]

I really believe Cian Healy will retire after getting the caps record. If he I hope they force him to take the last kick at goal if they're able to.

[@DAGATHire]

maybe.. but makes little sense, he still does a good job for us off the bench, he could play the 6 nations and finish at the end of the season rather than calling it after only a few months into the beginning of the season. I suppose he could call time on international games and finish out the leinster season.

[@tvpc3194]

hugh gavin from connacht is the next centre. hes like sbw and bod put together

[@pauloboyle657]

He will be a nailed on starter within the next couple of years!

[@caseyd4]

Plenty of centres coming through, no issues there outside of Osbourne, frawley.and obrien . Big u20 continhgent Cooney (Leinster), posteleaith(Ulster) and H Gavin (Connacht). Later will show up first imho

[@Badlighter]

Hope you enjoy the test match Tim.

[@wesrobmat]

That Irish jersey looks 😍I love Oldschool shop in SA selling vintage styled Bok kit.

[@davidprentice8108]

Enjoy the match Tim. Man I would love to be there but living in Maritzburg, SA, airticket and 22:1 exchange rate doesn't help 😢. Looking fwd to this game... I'm neutral but an Aussie win, as you say will have everyone licking their lips for the Lions tour next year. With all this rugby we've had every weekend I'm going to be at a loss about what to do. Guess I'll have to turn my focus to SA v Sri Lanka and Pakistan tours. Real test cricket. Don't get much of it in SA I'm afraid. All the best Tim and thanks for your insights and fantastic unbiased commentary. 🍻🍻

[@fionnmcguinness3268]

4:03 - “how many time have we said that already?” There is no ‘we’ Tim, it’s purely you saying it’s their last game. Everyone who knows and supports Irish rugby wants the to continue at least until the end of this season, especially giving the lads experience whilst the huge irish names are away on the Lions tour, these lads will become crucial giving the younger lads experience and some comfort to fans

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Re your tribute to Peter O'Mahony - as a Leinster fan who has long admired POM. He brings a level of competitiveness/combativeness EVERY TEAM needs to make it great. It's been real.

[@hankscorpion9939]

I wonder how much Farrell is looking to the Lions tour in picking Prendergast now. If he can play well against them today, and gets game time in the 6N, then maybe he gets into the Lions squad. Presumably Finn Russell or Crowley will be the starting outhalf. Not sure if he would go for Marcus Smith to start anyway. Gibson Park almost certain to be the Lions scrumhalf. Prendergast could get a few opportunities to play with him at Leinster, so that could be a combination Farrell wants to give time to develop.

[@caintindal1671]

Last week the team Schmidt forgot about the balance of the side and only had one good jumper in the side. So this is a good forward pack as long as Slipper does well good to see the balance back.

[@mrwelshmun]

I've got Ireland by 17. And the Aki v Suaalii battle is one for the ages

[@Cgoggin100]

I see promise in Charlie Tector at centre in the future

[@malibongwemalinga8871]

That Irish kit 🔥

[@benvandermerwe4934]

One last show and then the long empty southern summer until URC next year. Maybe post some historical games through the ages reviews to feed the hungry fans? 👏🏻⚡🏉🥃🇿🇦

[@PB22559]

Im assuming Osborne is injured but Keenan needs to put in a performance. He headed off to play 7s and Osborne played excellent down in SA. Keenan walked back into the 15 jersey but has looked average. His defence is always solid but he's not enough of a counter attacking threat. You need more to your game at FB than being solid.

[@Camcolito]

Agreed.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Keenan has been one of my favourites for a while but I have to agree with you. I don’t think going to the Olympics did him any favours, he may have lost a bit of confidence coming back in after Jamie Osborne’s excellent performance in SA.

[@PB22559]

@@lizzyhanahoe4197 Keenan has been one of my favourite players too. He was excellent down in NZ and showed some attacking flair but we haven't seen much of it since then. Osborne was really impressive (for the most part) in his first 2 games against the best in the world on their home patch, no less. I remember saffer pundits after the 2nd game saying they'd never seen a FB so good under the high ball. That's a huge compliment, especially coming from them. If he wasn't playing that day, Ireland wouldn't have been in that game to win it towards the end. What impressed me most about Osborne were his attacking lines. He was a constant threat to the SA gainline when he took them on and he's very physical. That left boot of his is a proper weapon too.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@PB22559 So right. I was really nervous going to SA without Keenan, I didn’t know much about Osborne then other than he could cover a few positions. I have to say he really stood his ground, excellent under the high ball, looks so strong ball in hand, and the left boot?! How lucky are we? All the best for Saturday ☘🇮🇪

[@samuelkingston2518]

Tim do you think rugby union can return to prominence in Australia? Be interested to hear your thoughts as growing up they had some of my favourite players like hooper, Pocock amongst others and it is sad how far the game has fallen. Great content as always really looking forward to the six nations next years championship should be an absolute belter.

[@GnJs6PackTraining]

Not with the current management and short sightedness…needs a clean out!

[@axxey]

Rugby has also been sanitized and ruined by officials in the last few years, Australians have the strong confrontations of League and agility of Aussie rules as options to watch/follow instead. That said international winning brings it's own appeal and Rugby Union is much more globally competative where the other options are more domestic focused.

[@seanquigley8041]

Should be a incredible game can't wait 🍀🍀

[@colingibson5966]

Ireland fan, but think you're being a bit harsh on the Ozzie backline there, some very exciting players, getting better as they get used to playing with each other. For us, Irelands front 5 need to win that battle or it'll be closer than 12-16points being predicted by bookies.

[@anthonyafonso3599]

Nothing beats a 7 French coach. What a Legend.... 25% legend that ran away from 14. Dupont is n Dooooos

[@henryherbert]

I feel like Australia just need a truly world class ten and a bit more depth in the front row and they will be real contenders for 2027

[@EggchasersRugby]

Lots of quality rugby players. Yep, a bit of the 'glue' that pulls it all together.

[@GnJs6PackTraining]

The current 10’s with a few more games,might get there…give them another year under Joe to see how they go! Aussie rugby need to sign Joe till the World Cup! That should be goal number 1!

[@brianodriscoll2725]

Might be a bit controversial but this sort of suns yo why we don’t peak at world cups. POM had a big victory lap retirement last year and then came back despite him being like 36 and Ireland having a lot of talented young back rows. We always leave it way too late in the World Cup cycle to blood young players. Like Healy he was a fantastic player back in the day but both should have made way for younger lads after the last World Cup .

[@Camcolito]

Agree 100%. The only thing I'm hoping is that this game is it for "sendoffs" and we won't see any of those guys from 6 Nations on. If they are still there I will be seriously worried. Farrell saying there is nobody else to pick was baffling to me.

[@ColinGrealy]

@@brianodriscoll2725 the RWC is 3 years away. Farrell has started to bring in new players, but having mature heads around them is a good thing. If Church and POM are still around next year, I’ll start to worry.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Hé Didnt have a lap 😂 he hadn’t even announced retirement

[@brianodriscoll2725]

@@ColinGrealyyes but you can’t blood new lads in the six nations so we only have another 2 November series to do that which is the issue now . Summer tours are massively cut back on and the lions is on this summer so Farrell will be away and not there developing the young lads .

[@ColinGrealy]

@ why not blood new guys in the 6N? We play Italy and Wales. No offence to those teams, but we should be able to try some new guys against them.

[@marymcgarry7985]

I wonder if he’s playing Prendergast with a thought of selection for the Lions?

[@fabianelliott96]

How did you not mention the fact that it's joe Schmidt's first time back in Ireland after coaching them and taking up to one of the best in world?

[@JTM1809]

No way Hugo Keenan has been a better 15 than Tom Wright this year. Keenan on reputation, but Wright has been the best 15 in the world this year, together with Juan Cruz Mallia.

[@jeanm27]

Let's see what magic Harry Potter will bring to the team

[@EggchasersRugby]

Ha

[@seany3d]

enjoy the pints in Dublin

[@ruairiosullivan3763]

Enjoy the match Tim hoping we beat the Wallabies

[@bullish7352]

What Farrell and parts of the Irish media are doing to Crowley is criminal. He was 1 point away from winning a grandslam on his first international season, he's the only 10 to beat the Bocks this year, played well against NZ and Argentina (I may be wrong, but I think Ireland were ahead on both matches when he was replaced) and is now being put aside for a lad who's done nothing in his career, should have got a red against Fiji, played a 6/10 match if you look at it objectively. Just not on from Farrell

[@burncarlow]

What did Farrell say about Crowley?

[@eoinh3816]

lol Frawley won that game against the Boks not Crowley, absolutely laughable to credit Crowley for that when Ireland were losing when he was taken off

[@hoggiegaming1749]

@@eoinh3816yeah let’s just forget about the 100% conversion rate from the second test. He didn’t play great but put the team in a position to win the game

[@spateeight]

I’m losing interest in the Irish team through all of this. Think the focus on Leinster will kill interest in the Irish team around the country and the game will suffer here. Rugby will never compete with GAA in Munster at this rate. Hope Australia win.

[@eoinh3816]

@@hoggiegaming1749 Irelands pack put them in a position to win that game, not Crowley

[@Nic0909]

Keenan has done anything this year

[@Toefingas]

Go the wobblies🐨

[@aaronforde9608]

Mack Hansen came out of an Irish woman, how much more Irish can you get?

[@EggchasersRugby]

It was a joke. He is simultaneously a perfectly legitimate Irish rugby player AND the most Aussie man in the history of the world :)

[@PB22559]

Both parents being Irish and him being brought up in Ireland would make him 'more Irish'.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@@PB22559 yeah I see that’s not actually how ethnicity or DNA works if you are the product of someone who is Irish or French or German or whatever being born somewhere is just a logistic however your nationality can lead into your cultural differences.

[@PB22559]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k My statement is factually true. Now, get over yourself.

[@robertstrachan3482]

He’s a product of Australian rugby, even playing for Oz A. He’s much more not Irish than Irish.

[@declanosullivan2554]

Good team / squad

[@CarolynCooper-j5w]

Skelton's not injured. Test match outside the window and O' Gara at La Rochelle doing his Irish mates a favour by not granting dispensation to Skelton for 1 more test.

[@andrewgrant5435]

How do you get your tickets Tim?

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Let's goooooo Straya!!

[@vp0029]

Best wallabies bench of the year. Edmed in. Donaldson back to Shute Shield 2nd grade.

[@bongwonsa]

Suaali will be the Ronaldo of rugby, and is in a class of his own, best player on the pitch by a mile

[@ciarancosgrave]

I'm betting Healy will be involved in the 6 nations.

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

Yeah in 2027 😂

[@SMacCuUladh]

I think we'll need him if hes fit enough.

[@aonghus3860]

I would bet on that too, same for O'Mahony

[@knoll9812]

Will be on bench

[@Camcolito]

@@aonghus3860 Ah Jaysus I can reluctantly see a rationale for Healy because we are f-ed for looseheads but POM is simply a waste of space.

[@BrianBoru5523]

James Ryan is on record as saying Sexton is Irelands number 1 player.

[@GnJs6PackTraining]

Pfff, BOD all day everyday for best ever Irish player. James Ryan is quality though.

[@BrianBoru5523]

@@GnJs6PackTraining I'm a fan who never played the game, it did strike me as odd when Ryan stated it ,but I also know he'd know far more about the game than me so I took note of it.

[@GnJs6PackTraining]

@@BrianBoru5523 sexton for most influential and winningiest? But BOD highlights are just incredible, I’m not sure many players can do what he could do on a rugby field.

[@Camcolito]

So? Everyone is entitled to their opinion even if it's clearly wrong.

[@kieranoconnor4334]

Prendergast will be exposed as being too complicated and indecisive too close to the line. Expect to see a few intercepts and Prendergast steamrolled a good few times in the 1st half and Crowley coming on early in the 2nd.

[@joebateson1081]

124k Irish fans waiting to wish you cead millé fáilte Tim

[@ChrisBornman-tb4fe]

Will it not be nice if the B&I Lions stop in SA for 2 tests on their way back from down under

[@D4N1CU5]

Would love for Noah to pull 13 drop goals out of his arse and sink the Irish in the 89th minute but I think the Irish are going to be pretty comfortable winners here. The current wobs game plan requires front foot ball and pace and the Irish have selected some high work rate big bodies in the pack specifically to shut down the running games of Valetini and co. Expecting a mess at the breakdown and some crucial choke tackles to kill off the wobs attack entirely. Fascinating game either way.

[@johncreedon7847]

Really thought Crowley would start. Prender was good against fiji , but it was fiji. I guess Farrell wants to see what he is really made of. Still think Crowley is the man going forward

[@stevebinning977]

Ireland should win. The gulf between number 2 and number 8 should be too great.

[@Richie-j5p]

Thankfully Connacht are playing when Leinster are playing Australia

[@GnJs6PackTraining]

😂you’re a rugby player, harry. I don’t get tired of this joke 8:43

[@Stephno86]

Its funny isnt it?...people give out and cry that Andy isnt blooding new players..now that he is loads of them are losing there minds...funny really, Crowley is still on the bench waiting for an chance...the competition will do them all good.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

I know 😂 it’s infuriating to watch

[@stiofain88]

It's because Prendergast has done nothing to be given this opportunity.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@ oh my God how else is he supposed to start gaining experience? If he’s on the bench all the time and opportunity in an autumn series? Seems like the most practical way to do it oh my God everyone’s logic is completely failing them or sorry lack of logic should I say

[@Stephno86]

@@stiofain88 what??? he`s being giving time to gain experence, what kind of a silly comment is that honestly, the kid is getting a chance to prove himself for his country, we had an issue at 10 since Johny retired and now we have 3 great 10s to pick from..did you think the 10 shirt was Crowleys or something?? what did he do to first get a shot at 10?..played well for his provence the same as Sam...get a grip and take of the red tinted glasses.

[@stiofain88]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k He's supposed to get experience by playing in the URC like everyone else did. Frawley made wait until 27 before given a shot in Leinster. Pulled Ireland's ass out of the fire in South Africa and already forgotten about. Crowley not had a bad game in any match apart from NZ where the whole team except Gibson Park was mediocre and benched for his efforts. But yeah, let's just give the 10 to an unproven kid because the D4's think he's the next Johnny Sexton and their opinion is all that matters apparently.

[@conorgoogle]

Have fun in Dublin, maybe you'll bump into your friend president Higgins 🙂

[@mindspace3863]

Does Prendergast even maw?

[@jacodupreez3221]

Damn cool Irish jerseys❤

[@Mojo16011973]

The last time Joe coached Ireland (let's not talk about which game that was) ,there was only 9 of this weekend's selected 23. 15. Rob Kearney 14. Keith Earls 13. Garry Ringrose X 12. Robbie Henshaw X 11. Jacob Stockdale 10. Jonathan Sexton 9. Conor Murray 1. Cian Healy X 2. Rory Best 3. Tadhg Furlong 4. Iain Henderson X 5. James Ryan X 6. Peter O’Mahony X 7. Josh van der Flier X 8. CJ Stander Replacements: 16. Niall Scannell 17. Dave Kilcoyne 18. Andrew Porter X 19. Tadhg Beirne X 20. Rhys Ruddock 21. Luke McGrath 22. Joey Carbery 23. Jordan Larmour

[@RichardKingston-u5g]

The decision to select Sam Prendergast over Jack Crowley will probably go down as one of Andy Farrell's most controversial selections ever, Not withstanding the talent that Sam Prendergast might have this decision is both sickening and insulting to the very effective Jack Crowley. Think of it from Jack's perspective. He has played consistently well since winning his first cap and has proved himself as a very capable out- half on the International stage. Sam has played very little for both Leinster and Ireland and has plenty of time in his favor to gain experience. This decision could have the effect of destroying Jack's confidence and especially as this is the last game in the Autumn series.

[@readesiun988]

Do you think Farrell is being vindictive or perhaps more likely he see something that maybe you are not seeing, Crowley is still playing as is Ringrose, should Ringrose lose his confidence because he is on the bench. The bench is as important these days, Crowley and Casey know each other very well, so make a great combo and a strong finish, Tempo kept high for 80 minutes. We need more than 1 10, better that they give Prendergast time before the Six Nations.

[@ItsBellers]

If we get to the 6 nations and jack got injured we’d all be whinging about how Sam needed development for the matches that matter. It’s a friendly game it doesn’t really matter. You or any other fan hasn’t a clue why he’s done it or what sort of effect it will have on anyone

[@ML-cj8gd]

Firstly, I think Crowley is a very good out half but your comment is ridiculous!!! Crowley is a professional rugby player not a 7 year old school boy. If he is that fragile he shouldn’t be playing professionally and certainly not for Ireland. I for one don’t believe he is and I expect him to rise to the challenge . Farrell is the manager he is not from Leinster or Munster so he has no bias he only picks what he believes is the best option for Ireland. Unless you have insight into Farrell, his tactical plans and how the players perform then just allow the manager to do his job. Perhaps he is picking Prendergast to try a different approach or because he sees something different about him which is suitable against certain opponents Or it could be he simply wants to keep Crowley on his toes !!! Regardless leave your bias to one side stop moaning and get behind the team!

[@brianodriscoll2725]

We need to try out our players in the autumn, can’t do that in the six nations or world cups. Look what happened at the World Cup. Sexton was gassed after 40 mins and we had no one on the bench who’d played more than 2/3 tests to cover 10

[@knoll9812]

I think Ireland wants both players to have experience when 2026 comes round.

[@seamus9750]

After Saturday you'll need to give us the absolute best game you attended in 2024. Ireland by 12.

[@Nic0909]

Look out for Edmed he's a game breaker

[@drh02]

I think people are underestimating the Aussies. I'm backing them for the upset.

[@mbvbac]

I suspect Tim will have a few pints given to him.

[@RossoVerdeNero]

It's all about opinion, but Iin my view, BO'D was not the greatest Irish player. For that, those of a certain age, including myself, often go for the peerless Mike Gison. On the Lions tour to South Africa when the team included Gareth Edwards, Barry John, JPR Williams and Gerald Davies, the South Africans rated Gibson is the best of the lot. ' Nuff said.

[@BlackAndWillow]

BOD himself says that Mike Gibson was his favourite player in an Irish jersey. He wasn't wrong 😊

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Best player is subjective. He is to many he isn’t to many

[@brianodriscoll2725]

I think it was Keith wood . He was a genuinely world class player and had the skills of a back to match as well as amazing pace. He was unfortunately in the worst ever generation of Irish teams so we never got to see his full potential despite him being world player of the year .

[@paddyharte1888]

If your going by Lions then Willie John's our greatest ever player impossible to compare different eras but I've seen nothing better than BOD in green

[@leroybrown8926]

I don’t think this will be a tight match on the scoreboard. Australia has the ability in the backline to light up the scoreboard but Ireland has the ability to bring out a win that can blow out in the last 10-15mins. 10 points difference at full time. Who will have that W will depend if the wallabies turn up and take the game by the neck or will Ireland grind out an immaculate gameplan with precise technique? Could go either way but I’d have my money on Ireland. Consistency that the wallabies don’t have. Watch out if Australia is in form

[@sharronwood4486]

Is Ringrose injured?

[@sharronwood4486]

Forget that just put my glasses on 😂

[@aughalough1]

@@sharronwood4486, on the bench.

[@Natedawg38]

Too many commemorations this weekend. Ireland by a million.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

I wouldn’t be so sure

[@timmcgowan1]

Go Irish vicars

[@knoll9812]

Looks like Ireland are building a team for 2026. Taking a few risks now

[@PB22559]

2026? 😂😂That means they'll peak a year too early again though

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@PB22559 you’re “on the hook”, and being pulled in. 🤣🤣☘

[@PB22559]

@@lizzyhanahoe4197 Nah. It's not bait. He got the years wrong, otherwise he wouldn't have mentioned the risk taking.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@PB22559 hooked

[@andrewharris1837]

Should be a craacker😅 u lucky bugger for going.enjoy😅 8:18

[@footyfin]

Haha Mack Hansen did play for Australia under20s 😉 And Ireland prop Finlay Bealham played for Australia schoolboys BTW Hoping for a good contest ... Although i tip Ireland to win

[@vkeen_observer]

his first Lions test will be against Argentina

[@EggchasersRugby]

Ah yes. I guess that will be a "Test" after all, if not the main event.

[@vkeen_observer]

@@EggchasersRugby Hopefully an excellent match!

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

Brian O'Driscoll would have had a lot more caps if he hadn't been assaulted by those two New Zealanders!

[@michaelmullan1086]

Ireland by 10 points? Ireland fielding a full strength team against Australia who are good, but not as good as Ireland all things being equal at the moment. This will be a very interesting test match considering that Irish players will make up a significant amount of the lions squad later to tour Australia and Andy Farrell is the head coach of both. He is absolutely professional and those selected will only be selected on meritocracy only. What about Joe Schmidt, he use to be head coach of Ireland, what insights will he have? Australia is a great country to visit, that’s where I interest in rugby ignited. The outback is great, the people are hospitable and it’s vast!

[@PFarrell]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@Waywind420]

I actually think if both teams play to their peak ability it would actually be a 50/50 coin toss as to who wins. But as it stands the Irish are much more composed, experienced and consistent with better player combinations...so they probably win this game by 20

[@ColinGrealy]

No offence, but if Ireland play to their peak (the team that won a series in NZ, beat the Boks in SA), Australia get absolutely stomped. My worry is that Ireland are pretty far off their peak at the moment.

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

Ireland to win by one score with ian henderson to come off the bench either giving away a stupid penalty or a knock on

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

Love Jack . But Sam is the Man 🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@robinguitar]

I thought Suaalii had a broken wrist?

[@kerrylass2]

Nope false alarm apparently.