Have Ireland Been Figured Out? | Rugby Pod

[@neilmontgomery3470]

I think the whole thing is being bigged up by the media. If Ireland attack has been figured out how come they have scored 15 tries in 4 games and could have scored more if their handling was a bit more on point? With the exception of the game against New Zealand they outscored the opposition by at least 3 to 1. At the same time, they have only conceded 4 tries. The closeness of some of the matches were more as a result of Irish indiscipline and uncharacteristic and unforced errors rather than anything the opposition brought. We are also bedding in a new attack coach and a new strength and conditioning coach too. Sexton had a huge influence on this team over the last 15 years so there was bound to be a dip after he left, the surprise is it didn't happen earlier. However, we now have three fantastic options at ten who all have different attributes which can add variety to our attack in the years ahead.

[@paolozmm]

Yep. our defence is ace so we need to get our handling in check and we're trucking again. Probably need a new attack coach.

[@CraigMinnie]

That figure is lopsided cause of figi .So you scored 7 tries in 3 games .2 against Argentina were when they had 14 men on the field..You scored not a single point against Argentina in the second half and no points in the last 35 minutes against nz. Against a improving 8th ranked Australia your backline could not score a single try with plenty of ball.If you think the media is taking nonsense , they definitely telling the truth.All will be exposed in the six nations when you take on France, England and Scotland.

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

​@@paolozmm And forwards coach. I love Paul O'Connell but he's not succeeding in coaching a successful lineout which was the best part of his game.

[@SchmozzleGTO]

Simon Easterby will have his work cut out this 2025 6N, it's going to be a very tough series with Andy Farrell off on Lions duty. Critics will likely jump all over every slip-up and make all kinds of proclamations, but in practice, we wont really know what Ireland will truly look like till Faz is back for the 2 year push towards the RWC... I obviously hope they go well but am bracing for a challenging 6N and having to overlook a whole bunch of unfair criticism and noise. Faz surely has plans up his sleeves, ones he wouldnt air during Autumn Ints. before going on sabbatical... Hopefully he hits ground running, after Simon, Paul O'C etc. have kept the team motoring and in a good place through 2025...

[@Don-wj6hs]

It’s a good point but buried in that is how many of those trys were against Fiji and from the set piece. We weren’t able to break teams down from out the field. I think it comes down to an aging and in some areas underpowered team. JBP was quiet and the 10s were up and down but that was mostly down to the pack

[@Camcolito]

If winning the 6 Nations again, a test in SA, and 3 of 4 in the autumn, without some of our best players, blooding a few new guys, is being figured out, I'll take it.

[@86sfar]

As an England fan, I'd be extremely happy with that mate! 😊. All the best

[@Camcolito]

@@86sfar Looking forward to the first 6 Nations game, should be a cracker!

[@liamwilliams6651]

Everyone seems to forget that Mike Catt left after the SA tour. At least Goode realises.

[@qcsorter4626]

Excellent comments by Stephen Ferris. A great player for Ireland in his heyday.

[@Colin_Power]

First of all Jim, never mind what you hear on off the ball 😂

[@dazza9859]

Off the ball should taken off air.Imagine trying charge people €95 to listen their podcasts during a cost of living crisis😅

[@johnnyj-t2e]

it's hamilton's only way to pretend he understands what he's talking about. he's clueless otherwise , hence his predictions for scotland to get to world cup semifinal last year ( couldn't get out of group stage , again ) and of course scotland to win grand slam in next six nations ( never finished above third in that comp. ).

[@johannblignaut1966]

Thanks for the fascinating podcasts.Rugby is to be savoured beyond which team you support.There is the brotherhood of rugby players and fans which knows no geographical boundaries.Then their is the absolute delight of watching any player or team doing heroic things.🇿🇦

[@Kubeka2]

Well said Johann.

[@kh7431]

While the debate around the fly half position is interesting and worth having, it doesn't strike me as being a big problem. Irelands problems are coming from the lineout and the breakdown. Their game is about momentum and opposition errors but it is they who are making all the errors and compounding them with further errors

[@darraghsheehan9467]

Biggest position, major problem with Crowley there. He's nowhere near the level needed it's that simple

[@kh7431]

@darraghsheehan9467 he was good enough to put Argentina away in the first half. That's what won the game. Every teams attack starts with the forwards to some degree but Irelands especially

[@darraghsheehan9467]

@kh7431 he's the man who's supposed to control the game. He might be able to do that one out of four or five games which isn't the standard required unfortunately. He's way way off. And as for our line out 🤦 sweet jesus

[@bobertryan]

@@darraghsheehan9467 For every second Crowley was on the pitch we outscored the opposition in all games he played in. Excluding the Fiji game, for every second Crowley was off the pitch we were outscored. Crowley is the most complete outhalf we have and he is world class. His defensive, attacking, kicking and mental game are all of an incredibly high standard. The major issues in the Irish team are lack of world class props, a second row combination that can't win lineout ball. JGP park has been average to poor in all the games. His passing is constantly forcing players to take the ball standing or check their runs. Real lack of pace in the backline.

[@darraghsheehan9467]

@bobertryan bob he's nowhere near good enough. If you think he is more fool you

[@aonghus3860]

You are right to bring up the departure of Mike Catt as a possible factor. I've also noticed that noone is really talking about the coaching changes at Leinster and the knock on effect that could be having on the national team. Under Lancaster there was a kind of perfect alignment between how Leinster and the national team were playing. Nienaber has brought in a very different philosophy and style of play at Leinster, and I feel that must be at least one of the reasons why the national team looks less sharp and cohesive now

[@leonpslabbert]

what?

[@aonghus3860]

@@leonpslabbert was it not clear?

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

S African here - Ireland such a great team. They have a generation of success ahead.

[@tomgreene1843]

Cannot agree with that ...don't we have the depth here.

[@barrypower6822]

@@tomgreene1843 there is alot of young players in the system but too many older lads in the squands holding them back

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@@tomgreene1843 oh my God is someone from Ireland where is the wrong colour socks you are annoyed. They tested a good for players over the series and yet you’re still all pissed off.

[@CraigMinnie]

You must be joking.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@ why are you so annoyed at the comment? It’s not like ireland have degenerates

[@cillianomorain3619]

Dropped balls in attack is to do with the tempo of play coming through 10, its very easy to see with more experience in the jersey that Prendergast will see that attack clicking. No crisis, just growning pains.

[@dpbyrne26]

This is my fav podcast...thanks guys for well balanced reviews of all the teams...

[@jasonlea]

Ireland have a huge depth shortage in the front row. Lack of quality props is a huge worry.

[@seanofarrell8896]

I agree. It feels like they forcus on backs, etc, then front row

[@Cpchurch87]

​@seanofarrell8896 big driver of that is all the school lads wanting to play back row. It's the "cool" position. My brothers senior cup team was overloaded with lads wanting to play 7. Even our front rowers are coming through as back row hybrids (sheehan, gus etc). We need to shift the focus back to celebrating rhe big lads and solid scrums. Removing scrummaging from age grade also hasn't helped

[@eoinmiller5620]

​@Cpchurch87 that's also got to do with the rules set of schoolboy level. Can't scrum properly for safety reasons so coaches would rather play athletic back rowers in the front for the skills they bring elsewhere.

[@paulcrosland6693]

Forwards win games

[@Stevenbfg]

Our depth at hooker is actually pretty solid. Sheehan, Herring, Kelleher, Stewart and now McCarthy. Prop on the other hand is a huge worry, especially loosehead.

[@markreid2235]

Leinster are the best team and we always have the most players but I do think that if you get within farting distance of the leinster squad you'll get an Ireland cap where the you have to play superb for years at the other provinces to even get in the squad. Calvin Nash had a good six nations and SA tour yet didn't get a minute all Autumn. Nick Timoney has been superb for years for Ulster yet never gets a chance. He has that edge that could replace POM. Sooner or later these players will get fed up holding tackle bags.

[@paulnash5500]

Who do you drop?

[@donalmoriarty]

​@@paulnash5500in what position?

[@AffectionateAstroStation-lx5is]

O,mahony is finished.

[@billymulcahy4323]

Well said Mark u20 world Cup Success in the last 6/8yrs none off these being blooded France had 3 u20 playing agains da Argies

[@aonghus3860]

This argument would hold more water if the player that replaced Calvin Nash was a Leinster player. Also there are plenty of high performing Leinster players (Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Will Connors to name a few) that don't seem to be close to an Ireland call up at the moment

[@sharronwood4486]

I love the fact we have 2 potentially great young 10’s, instead of all our eggs in Johnny’s basket, magnificent though he was ☘️

[@vernonmoodaley7858]

The Irish are unappreciative of their talent. Wants a fully fledged "Sexton" now. Patience is a virtue.

[@aughalough1]

@@sharronwood4486 , A team without Tadhg Furlong, Jack Conan , Ryan Baird. Dan Sheehan and Jimmy O’Brien goes on to win three try’s to one .

[@jackbeag]

Feel sorry for Frawley not getting a decent chance at either Leinster or Ireland. The guy is class as he proved in the white heat of the second test in S.A.

[@Hometruths29]

Needs to forget about Leinster and Ireland and put his own career first. He is 26 now and needs to move on.

[@ColinGrealy]

Yeah, but he also had a shocker against the ABs.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@jackbeag don’t think FRAWLEY has gone away.

[@jackbeag]

@@ColinGrealy it wasn’t a shocker, he fumbled a couple of balls but did some good things as well. He wasn’t responsible for 13 penalties, 30 missed tackles or a shambles of a line out. He deserved a start after his performance in S.A but Andy Farrell has taken a leaf out of Cullens book and cast him aside.

[@jackbeag]

@@Hometruths29 I’m inclined to agree. Karma if he does and beats Leinster in a knock out Champions Cup game with a MOTM performance 👊

[@Colin_Power]

One person who is not publicly being questioned yet is POC. As a limerick man its hard to say it but time is ticking for him now i feel

[@PB22559]

Yes. People just assume he's the man for the job because he was such a good LO operator back in the day.

[@bernieone1]

Does O'Connell send down the call as to what particular lineout he wants every time? Or is that the captains call or who?

[@tjobrien8436]

You're 💯 on that. Have been saying it for ages. Our lineout is shambolic. He has to go

[@Cpchurch87]

​@tjobrien8436 I love him, but as soon as the team said they had to make up lineout calls Vs Oz, his time was up. Irish legend, but if we want to reach the next level we need a world class forwards coach

[@tjobrien8436]

@Cpchurch87 exactly. Loved O Connell as a player, and he was a lineout maestro. But as a lineout coach, it ain't working. Need to get a top class coach in to sort it out. Also, how good has.young gus mccarthy been. Sensational. Fella just has it all

[@stevetynant6666]

Irelands line out is a mess and so many of their start plays come from it, sort that out and we’ll be making strides forward again.

[@webg03]

it's true, need to get it fixed

[@donalmoriarty]

Improved when Henderson and Beirne moved to 2nd row. Shame Henderson is a penalty machine outside of that. But Ryan and McCarthy have not worked well as a combination. Relying on RG at leinster at the moment.

[@Cpchurch87]

The use of Joe as a predominantly defensive player means we are missing a trick at lineout. Our defence looks very solid, but we need a solid jumper to launch our set plays

[@GoldenbanjoDJ]

@@donalmoriartythink McCarthy and Henderson would work? beirne to 6?

[@robertpirsig5011]

I'm not overly concerned, because this version of the Ireland is still in the configuration stage. We've blooded some new talent and they've all went pretty well. In years past we were too afraid to give younger lads a run and this was an ideal time to do it. And we still won 4 out of 5 (not pretty) and the NZ game was in the balance for most of it. This Ireland team are building nicely imo.

[@bartconnolly6104]

Yes. Instead of taking safe three pointers, they went to the side and tested out new players. But the messy lineouts lost them the momentum in doing that.

[@gsays-w4k]

As an All Blacks supporter, what I observe is; becoming number one is hard, staying number one is even harder.

[@shanemoloney2141]

The mike Catt attack took nearly two seasons to click. We have a new coach there, its going to take time to click. Ireland were is going side to side with pendergast, i think he is incredibly talented. However physically he needs to bulk up.....if yor not hitting defensive lines your only giving the defense one less man to defend against. Personally in a world cup 23, If all fit jack would be guaranteed in the 23. Jack and frawley play multiple positions. Arguably jack is a better centre flyhalf and fullback option over frawley. Either way i want two fly halves and two scrum halves that play very different games. It makes a handy plan b. Replacing your out halves with lesser versions of the starting pair weakens your team and allow defenses to get on top.

[@barrypower6822]

farrell attack not catts

[@steph333-w6u]

AB's attack in first season with all new coaching team.

[@Nicklogann]

Short answer - yes, we don't have sexton pulling the strings anymore. Long answer - yes, we don't have sexton pulling the strings anymore and a lack of bite at the line out, clumsy handling errors, mismatches everywhere in the mid field. Only seem to have 2 huge ball carriers in VDF and Dorris putting in the vast majority of work

[@Kenny-zn6dl]

Wouldn't read too much into Ireland's "slump" , don't think it's a big problem, Dan sheehan is coming back from injury as is furlong, kelleher is a liability in that irish team and that's primarily why the lineout is not functioning properly, alot of journalists and ex internationals from north and south are writing them off already, don't think Andy Farrell being absent will make any difference come six nations, Easterby is a very good coach and taking the reigns could be great for him and the team.

[@EamonnMaloney-k1l]

Great stuff lads, keep it up.

[@smoozerish]

Ireland keep getting figured out, but they keep winning. Even if it's ugly sometimes. Would have been better if we played all blacks' last game. They caught us cold.

[@spateeight]

Should have kept Crowley on. Ireland were winning when he walked off and then Ireland shit their pants.

[@ZiphoWophula-mb5wi]

You barely beat Australia, pipe down

[@joedennehy386]

That coldness enabled you to beat Australia, you'd played two less games. Otherwise you would have lost

[@CraigMinnie]

Absolute nonsense , if you play nz now you will lose again .Your team has not evolved they are a aging team that have been worked out defensively.

[@TheShepTV]

@@joedennehy386 Wow, blaming the weather - peak crybaby. Wonder if you'll be out blaming the heat for the Lions Tour next year, like a right fool.

[@BM-qn6fg]

As an Irish fan I’m hoping there’s a proper rebuild up to the next RWC. There’s a few key positions that need to be built out - 10, props, 9. We have good young 10s and some decent props coming through but it doesn’t look like 3 years will be enough before these guys are ready to take over to the point we’re properly contending for the WC. PS - Off the Ball are an embarrassment. For some reason they go viral and everyone gets the impression that every Irish fan is as smug and arrogant as them. Now they’ve bigged up Sam Prendergast completely unnecessarily. The kid is a talent but so so raw. Dont listen to Off the Ball!

[@SeanLarkan]

Prendegast seems to have something mercurial about him but he does seem to slow-mo that usually slick super-fast Irish backline; gives opponents time to think

[@Hometruths29]

@@SeanLarkan You are right. He always takes that extra second to decide which pass to make. His real weakness is he has no pace and will never be able to cut open a defence like Marcus Smith can do with ease.

[@johnpower-m5o]

Thank you lads for your very fair and intelligent analysis - Ireland seem to be lacking somehow in what is normally high level skill and confidence - lets hope its just a glitch, and they will get back to form. Not easy in an age of high level sport, and video technology where every move and pass can be scrutinised and analysed a hundred times over by the opposition - to improve their game, performance, and winning potential. Leinster Fan.

[@annheimann9630]

For me ist just if Jack Crowley was a Lenster Player there would be no question

[@SMacCuUladh]

nonsense

[@DM-rp9ik]

He would be another Crawley or Harry Byrne if he was at Leinster

[@christopheroconnell3479]

Exactly

[@andrewmcnulty6815]

I think we are missing Mike Catt. He was the backs coach - finished in June. Now we are not as sharp. No movez.

[@lucaszamorano823]

As a Scottish fan, I really hope Prendegast is starting over Crowley when they go into Murrayfield for W2 of the 6N

[@andrewb5670]

Ireland are re-building like every other team has to at some point. But they're doing it at a much higher level than other teams. They've played very averagely in November and still won 3 out 4. Australia also played very well. England are also transitioning but lost 3 out of 4. Things could be worse for Ireland.

[@ArronVallely24]

I'm worried that with Andy being Lions head coach some of these fellas think they will have a seat on the plane already. Im also concerned that our biggest spiritual leaders in Sexton and Andy not playing/coaching means the first 2 weeks of the six nations just got alot harder!

[@PB22559]

Spiritual leaders? Lol Ireland won the last 6 nations without Sexton so why even try make that argument? They put a record away score on France in the 1st game. They also drew a series in SA without Sexton. The reality is Irelands line out has been dodgy for a good while now. Their breakdown work hasn't been as good as it used to be either. The LO was one of their main attacking weapons. That has nothing to do with Sextons or Farrells 'spiritual' influence.lol

[@ArronVallely24]

@PB22559 ill take your opinion rather than the players and ex coaches then. I know what my country won without Sexton but they had their headcoach at the time. Now they have neither! Completely agree with the set pieces part of the game though.

[@PB22559]

@@ArronVallely24 I gave you facts, not an opinion. How can you claim missing Sexton is the key element when Ireland just won the 6 nations without him and drew a series in SA without him? lol By the way, Sexton was brought in for the November series in some type of 'leadership' role. Well, it didn't do much good because Ireland were worse than they were expected to be. Missing Farrell won't be ideal but Ireland have been below par in the november series WITH him at the helm too. Scraping past Aus and the Pumas and losing convincingly to NZ isn't a good overall home series for Ireland. I'd argue Farrells treatment of Crowley was poor man management. When Frawley was brought on against NZ, Ireland got much worse. When Crowley was brought on last weekend they went from losing to eventually winning. Farrell threw some criticism Crowleys way even after two of Irelands games. There was no need for that.

[@ArronVallely24]

@PB22559 actually agree with the points on Crowley which is surprising as you've taken an opinion and made out like I said Ireland are shit or have no chance to win the 6Ns without Sexton or Farrell. I said I'm concerned about the first two games as we play England and Scotland and I think Ireland need motivation going into them games. By all means carry on writing essays if it gives you the impression you know more though.

[@fallschirmjager0000]

15 tries in 4 games, and winning 3/4, lets not get ahead of ourselves. The first game back was NZ who were a well oiled machine. Ireland having not played in months. Yes the handling errors were abnormal but give them time, its just start of the NH season. Still figuring out the no.10 so just chill lads. They are still winning even with sub-par performances, i think that says everything, its a massively experienced and strong team in depth.

[@andrewkelly7065]

When Catt was first in charge of the attack it was awful it took time. We now have a new attack coach in Goodman it will take him time also surely? ?

[@harryocallaghan8082]

They’re certainly going through a rough patch. Last year was an incredibly long & difficult year for them. The World Cup, 6 nations, then a lot of those same international players who play for Leinster had to play URC & Champions cup, having gotten all the way to the final. Then the summer tour to South Africa. The season was abnormally taxing & long. Their talisman Sexton & then Mike Catt leaving has definitely left a huge hole. They have some injury concerns atm too with Furlong & Sheehan out injured for lengthy periods. Two huge players for them that make the lineout & scrum tick. Arguably the two best players in their position. O’Mahony, Murray & Healy are coming to the end of their careers. Doris has been promoted to their new captain also. It’s not all bad the as they some how managed to turn their Autumn campaign around by beating a stubborn Argentina side, a Fiji side that beat Wales & a resurgent Aussie team under Joe Schmidt that beat England in Twickenham. They’ve also experimented a lot in key positions & given new caps & experience to players like Prendergast, McCarthy, Clarkson & Izuchukwu. Andy Farrell is building real depth. The lineout hasn’t been great but it’s something that can be fixed relatively easy. I don’t mind if we don’t win this 6 nations as it’s important that we keep on building real depth in key positions like prop, scrum half and fullback. There’s some proper young talent that are about to break through and I’m sure we’ll see a lot of them in the 6 nations and going forward to next year.

[@feoil]

Ireland are always good when we have two international standard tens. Throw in two top class nines.

[@bartconnolly6104]

Australia defended very well across the field a bit like a rugby league squad. But ireland not once tried the 'contepomi kick' ( remember that flick he used to do even o driscoll did it occasionally?) over the Australian defence between them and the secondary who were set well back. I would have thought that would pull some of them off that wide line.

[@donalmoriarty]

Prendegast is good, but not there yet. The blue goggled media up in dublin were quick to switch their question from "should frawley start ahead of crowley" to "should prendegast start ahead of crowely". If leinster would do us all a favour and decide who their starting 10 is, that would do a world of good. 1 out of 4 needs to move province. Its a ridiculous situation, ulster and connacht are relying on foreign imports at 10. Crowley (and Casey) saved that game at the weekend. Crowley is still the best option for now. Maybe it'll be Prendegast for the next RWC. Worst performance in years on saturday. No excuse for the handling errors. Ruck speed was dreadful, so clearly there was no one working their bollix off to clean rucks (apart from VDF, who was seemingly at every ruck, and should have been player of the match). Lineout a mess as well. Need to look at that 2nd row. Theyre not a good pair.

[@corny165]

I'm from Dublin but this can't be argued with. Prendergast has a lovely eye for a pass and shows real quality in choosing the right pass at the line. But so often he's flat footed receiving the ball. It's a hindrance to those outside him. You noticed the difference immediately when Crowley came on.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@donalmoriarty always with the glass half empty, its typical paddy can’t wait for the rainy day. If Ireland were playing out of their skin now you’d be saying they’re peaking too soon, apart from SA no team in the world is playing any better than Ireland .

[@eamoman651]

Jim must be smoking the good stuff if he thought Ireland's attack was better with SP on the field over Crowley.

[@bobertryan]

@@eamoman651 I'd have to agree, he didn't nothing noteworthy at all. His defence is a huge issue too. The likes of Billy Byrnes could have done what he did in attack. Joey Carty and Jack C all played to a far higher standard and it was deemed not good enough.

[@greatshark9625]

The one thing that everyone is missing is the Leinster attack coach that is now coaching Argentina. We are seeing the old Ireland attack in the Argentinian attack.

[@Keenonhang]

I think Sexton leaving has made our attack far less potent, deceptive and dangerous. We looked v average and predictable and lacking in flair in attack for the November series games. We were bizarrely bad. The ebb and flow of professional sport. We might be going through a stagnant patch for a bit. Mike Catt I think made a difference for sure.

[@MegaTkls]

It has

[@jadenphilander8799]

Ireland is basically as good as they can possibly be. They have given themselves every sort of upper hand. They have the entire National team stay together in the same club to play together all year, rhey play to the exact same systems at Leinster all year, they are like the Brumbies back in the day and when the Bulls had all the springboks as well...They are at their all time best and are at their absolute peak. I NZ and SA did the same thing that Leinster-Ireland does then ittr would be a wrap for every team in rugby. Unfortunately Ireland dont have INDIVIDUALS that can take them further. Because systems are all great until it gets cracked.

[@tonyroche2146]

Ireland layered attack is defendable if you dont overcommit to rucks and dont blitz. Keep men on feet, and don't rush up and get picked off. It worked against Leinster in the pre 50/22 days, and guess what, the box kick is back. Heavy pack teams that can defend laterally will get a lot of joy against this team now. Dont kick long, keep it compressed, and mind your discipline. We are rumbled.. Not enough heavy carriers to cause compressions.. Needs changes..

[@Hedgebets100]

There is a changeover. They will be the top Northern side in 2yrs again. Weve been utterly dominant for about 10yrs in the 6 nations. That wont change.

[@DM-rp9ik]

Been good but 5 of the last 11 wouldn't be totally dominating but very good

[@MACCA0405]

Best team in NH and have been for a while. Still think that France could beat Ireland. Strangely think England could as well. Ireland play a pretty simple power game at times and could see England stopping that. A year ago I would have sad GP, BA,Ringrose, Lowe and Keenan plus the pack could start for the Lions.and Boone could complain. Now still think 5 forwards will start. In the backs on recent form GP is the only gimme. Lot to play for this six nations. Lions Backs form player first GP/Mitchell, Russell/Smith, Lowe/ vdm, Tuipolotu /aki, Jones/Ringrose, Graham/FO, Kinghorn/ Keenan.

[@brianodriscoll2725]

@@MACCA0405France have been the most talented team by far , especially in terms of depth but they only have one six nations which is a shocking return given how much talent and depth they have .

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

@@brianodriscoll2725 Last 2 match ups vs Ireland do not support your claim re talent. French Rugby thrives when chaos takes over on the field.

[@kamakazilee6066]

It’s very telling when the general consensus is that Irelands autumn nations series was quite poor despite coming away with just one loss. Teams have figured us out yet we can still come away with wins in the end. Fijis and Japans lineout are some of the most accurate at the moment yet they’re on a down and up spiral all the time. The rush defences are causing problems BIG TIME, for everyone. It’s a great time to be a rugby fan as games are starting to become less and less predictable. Irelands current situation is nothing to be worried about; France went through a shocker and are now back, so did the Springboks 2016-2018. Sextons kicking game was nearly essential to how we attacked, it’s only natural that this would happen once he hung up the boots

[@mickfarrell6458]

4th most played sport we haven’t played ourself other than vs sa and France this year but we’ve still won most games still grind out the wins expectations way to high

[@RazorMouth]

Prendergast is a Sexton type Crowley is an O'Gara type Both are good and will get better - good to have that choice to pick from.

[@SomilaVumsindo-br2od]

😂and still searching for that semi😢

[@chipperjaunte]

Frawely

[@RazorMouth]

@@SomilaVumsindo-br2od Troll often or are you new to the game?

[@struancochrane753]

Who is Prendegast's agent? Could it be the same person that has the microphone in the commentary box, Brian O'D?

[@ThatsPlunk]

Ireland's attack will continue to regress if we throw Jack Crowley to the wayside. Prendergast is an excellent prospect, but outside of a few moments of promising flair, he plays the game like a less aggressive and more telegraphed version of Johnny Sexton. He needs another 3-4 years of development. Ireland's issues are not at out-half; we don't have a proper replacement for Peter O'Mahony yet, and our offensive rucking is poor. We play ball under much more pressure, leading to turnovers and errors. Our pack is full of exciting players, but retaining the ball shouldn't be this hard. Offensive rucking, lineouts and scrums are our weak points now. When we get on the front foot, the old fluidity comes back. Forwards need a kick up the ass on ball retention, and we need our front row stars back, because that's where our real depth issues are, not at 10.

[@Brendan77132]

If a team can win most games at sub par, then that is some rugby team! I am thinking of Ireland like a business that is under renovation, but is still open for business. Sales might be down a bit, but they are still making profit, and when renovations finish.... well god help us!

[@SeanLarkan]

Catt doesn’t get enough credit for what he brings to the attack of teams he coaches

[@derrickmatthee]

Noting that Australia are playing (attackingly) very much like Ireland - perhaps the Ireland we now see was the making of Joe Schmidt? If that be the case it becomes easy why AB`s got the better of them and now Australia (to some extend).

[@JayPlays705]

Our lineout is atrocious. We could’ve beaten Australia by so much more but if we can figure that out we’ll be trending in the right direction

[@Chrispduck]

James Ryan is a little boy lost. Henderson has too many miles on the clock now but it was no surprise to see the lineout click instantly when he came on. His rugby brain is far superior to Ryan's.

[@paulcrosland6693]

You don’t think that the absence of Tadhg Furlong is the problem. Bealham does not offer the same strength and is a good enough reserve but after that , the stocks are a bit thin. Sheehan is also a big loss. Furlong is now 32 yrs old and will be hitting 36 at the 2027 RWC and appears to be carrying some injuries. Will Sheehan get back to his great heights after his injury. I don’t think Marx has reached his previous heights after his knee injury

[@neilmarshall3071]

Sexton should have retired way earlier instead of chasing records due to hating O’Gara

[@geoffnelson6756]

Coaching staff changes at Ireland and Leinster likely causing some teething problems, Mike Catt and Stuart Lancaster at Leinster was clearly working well. Autumn series without them resulted in 76 handling errors in 4 games, so many dropped balls which would have led to more points and more convincing wins, and record penalties given away, just the nail in the coffin to hand teams 12 points for schoolboy errors. When NZ won in France, they had zero handling errors, one or two errors and they would have lost the game. Don't agree that teams have worked Ireland out, just finding ways to minimise the effectivness as Ireland still outscoring most teams.

[@steph333-w6u]

Mistakes come from opposition pressure too.

[@geoffnelson6756]

@steph333-w6u Of course, but these 4 games stand out from a pattern of accuracy and discipline over the last decade, was there not 'opposition pressure' in the series win in NZ or the pool game at the WC v SA? 28 handling errors v Australia, penalties in the mid teens when both of these stats would traditionally be in single figures would indicate that something has changed in the mindset of players or coaching inputs causing indecision or lack of basic pass timing.

[@patrickoreilly5628]

Agree with most of what's said about Ireland's form

[@jonbrook4009]

The thing with Ireland is their style of play is really very simple but executed very very well - almost to perfection. Rugby is a simple game: do the basics well and you'll always be in the contest. However, it's not hard to 'work out' a simple game plan and implement a counter against it. I'm happy to say I predicted the ABs beating Ireland in the WC simply because if the ABs got the ball out to their backs all hell would break loose. The ABs come at you from all directions. Ireland don't. You know what their plan is - whether you can cope with it is another thing - but you know where the threats are. Teams are realising that now and being more disruptive against them.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Yeah, but if everyone knew their plan was wouldn’t they have lost much more games and that won the six Nations or wouldn’t south Africa the current world champ been able to have stopped the second try that was executed the exact same way in the first test and south Africa the same thing happened in the second match with Conor Murray doing it and no one seem to be able to figure that out so I think they’ve got too many handling errors and mistakes but hopefully once they get sorted it will be better

[@jonbrook4009]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k I take your point but Ireland's strength has been that up until recently they have done the basics of their game to near perfection - very few errors, super-quick ruck speed, all the players on the same page, etc etc. Any team that gets that together is very difficult to stop on a consistent basis - especially if you have the players to implement it. But it's like the links of a chain: only takes one to snap and the rest is useless.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@ if that’s just the case then it’s just a matter of mental tiredness. I think maybe it’s a good thing. They have a couple months off now as a group go back to their clubs and freshen up their minds a bit . I prefer to have that concern then a concern of just being being the total opposite who knows

[@ColinGrealy]

Sorry, but completely disagree. Ireland play some of the most intricate rugby on the planet. The problem is not that it’s “very simple”, if anything the problem is we have such complicated pre-arranged moves that they’re difficult to execute. Hence why we’ve seen an uncharacteristic number of dropped balls, missed passes, etc.

[@steph333-w6u]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k Figuring it out is one thing but in order to beat it you need great handling skills and precision The All Blacks bring this when playing well, other teams building that I' dont think Ireland will stay in top 3 unless they find another point of difference.

[@chriswright5050]

Love these two guys

[@andypandy4465]

Crowley and Prendergast are too similar. Frawley is more unpredictable, that’s why they need him in the 23 with one of Crowley or Prentagast. Frawley made mistakes against NZ but his chips over for Hansen nearly worked and if one had stuck it would have been a 3 point game for the last few mins. His drop goals against SA were a big shock to SA. You need a player like that on the pitch against tired players. Farrell made an error not giving Frawley more time over these 4 games

[@qcsorter4626]

Leinster can't figure out who to play at 10 so it's hardly fair that Farrell should be trying to compensate. If you give Frawley more time then one of the other two gets less! At least Crowley and Prendergast are genuine 10s. Frawley should consider playing elsewhere.

[@bobertryan]

@@qcsorter4626 Frawley is a genuine 10. Both Frawley and Crowley have that versatility to play 10, 12 and 15. Prendergast doesn't have that so it is very limiting when selecting a team.

[@pmc9079]

Do you think playing Prendergast was to ask the question now, while Andy is there? harder for it to be asked while he's away maybe

[@Cpchurch87]

That's 100% what it was. Everyone is up in arms about it, but the reality is JC got to show his worth Vs NZ and Arg (the two hardest games) and Sam Vs Fiji and Oz (the two, theoretically, easiest games) not hard to see who Andy has as #1. He just wanted to see what Sam has to offer before he goes away. As usual, people making a mountain out of a molehill

[@cathalsheehan9596]

When you have 84 handling errors across the 4 games, a crap shoot of a line out & conceding on average over 10 penalties a game then you're going to struggle to create any momentum. The theory that teams know how to defend against Ireland is bullcrap tbh, on the occasions that Ireland didn't drop the ball the defence struggled to live with the Irish attack...and then after making a break Ireland would immediately drop the ball and relieve all the pressure. Best example was in the 2nd minute and 28th minute on Saturday, McCarthy & Keenan make breaks and get within inches of the line...and then immediately knock the ball on, sums up Ireland's autumn in a nut shell. The only logic I can I think of is the change in attack coach and hope by the 6N when they've had more time to gel things will improve but as Jim said at the start there are more questions than answers right now.

[@steph333-w6u]

So why did they drop the ball? Maybe just maybe it has something to do with opposition pressure? Ireland have had a dysfunctional line out for a year. Which team who considers themselves good enough to be no 1 don't fix that? Handling errors out the gate, lack of depth at prop. there are fundamental questions here. NZ had come from a different time zone on a six day turnaround most of the team that played did not play in Japan,. So hadn't played rugby in 5 weeks. Wallabies third after a gruelling tour like AB's against France, and ran Ireland embarrassingly close.

[@cathalsheehan9596]

@@steph333-w6u ​ @steph333-w6u A lot of the knock ons the players weren't under much pressure...the McCarthy and Keenan knock ons for instance were just down the sloppiness. The team that has been number 1. Sadly its the Irish attitude to everything, rather than fix the problem its easier to go "Ah here, what are we supposed to do" and just make excuses...One thing I've admired about Ireland under Farrell is the lack of excuses and fixing problems but during the autumn I'm starting to worry that we are allowing excuses to seep in as a means to accept mediocrity. NZ played v England the week before Ireland so I don't see how a long flight plays into it.

[@seanofarrell8896]

I feel like talent should be spread more often, in my opinion, like if there is an option for a young player to get more gametime, try it in another provinces.

[@eoinmiller5620]

That literally happens though. Most of the other provinces a made up of leinster products

[@lloydftz65]

Irelands weakness is lack of props... When Furlong is injured we struggle in the set piece.

[@altjohnnyboy]

The Irish team are over tired from playing to much rugby for Ireland and Leinster, so even playing shit their still winning, this shows great depth and character

[@steph333-w6u]

Not against the AB's they aint

[@philchris3854]

Winning what a joke. All Blacks are thumping them like good old days

[@BLUETERRIER7]

Very pertinent comments from Mr Ferris…it’s funny this tax issue is kept quiet. So there absolutely is not a level playing field for Ulster compared to the other three provinces.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Simple solution - political unification.

[@robroy9511]

As a Scot they still seem to be a great team to me.

[@murrad23]

Nah, everything evolves. Attacknwill evolve. Interestingly i noticed Australia trying a few Sexton loops (Schmidt influence).

[@Ian-gj1gw]

I'm telling you now, the dour atmosphere at the Aviva is sucking the life out of the team. I felt drained just watching the flipping thing.

[@Hometruths29]

Real fans have been priced out of internationals at the Aviva. The stadium is far to small and badly designed. They need to finish it by building a proper stand behind the goal on the north side of the ground.

[@Ian-gj1gw]

@Hometruths29 I THINK they're limited by houses behind that stand. Don't know for sure.

[@Ian-gj1gw]

@Hometruths29 but 100% agree about real fans being priced out. Too many corporate snobs. That crowd for the SA game in the world cup was the real Irish fans out in force!

[@LeoLynch-yg7vo]

This is true. I switched on the AB's game and could barely believe the Aviva was as quiet as a library.

[@DeanPike-g1k]

The worst atmosphere is at Cardiff, terrible just music blaring from the speakers. Not many true supporters in that stadium no longer and too many women there.

[@wernernel113]

Big Jim, why would you say Nr.1 slash Nr.2 team in the world? Theres only one Nr.1 team in the world currently and it is not Ireland.

[@janhbhugo5085]

Did not do well at math , obviously !

[@paulnash5500]

Regarding central contracts. If your good enough, you’ll get a central contrast.

[@0206kmm]

can only be a leinster fan, but as a munster fan, i agree with you

[@dazza9859]

Big Jim is confused about Ulster .Its isn’t just Northern Ireland.Three counties are in the Republic 😅.One of Ulster’s most famous players was Tommy Bowe.He is from Co Monaghan which is in Ulster but is also in the Republic.POD ,POD,POD.

[@dougclark9921]

Is Jim's jumper inside out?

[@Rayrulesohye]

Crowley is the clear no. 1 for now.

[@DavidShort-q1d]

Every team is evolving and changing personal This is going to mean that at times a teams exacuton is going to be off and a team also has to adapt to the new faces/ combinations ect Ireland have suffered along with England France Italy ect And to some extent also the southern hemisphere nations though they have been together for a fair few weeks now and should be just a little way further along

[@bartconnolly6104]

Top attacks may pass the ball five or six times crossing the field or twice that if it comes back or if staying inside do seven or eight phases with three or four passes . If an inside pass sloppy there may be room to recover but out with the backs just one messy pass even not a knock on or turn over will mess up the entire state of play. Every messy handling error could be costing 30 seconds to a minute of attacking and that is even without turnover or knock on. Which ,eans ten such errors are ten whole minutes of attacking lost. May not seem like much but i reckon thats about as much time most teams get inside the opposition 22. The positive side of this is while just one error messes things up. There is a tiny difference between a fingertip fumble or an over run of a pass. Fixing that little bit of tuning and Ireland could have an extra 5 to ten scores . Even as it was with all their mishandlings Ireland dominated possession and Australian territory. Imaging ireland having ten mins more ball and Aus having ten mins less! Also ireland backed themselves and didnt play the numbers and take three pointers. Instead they tried out new players . They could have had won by 15 or more if they played the numbers but they didnt. It was messy but brave. And joe smith has really got Australia performing.

[@bunnychowmuncher]

A big risk for the Irish right now I see is there is a heavy "over reliance" on Leinster both in terms of player pool and tactics. If you look at the URC log as of Dec 4th there is only Leinster 1 and Conacht 8 in the top 8 (yes Leinster are unbeaten) but three SA teams (with a game each to spare) and Scottish and Welsh there so that in itself does not seem to show the other countries lagging. The talent clearly needs to be spread across Ireland because if Dublin hogs 70-80% of the talent, it will create a bottleneck to both the Leinster and the Irish team. 70-80% of the best talent need to be competing against each other every week - not all be in the same Provincial team in my humble opinion. Crawley, Pendergast and Frawley should all start for different Irish teams every week. South Africa has spread it talent more so guys get to start more often - it does help the national team with options.

[@jrice644]

Nz refused to kick the ball out for irish lineouts. For Ireland the majority of their tries come from lineouts. Ferocious defence at rucks and Ireland's attack struggles.

[@SMacCuUladh]

Exactly, plus Ireland love to hold on to the ball and build scores, if we don't have the ball we can't do that. So teams don't kick away possession against Ireland as much (at least not into touch). Ireland are adapting to that so there's a slight transition taking place.

[@paolozmm]

lads can we give over on Prendergast not being heavy enough. hes 91kg. the same if not more than Sexton.

[@JohnHirsch88]

we'll be grand

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Everybody gets figured out eventually. There is just so many ways to win a match and to hinder and pressure your opponents.

[@smgill9612]

We need a draft system for players from schools to provinces!

[@stuartkelly3106]

I cannot understand the handling errors.

[@Paulfieldz]

Its the Irish and British Lions, just saying, great commentary btw!

[@MrIncorr3ct]

As a Scot, I feel Ireland give us very little respect. They are our 6nation bogey team, so it's understandable. This year maybe the best chance we have had in a while of breaking that duck. We'll see 😊 Looking forward to it 🤙

[@ASDan-123]

Ireland have many problems atm. Here's an interesting stat I've noticed. Out of the 4 autumn nations games, we scored 15 tries, 9 of those were by forwards and only 6 were backs with 4 of those coming against Fiji! That is simply not good enough from our backline!! What about the old saying "the forwards decide who wins the game. The backs decide by how much"?🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ not the first time I've noticed us relying way too heavily on our forwards! Our backs need to do better!! When Scotland played Australia they ripped them open very easily by spreading the ball well and crashing it up at 12. 4 tries, 1 from a forward and 3 from the backs just how it should be. And you could see how predictable and uninventive we have become by watching that game against Australia. Ended up relying on the forwards again because our backline created nothing really!! Have to say, when Crowley and Casey came on we looked a lot more dangerous and Crowley looked like a man with a point to prove! Prendergast needs more time coming off the bench but Crowley should start!! Don't wanna chuck Prendergast in the deep end too early

[@Dreyno]

Just a point in Prendergast’s physicality. I’ve seen people suggest he needs more muscle, more weight etc. One person said he needs 10kg. He’s 91kg and 1.93m. That’s 14.3 stone and 6’4” in old money. Put that much weight on him and you have a very skilful backrow on your hands, not a flyhalf.

[@brianmacc1934]

'bout time , yes and its good for the sport

[@eoindtyrrell]

Found out ??? Lost to New Zealand haven't played together in months , beat Argentina and Australia and smashed Fiji

[@broneobraonain8506]

Ireland have 100% been found out, if he slighted with one loss this 6 nations, that being said they can also 100% bounce back to where they were (maybe not in the world rankings tho cause I can’t see ourselves catching that SA team)

[@dublin7]

It is as clear as day to see where Ireland are failing. The main difference between Ireland in the World cup , last 6 nations and South African tour is Andrew Goodman. Mike Catt stepped down as attacking coach and Goodman was brought in and ever since then Ireland's attack has become predictable, mechanical and error prone. This should come as no surprise because Leinster started to look flat towards the end of Goodmans tenure. I'd say they are waiting until next August to replace him with Felix Jones. Jones was an attacking coach for South Africa and could be a huge asset. Paul O'Connell can stay on as Forwards coach but he needs to step down as the lineout coach. They won't take the job but I'd love Jason Holland or Jerry Flannery to take the lineout coach job. John Fogarty hasn't done a bad job as scrum coach but I think there is definitely room for improvement. I would try and get Greg Feek back in as scrum coach. Ireland have a great squad but right now they are being let down by coaching. Farrell and Easterby are great and Sexton will be beneficial as kicking coach but Goodman, O'Connell and Fogarty aren't pulling their weight and are the reason why Ireland have looked flat.

[@PWGC]

Ireland are lacking in two areas. Depth at prop and top end devastating speed. Jordan Larmour is probably their most x-factor player and Robert Balocoune has the speed of an Olympic sprinter, but they lack in other areas that means they don’t get a look in.

[@PB22559]

You're right about the depth at prop and lack of x factor wingers/FBs.... Larmour was always overrated and doesn't have top end speed. He has a good step and decent acceleration. Baloucoune doesn't have the speed of an olympic sprinter, not even close. lol Ireland just don't produce world class x factor outside backs like W. Jordan, Cheslin Kolbe, Mark Tele'a, Damien Penaud etc and they never have... if they did they wouldn't have a Kiwi and an Aussie as their starting wingers.

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

Calvin Nash might have been a possibility but it looks like Farrell won't play him if Hansen is fit. So we'll be going to the next World Cup with one right wing, again.

[@Camcolito]

@@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness If Hansen keeps his mediocre form I think Farrell will see the writing on the wall and play Nash - we're not really blessed with wingers.

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

@@Camcolito At the moment Nash is not ahead of Hansen skill wise and I say that as a Munster fan. I just wanted Farrell to play Nash consistently for one year and then bring Hansen back for the Six Nations after he was able to get his form back after injury by playing for Connacht. After that I would only have wanted to see Nash if Hansen was unavailable or in the less intense games such as Italy and currently Wales. By doing this we would have at least two options who are integrated into the setup going into the next World Cup. I want him to do the same for every position so that the next time one rolls around he has the confidence to play a second team against our weaker pool opponents and let the first 15 rest for the bigger games. We are allowed bring 33 players to the World Cup and the last time we brought 4 back rows instead of 6 so we could bring three fly halves and three scrum halves when we only really use two in either position. It makes no sense.

[@eamonno9]

Agreed and I think that was one of the big differences between us and NZ in the WC, they got tries where a small gap opened and they'd the speed to exploit it, typically our tries come from system moves and playing through several phases , it would be great if we could develop some electric players at wing (like the other big 3 nations have)

[@kevinwright9351]

The world number one team is getting old. Three years ago Furlong, Sexton, Gibson, Van de filer, Doris, Aki, all in the conversation for a World 15, now nobody is close. Still top four but definitely a step back from a few years ago

[@andypandy4465]

World Rugby Rankings are only a measure of consistency. Ireland have been the most consistent. SA only ahead of them cos of double weighting. I wish folks would mention this more

[@spearsgears]

Team in transition - blooding new players and developing depth. Andrew Goodman’s system bedding in has been a disaster and Paul O’Connell is stealing a wage at this stage, lineout is a shambles. A lot to work on for 6 Nations under Easterby

[@michaelshanahan4042]

I agree with what you say with some of the stuff that have let Ireland down over the recent games.but you would think with all the stuff that has gone south for Ireland they would have lost a lot more. But no 3 out of four for me was ok . I know that you guys were saying that Ireland should have won 4 out of 4 I don’t think that is realistic I think they have got a lot out of those games that is not viable right now but will pay dividends down the line.anyway time will tell 😊

[@brianodriscoll2725]

Our line out (which has been poor for two years ) and complete lack of props (porter plays near 80 mins most tests) are Irelands huge issues . The attack is just in a transitional period as they try new combinations but the poor line out and lack of props has only been getting worse since 2022 .

[@aidanmasterson50]

I bet Jim was talking to a Munster man. No one in Munster complained when they had the Lions share of the central contracts. They had them because they had the best players of that decade. With the much larger funnel of young talent in Leinster, the balance simply shifted. The central contracts follow talent, not provinces.

[@stiofain88]

Prendergast is not better than Crowley. Doris is not better than Coombes. Gus McCarthy is not better than Tom Stewart up in Ulster. We don't mind when ye get all the central contracts when your players are better. We mind when ye get contracts that other players deserved.

[@aidanmasterson50]

@ and your opinion of all of the above mentioned players don’t match the selectors opinions of a 1/2 ranked Irish team. Crowley has a central contract and I currently agree that he is our ten right now. But we need more than one 10 and that 10 needs game time in friendlies precious.

[@SMacCuUladh]

@@stiofain88 Doris is obviously better than coombes, and I think Coombes is a great player.

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

​@@SMacCuUladh Doris has been given a lot more opportunities in the Ireland jersey at 8. That doesn't make him better than Coombes who sometimes wins games for Munster by himself. 108 games, 48 tries.

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

​@@aidanmasterson50 Leinster fans treatment of Frawley is disgraceful. One bad game and you're all ready to send him to the knackers yard in favour of an unproven kid.

[@ThePat1962]

Not in the slightest worried about no 10 ..in fact exciting to have great options...but POC has had his time to sort the line out and nothing improved ...love POC but needs to go.

[@DM-rp9ik]

Squads aren't thin in Munster or Ulster they have big squads

[@billybones6137]

They have peaked.

[@some_might_say]

the team that played a couple of 21 year olds and other new young guys has peaked?

[@billybones6137]

@@some_might_say Yep. They were at their best just before the world cup.

[@jpkm123g9]

They need to check their tactics, but it'll require a complete overhaul The best teams have figured out how not to play into Ireland's gameplan The ball-carrying capability of the pack has fallen of a cliff with Furlong's getting older and Sheahan being injured. This places more responsibility on the backrow to do heavy carrying but Ireland have deliberately shied away from selecting heavy carrying threats in the backrow.

[@TheShepTV]

Aye click your heels there Dorothy and maybe it will be so

[@axelbooysen1088]

Teams have become better all around point period. The top 6 are basically on equal par. It's all about tactics that sets teams apart. Beautiful rugby is a fairy tale it's all about winning and winning anyway possible.