SIX NATIONS 2021

[Bart S]

The southern journos are comparing this to the game against the Argies in 2015, when POC, Payne, SOB, Sextin and POM were unavailable.

Big difference is that then they were guaranteed starters on form and ability alone. Murray and Sexton have shown nothing in the past 2 years to indicate they are any better than the alternatives (and in murray 's case even less than that). Ryan is a loss but Hendy and Beirne are more than capable at this level and POM is not the force he was.

[Dave]

It's a brand new halfback pairing starting a test match. Existing partnerships such as Cooney/Burns could have been utilised. Burns doesn't kick for Ulster but seems like he will be given the kicking duties also.

No problem Billy just do the following:

1. Seemlessly forge a new halfback partnership in your first 6 nations start Vs France.
2. Goal kick to international standard despite not kicking at club level.
3. Manage the expectations of deluded Leinster and Munster fans who mercilessly trolled him to extent he had to disable comments on his social media.
4. Generally play to a standard beyond what you have displayed to this point in your career.

[germcevoy]

It's a brand new halfback pairing starting a test match. Existing partnerships such as Cooney/Burns could have been utilised. Burns doesn't kick for Ulster but seems like he will be given the kicking duties also.

No problem Billy just do the following:

1. Seemlessly forge a new halfback partnership in your first 6 nations start Vs France.
2. Goal kick to international standard despite not kicking at club level.
3. Manage the expectations of deluded Leinster and Munster fans who mercilessly trolled him to extent he had to disable comments on his social media.
4. Generally play to a standard beyond what you have displayed to this point in your career.

He is being set up to fail. Management can claim to be trying out Sexton replacements and showing further how irreplaceable he is to the Ireland setup.

[Lurgan Lad]

Going to be an interesting match, with JGP, Burns, and Casey as JGP's understudy we could play a lot less of a kicking game, keep the ball and provided we don't get turned over tire the French out. Don't see us winning, but would be lovely if we did play a bit more of a running game.

[Bart S]

Cooney and Harry Byrne called into squad to cover for further last minute injuries

[big mervyn]

Cooney and Harry Byrne called into squad to cover for further last minute injuries

You have to admire JC's forbearance.

[Dave]

The building for the world cup excuse can't be used. Farrell clearly thinks JC is that far down the pecking order on ability.

Out of interest, how many actual full games of rugby has Andy Farrell played in his life?

[Bart S]

Cooney should have been in the squad already and be in the 23.

Tough ask on Burns but he's getting the opportunity. Farrell could have started Byrne after BB's performance last week.

Carty got hung out to dry after the Japan match and Ross Vyrne got crucified after his 2 games vs england. If BB fails tomorrow he'll get the same treatment but it would be wrong to suggest he is getting treated differently vs the other 10's whose crimes are not being Sexton and not generally being international standard.

[Dave]

Farrell's approach to establishing a pecking order is nonsensical. To not have Carty in the mix is unexplainable. Joe rated Carty. Farrell wasn't head coach at the WC. He can't use that as an excuse when he states he is selecting on form.

[jean valjean]

Wales scrape through with another red card to thank. Keeps the championship close at least, will get smashed by France and England.

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[Dave]

Wales scrape through with another red card to thank. Keeps the championship close at least, will get smashed by France and England.

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Unless every team they play gets a red card!

[justinr73]

They may need two to beat England and France.

[solidarity]

They may need two to beat England and France.

at least.

[twiglet]

Ireland need Paddy Jackson at number10.

[Cap'n Grumpy]

Ireland need Paddy Jackson at number10.

Not sure him being at number 10 would help resolve the big issues of the day.

D'ya think he would handle the pandemic/vaccination programme okay?

What about Brexit and Article 16 of the NI Protocol?

He could maybe use his position at number 10 to expose one of ravers' sponsors and their allegedly dodgy fire certs, (wouldn't that be ironic?), but how would he be of use to Ireland in all of this?