For the Eire gamers, a grim post-match overview awaits on Sunday, however Farrell could already be mulling over his choice for Friday’s match towards Argentina, who’ve overwhelmed New Zealand and world champions South Africa this yr.
Earlier than this marketing campaign, Fiji’s go to to Dublin on 23 November appeared the more than likely enviornment for Farrell to experiment and delve deeper into his squad, however the Englishman could really feel as if wholesale modifications are wanted for Argentina.
Farrell went for a tried-and-tested staff towards the All Blacks, with 10 of his line-up having began the World Cup quarter-final.
The craft and recreation administration of Sexton, the one participant lacking from a well-known backline, was sorely missed. Jack Crowley, who has began within the 10 jersey in each recreation since Sexton’s retirement, was unable to orchestrate the Irish assault.
Crowley was withdrawn after 58 minutes. Ciaran Frawley, who starred within the South Africa summer season collection together with his Durban drop-goal double, didn’t fare a lot better.
Sam Prendergast, the third fly-half within the squad, is seen by some as Eire’s long-term answer at 10. He’s uncapped however certainly cannot be too far-off from his debut.
However Farrell’s choice points lengthen past fly-half. He could really feel the necessity to reintroduce Ryan Baird and Craig Casey, who had been unfortunate to overlook out on the matchday squad, whereas Calvin Nash – who ably deputised for the injured Mack Hansen within the Six Nations – will likely be itching for an additional probability.
“There have been a number of query marks with a number of the bench picks,” noticed 2009 Grand Slam winner Bowe.
“The likes of Cian Healy, who has 130 caps, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray. Is it time to offer a chance to the younger guys to try to take this staff on to the subsequent World Cup?”
This was Eire’s third defeat in 5 video games, after losses away to England and South Africa.
Nevertheless it was additionally their most puzzling and ineffective efficiency.
That’s what will concern Farrell essentially the most. And that’s the reason he could really feel the necessity for a shake-up earlier than Argentina come to city.
