The Changes Andy Farrell Could Make To Face France
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Ireland's opening game of the Six Nations did not go to plan with Andy Farrell's men going down 21-16 to Wales in Cardiff.
While Farrell's men were on the wrong side of the result, Ireland's performance at the Principality was far from terrible. The red card hampered their chances and the man advantage Wales had was just too much in the grand scheme of things.
After a promising performance from his side overall, we don't expect Farrell to make too many changes to his side unless he's forced to do so through injury.
With the daunting task of taking on France this week, we take a look at some changes Farrell may make to get the upper hand over Les Bleus.
Up Front
With just over an hour of rugby under his belt in the last year, it's unlikely we will see Tadhg Furlong return to the starting XV as of yet. His bulking carries and massive work rate should do Ireland the world of good in the latter stages of the game and with Andrew Porter performing well, there isn't a real reason to fast track Furlong's return to the starting line up.
The front row should remain the same with Rob Herring flanked by Cian Healy and Andrew Porter with the bench remaining the same in Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne and Tadhg Furlong.
Tadhg Beirne had arguably his finest game in an Ireland shirt last weekend and has certainly cemented his place in the starting line up. James Ryan is a question mark for the clash with France and if he does not complete his return-to-play protocols, it will be no surprise to see Iain Henderson replacing him. Henderson was brutally effective off the bench against Wales and won more turnovers (3) in the opening round than any other player.
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Moving to the back row, Farrell will obviously need to find a suitable replacement for Peter O'Mahony who is suspended. Jack Conan has been called up as a replacement for O'Mahony while Tadhg Beirne could move to the back row if needed with Ryan Baird earning a test debut. The move to the back row for Beirne could depend on the fitness of James Ryan however, the least disruptive replacement could be Rhys Ruddock slipping into the #6 jersey. Ruddock was rewarded with a test recall after his stellar form Leinster recently and joined up with squad having earned 26 test caps beforehand.
With Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander enjoying fine performances against Wales, it's likely they will hold onto their starting jerseys while Will Connors continues to impress from the bench.
In the backs
Jonathan Sexton looks set to feature against France despite taking a head knock against Wales. The captain is set to line up alongside Conor Murray, who also had a strong game in round one.
The Henshaw-Ringrose combination shone in Cardiff and could do the same at the Aviva. Keith Earls had a few uncharacteristic errors under the high ball against Wales but don't be surprised if Andy Farrell backs the veteran back to regain his form against France. James Lowe was effective on attack racking up more running metres than any other player in round one and should retain the #11 jersey with Hugo Keenan completing the side at fullback after a standout game against Wales.
💨 @JamesLowe_03 racked up more running metres in the opening round of the #GuinnessSixNations than any other player
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 10, 2021
On the bench
Again, Farrell may well be hesitant to make too many chances for the clash with Fabien Galthie's side. However, he may well need to include either Ultan Dillane or Ryan Baird on the bench if James Ryan is unavailable.
Will Connors may well continue in his role off the bench with the same applying to Jamison Gibson-Park and Jordan Larmour.
There may be a case for the inclusion of Ross Byrne in the place of Billy Burns on the bench depending on how Farrell will want to end the game. The two players offer differing approaches to the game and Byrne may come in for his game management with Burns offering a bit more of an attacking threat.
Potential line up:
- Cian Healy
- Rob Herring
- Andrew Porter
- Tadhg Beirne
- James Ryan (Iain Henderson if Ryan is not fit)
- Rhys Ruddock
- Josh van der Flier
- CJ Stander
- Conor Murray
- Jonathan Sexton
- James Lowe
- Robbie Henshaw
- Garry Ringrose
- Keith Earls
- Hugo Keenan
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson (or Ultane Dillane), Will Connors, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ross Byrne, Jordan Larmour.
