Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell Weighs Team Selection for Fiji & Australia Matches
Andy Farrell emphasizes that choosing the lineup for Saturday’s game against Fiji isn’t simply about giving young players a shot.
The third match of the Autumn Series was seen by many as an opportunity for Farrell to start Sam Prendergast and test other rising and fringe talents after facing the All Blacks and Argentina, and with Australia next.
Farrell praised 21-year-old out-half Prendergast for managing the last 20+ minutes well and commended 24-year-old debutant Thomas Clarkson for his strong performance in the front row.
Ryan Baird may be sidelined due to a head injury shortly after being substituted, while Tadhg Furlong could potentially make his series debut post-injury, with fellow tighthead Tom O’Toole also expected to return.
Jamie Osborne looks set to start, having followed his excellent summer displays in South Africa with a solid substitute appearance.
“Ryan Baird is obviously injured,” Farrell noted. “Jamie Osborne was fantastic when he came on. He has really shown his quality, particularly this season for Leinster. Overall, I thought the bench played a significant role.”
Farrell highlighted the challenge of balancing team selection with two remaining matches in a week. “We’ll assess the players’ conditions, but we must consider our approach carefully, as Fiji are extremely dangerous, as they showed against Wales,” he said.
Sam Prendergast and Ciaran Frawley (Image: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott) “And so are Australia. Four consecutive games mean we need to be realistic. We must choose a side capable of performing; it isn’t just about giving a game to everyone who hasn’t yet featured.
“To evaluate players at the international level, you need to surround them with experienced teammates to assess them fairly. It’s all about finding the right balance.”
Farrell also has to address the long scoring droughts that have plagued Ireland, including a 43-minute lapse during their 22-19 win over the Pumas on Friday.
Spotted on camera with his head in his hands a few times, Farrell laughed: “They caught me doing that a few times. They could have caught me doing that even more!
“Considering the field position Argentina had, partly due to our lack of discipline allowing them access. Credit to Argentina, their conversion rate in the opposition 22 over the past six months has been exceptional, among the best globally.
“How we managed to keep them out was a testament to our team, and it helped us secure the win.”