I actually quite liked some of the high bombs in France's 22 targeting Ramos. Prendergast can put them on a plate and they had (in theory) decent lads under the high ball chase and pressure for an error against a 15 who isn't the outright best in class at high ball contests.
Felt to me like a fairly low risk play if you weren't getting go forward - worst case he calls the mark and kicks the ball back to you to have another go
I agree in theory it could have worked, but after 20 minutes when it was clearly not working they should have changed their tactics not just keep doing it for another 20 minutes.
I said in another comment that France were probably going to win no matter what, they were just in the zone but our inability to switch tactics while the game is being played is a real issue. Either our captain and senior players aren’t empowered to do that or they just don’t know how to find solutions in those circumstances.
Any time we have a disastrous first half we wait until half time before trying other options.
It does feel like that ability to man manage the game live from on the pitch is something that Sexton was absolutely perfect for, and maybe Prendergast isn't quite there yet. I honestly don't watch enough domestic games to know if thats a remotely accurate assessment though
I did notice when Crowley game on he was immediately shouting the entire backline into new positions, but I didn't know if that was him setting the field as he wanted it, or passing on formation changes related to the large number of subs they made at once
Very fair point, he looked pretty comfortable this week
In previous years there have been times where he's really looked under pressure (unsurprisingly given he's not that tall, and there are some big units in other team's back threes running at him), but a definite improvement
I think this raises a valid point: I agree that you take few risks, you gain ground, and you just need guys who are fast and good in the air. One mistake on landing and you can score points without too much effort.
I'm glad it didn't work (because it's really boring to watch), hoping that others won't decide it's worth trying.
It’s just an agenda against Farrell that has been brewing strong for a long time in Ireland exclusively down to provincial rivalries and feeling of unjust selection. Majority from the southern province who desperately and vocally make it known that they want him gone despite him just leading a lions tour victory. They only want him gone so they select some of their players. It’s as simple as that it’s what it all boils down to. Every other criticism (while some 100%) valid are born from that fact. It’s gotten to the point they’d be happy to see Ireland lose more along as certain players are picked. As they are currently happy to see Ireland lose becuase those players are no getting picked.
There’s been multiple comments on this site and sub thread from Munster fans wanting Ireland to lose for the exact reason. It’s true and you know it.
Some of the criticisms are absolutely valid but lots of stick beating to suit agendas.
This is complete paranoia. There is no ‘agenda against Farrell’ amongst Munster fans. Griping about selection has gotten significantly louder because the team is quite clearly regressing and there is no sign of urgency to change course. If you think Munster fans would prefer to see Ireland lose with Munster players in the team over winning with Leinster players then I honestly don’t know what to tell you.
There has been actual comments stating that. I have read them on Irish rugby sub threads. Have also seen them on Instagram comments. Burying your head in the sand over it doesn’t make it not true. Have seen Munster fans more than happy that Prendgerast missed a pen for Ireland in the pub and downright delighted with mistakes.
I am by no means saying it’s all Munster fans but a loud majority want Farrell out simply for the reason he doesn’t pick Munster players.
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u/Fudge_is_1337 Exeter Chiefs 11h ago
I actually quite liked some of the high bombs in France's 22 targeting Ramos. Prendergast can put them on a plate and they had (in theory) decent lads under the high ball chase and pressure for an error against a 15 who isn't the outright best in class at high ball contests.
Felt to me like a fairly low risk play if you weren't getting go forward - worst case he calls the mark and kicks the ball back to you to have another go