"Grind it Out When You’re Not at Your Best"

Ireland showed their character against Argentina and Australia to just get over the line, but they will need to improve their performances in the Six Nations to avoid a disappointing campaign.

These were the words of Simon Easterby, who now takes over as Head Coach while Andy Farrell leads the Lions. This was in reference to the substitutes, particularly Craig Casey and Jack Crowley, who played very well when they were introduced after an hour. With an attitude like this, these two and the younger Irish players will be excited to take their opportunities should they arise.

These were the words post-match from Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt. Despite brilliant victories against England and Wales this Autumn, the Kiwi is hopeful that his team will develop next year and be able to take some scalps ahead of the Lions tour. Aside from a disappointing result against Scotland last weekend, the men in green and gold have shown just how good a side they could be in the coming years.

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell said this about the competition for places in his starting squad every week. Whilst there are some areas where the Irish have several players pushing each other for a place in the XV, such as at fly-half and in the centres, there are some areas which are lacking—for example, the props and back-three players.

Ultimately, the biggest question Ireland will have over the next few months is who gets the next start at number ten when they welcome England in February. Crowley has to be the favourite, seeing that he will return to Munster as the certain number one, whilst Frawley and Prendergast will be battling with each other and the Byrne brothers too. However, the man who has the green number ten jersey at the start of the Six Nations might not be the one who ends with it if this Autumn is anything to go by.