The 2015 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina was Ian Madigan’s sixth start for Ireland. Neither player has started a game for Ireland since losing those crucial fixtures. Burns’ only start for Ireland thus far was against Georgia last year. There are at most 30 Test matches between now and the first game at that World Cup. At this stage of the World Cup cycle, there’s just about enough time to avoid the mistakes of the past but Farrell needs decisive action on his No 10 succession plan now.

Source: Irish Independent February 08, 2021 22:26 UTC