Ronan O'Gara: Farrell could have eight Ireland positions to fill after France loss

Ronan O'Gara believes Andy Farrell will have seven names already filled out in his team sheet for the clash with Italy while discussions will be had about the other eight

Ronan O'Gara. Picture: XAVIER LEOTY/AFP via Getty Images)

It was coming up to midnight French time last Thursday when Andy Farrell took his seat at the post-match press conference in Stade de France and lamented his side’s “lack of fight and intent” in the Six Nations defeat to France.

The embers of the conflagration that had torched his team’s title hopes were still burning as he spoke. Players and coaches can change tack when passions cool, but Ronan O’Gara doesn’t expect the Ireland head coach will be for turning.