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Thornley’s Ireland team prediction almost always accurate

His predicted Irish teams for the French and Italian matches were totally in agreement with Andy Farrell’s

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sir, – May I strongly suggest that your Rugby Correspondent, Gerry Thornley, retitles his advance selection of the Irish XV from “Possible” to “Probable” or indeed to “Actual”. I say this as his predicted Irish teams for the French and Italian matches were totally in agreement with Andy Farrell’s final selections – including replacements.

However, in his advance selection (Sport, February 19th) for the English match he omitted Tommy O’Brien from the replacement bench so perhaps “Probable” for future predictions? – Yours etc

CLIFF FORSYTH,

Foxrock,

Dublin 18.

Sir, – Whilst scanning Gerry Thornley’s almost always accurate Ireland team prediction (February 19th) I was struck by the number of players who’s first name begin with the letter J, eight out of 15.

Is this a record? – Yours etc.

PAUL FARRELL,

Clonakilty,

Co Cork.