Ireland Rugby Faces Depth Test for summer Tour
Dublin – May 20, 2024 – Ireland’s rugby squad is preparing for a challenging summer tour as the team faces a depth test due to numerous absences. These include selections for the British and Irish Lions, retirements of veteran players, and injuries. The upcoming games in Georgia and Portugal will be crucial for the team. experts predict the tour will be notably fascinating for those invested in the sport.
Ireland Rugby Faces Unprecedented Depth Test for Summer Tour
Ireland’s rugby squad is set to embark on a summer tour to Georgia and Portugal, but this journey will be unlike any othre. The team’s depth will be tested more profoundly than ever before, due to a confluence of factors: 15 players absent due to British and Irish Lions selection, the international retirements of three centurions, and a string of injuries.
Broad Net Casting During Six Nations
During the six Nations Championship, the Irish management signaled their intentions by naming a 36-man squad, along with four “advancement players.” Furthermore, they called up 13 additional players at various points. This strategy appears to have been implemented with the summer tour in mind, offering insights into the squad composition that Paul O’Connell and the interim coaching staff will bring to Tbilisi and Lisbon.
Did You Know?
The average age of the squad is expected to increase due to the inclusion of several uncapped players for this two-Test tour. The squad size will likely be in the “early 30s,” indicating a blend of experience and fresh talent.
Leadership and Experience
While the squad will feature numerous new faces, a contingent of experienced players will still be present. Iain Henderson is a likely candidate for inclusion,but the captaincy could be handed to either Craig Casey or Cian Prendergast,signaling a potential shift in leadership.
Front Row Challenges
the front row presents a notable challenge,with two Irish hookers and two Irish props selected for the Lions,and cian Healy’s recent retirement. Beyond Dan Sheehan and Rónan Kelleher, who are heading to Australia with the Lions, the options at hooker are limited. Gus mccarthy and, perhaps, Rob Herring are the most obvious choices. However, Dave heffernan and Tom Stewart, who have earned seven and two caps respectively, along with Lee Barron, should also be considered.
Pro Tip: Tighthead vs. Loosehead
Andrew Porter’s durability and the consistent selection of Healy, contrasted with tadhg Furlong’s injury-affected season, have resulted in more tightheads gaining exposure to the Irish squad and Test rugby than looseheads.
Prop Options
Jack Boyle is the primary loosehead prop who has been tested. Tom O’Toole might revert to that side of the scrum. Finlay Bealham and Thomas Clarkson were supplemented by Jack Aungier’s call-up during the Six Nations, indicating the depth being explored. Michael Milne’s move from Leinster to Munster has proven beneficial, increasing his chances of selection.
Second Row Considerations
The Lions’ selection of Tadhg Beirne, james Ryan, and Joe McCarthy has stretched Ireland’s second-row depth. Diarmuid Mangan and Darragh Murray were called up during the Six Nations. Mangan is more likely to join Henderson, Ryan Baird, and the returning Cormac Izuchukwu, especially after Izuchukwu’s strong finish to the season with Ulster.
Back Row Replacements
The absence of four Six Nations back-rowers-Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier (Lions), Caelan Doris (injured), and Peter O’Mahony (retired)-necessitates significant reinforcements. James McNabney, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes, Max Deegan, Thomas Ahern, and Nick Timoney were all called up during the Six Nations, likely in anticipation of this scenario.
scrumhalf Choices
Craig Casey’s return to fitness is timely. he is highly likely to be joined by Connacht duo Caolin Blade and Ben Murphy.Murphy, a six Nations call-up, is highly regarded by Andy farrell and his coaching team. Matthew Devine, another Connacht scrumhalf, was sought after by ronan O’Gara at La Rochelle, but the move was blocked. Devine, along with Fintan Gunne, should also be in contention.
Reader Question: Out-half Situation
How will the absence of key players impact the out-half selection for the tour?
Out-Half and Center Options
The out-half picture remains unaffected by the Lions squad. However, with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose heading to Australia, Hugh cooney and Cathal Forde were called up during the Six Nations. Robbie Henshaw, if fit, and Stuart McCloskey could be part of the tour.This presents an prospect to invest in players like Jude Postlethwaite and Hugh Gavin.
Outside Backs Depth
Despite Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, and James Lowe being selected for the Lions, Ireland’s depth in the outside backs is stronger than previously thought. Along with squad players Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O’Brien, and Calvin Nash, the Six Nations call-ups for Shayne Bolton, Jacob Stockdale, and Tommy O’Brien were a reward for their form and provide further options.
Importance of the Tour
Nonetheless of the final squad composition, the summer tour against motivated teams ranked 11th and 18th in the world will be invaluable. The unveiling of the squad will only heighten the anticipation for these matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possible Ireland Squad
Forwards
- Hookers: Gus mccarthy (Leinster), lee Barron (Munster), Tom Stewart (Ulster)
- Props: Jack Boyle (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Michael Milne (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Aungier (Connacht)
- Locks: Iain Henderson (Ulster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Diarmuid Mangan (Leinster)
- Backrows: Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James McNabney (Ulster), John Hodnett (Munster), Gavin Coombes (Munster), Max deegan (Leinster), Thomas Ahern (Munster)
Backs
- Scrumhalves: Craig Casey (capt) (Munster), caolin Blade (Connacht), Ben Murphy (Connacht)
- Outhalves: Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)
- Centres: Robbie Henshaw (leinster), Hugh Cooney (Leinster), Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster), Hugh Gavin (Connacht)
- Outside backs: Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster), Shayne Bolton (Connacht)
