The 2024 Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa came to an end on Wednesday as Simon Easterby’s men defeated the hosting Cheetahs 33-24, thanks to tries from Evan O’Connell, Andrew Osborne, Alex Soroka, Matthew Devine and Danny Sheahan.
It was another afternoon where the youngsters came to the fore, among those Stephen Smyth, Seán Edogbo and Player of the Match Hugh Gavin; but with Ireland’s first November test against New Zealand less than a month away, here’s who we think have done enough to force their way into Ireland’s plans.
Sam Prendergast - Leinster (recall)
Having started all three tests, this tour was all about the Kildare man. Reservations may be made about not giving Charlie Tector or Jack Murphy at least one start, but it is clear that the Ireland coaching staff just wanted to look at Sam. A first Ireland cap feels inevitable in November, barring injury, despite not being a provincial starter just yet.
Cormac Izuchukwu - Leinster (recall)
6 October 2024; Cormac Izuchukwu of Ireland in action against Western Force during the Toyota Challenge Match match between Emerging Ireland and Western Force at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Photo by Charle Lombard/Sportsfile
One of two players on this list not to feature in the final game against the Cheetahs, Izuchukwu looked a class above on the tour. The Ulster second-row/flanker hybrid player has the power and athleticism for test rugby, and should get another call-up, following his selection on the summer tour.
Alex Kendellen - Munster
After being named captain for the tour, Munster man Kendellen took his opportunity with both hands. He was ever-present across the opening two games, looking like a Josh van der Flier regen in the openside role, putting him in pole position for a long overdue call-up.
2 October 2024; Alex Kendellen of Ireland in action against Pumas during the Toyota Challenge Match match between Pumas and Emerging Ireland at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Photo by Charle Lombard/Sportsfile
Scott Wilson - Ulster
Despite getting no starts on the tour, a move that is sure to annoy Ulster fans, Scott Wilson should be in line for a first call-up later this month. The powerful tighthead should get his chance now, off the back of a great season last year, and could potentially push ahead of much older options ahead of him.
Matthew Devine - Connacht
With Ben Murphy and Caolin Blade battling it out back home, Galway man Devine reminded everyone of his class down in South Africa. He was a clear best of the touring nines, mixing his speed and sniping ability with a very refined and accurate skillset.
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— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) October 9, 2024
Jude Postlethwaite - Ulster
Going bold with the final selection, Ulster’s Postlethwaite is primed to be the next man up in Ireland’s ageing centre department. With McCloskey, Aki and Henshaw all north of 30, Ireland could do with a young and powerful centre to come through the ranks, and no better man than one of the standouts from this tour. Both Devine and Postlethwaite should warrant a development squad spot at least.
In conclusion, the 2022 edition of this tour opened Irish eyes to the talent of Jack Crowley, Calvin Nash and Joe McCarthy, and this year’s tour could well do the same. Of the playing squad, the majority should be capped in the future, some sooner than others; and hopefully the players listed above will don the green come November.
