The dust has settled on Ireland's Six Nations win. It was not quite the cakewalk that some expected, but the history books will reflect on the title win, and not the performances. With it comes a major uptick in public mood after the World Cup agony; and a boost for Andy Farrell’s quest to break every record possible.
That said, Farrell’s decision to forgo reshaping his player pool in order to chase success has proven to be fruitful, but does leave the provincial fans foaming at the mouth over the coming weeks. As we head into the defining weeks of the club season, here are some of the players we think can further their case with the hope of joining the travelling party to South Africa this summer.
Tom Stewart
Tom Stewart is the latest cab off the rank as Ulster’s newest young prodigy at hooker. Still only 23, Stewart is close to usurping Rob Herring at a provincial level and deserves a crack to prove his worth as Ireland’s number three hooker.
Jamie Osborne
Next up ready for minutes is Jamie Osborne. When fit, Osborne has looked comfortable at every level for Leinster, and has a versatility that works well for club or country. It remains to be seen whether he would be viewed as a centre, wing or full back; but he will be capped somewhere if fit. He flashed his brilliance in Leinster's big win over the Bulls on Friday at the RDS.
Would say this is fantastic continuity if not for Van der Flier hitting the post so hard😄.
Great rugby to watch. The fast feet, the support play and offloading all A1.#LEIvBUL #URCpic.twitter.com/8uPeLBxvBG— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) March 29, 2024
Oli Jager
If recent rumours are true, then Tom O’Toole could be Ireland’s latest prop to shift from the tight head to loose head side. Should he do so, then I expect to see him get some minutes in the Autumn. That then opens up a slip stream for Jager to burst into the 23. He’s four years younger than Bealham and Furlong, and his breakdown and set-piece work has Munster fans with stars in their eyes since his mid-season arrival.
Jager's knee injury from the Six Nations could scupper his plans of forcing his way into Andy Farrell's reckoning for the summer. A specialist will decide if surgery is required.
John Hodnett
Sticking with Munster and John Hodnett’s period in the abyss feels wrong in many ways. A core star in their URC glory, including a Player of the Match showing in the final; Hodnett could provide cover at openside behind Josh van der Flier.
In Saturday's win over Cardiff at Thomond, Hodnett was his usual self.
30 March 2024; John Hodnett of Munster after the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Cardiff at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Tom Ahern
If Jager has Munster fans delighted, Tom Ahern’s early season heroics has excited everyone. Having been a star at U20 level alongside Jack Crowley, the Waterford man has been unleashed as a wide attacking option from the six shirt, making him a similar option for and competitor to Ryan Baird.
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Shayne Bolton
Arguably the most obscure option here, Connacht’s power winger could squeeze a way into a new shade of green this year. As he is also eligible for South Africa, so in order to avoid another Antoine Frisch scenario, Ireland should keep a very close eye on him before capping him in November.
Shayne Bolton gets @connachtrugby up & running against Bristol 💪#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/MRTrXeoE7g
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) January 19, 2024
Mike Haley
When Hugo Keenan went down before the Scotland game, many fans were left wishing upon a Mike Haley shaped star. The reliable full back has been out in the cold for Ireland, but fans of his can only hope that Ireland were spooked by the list of back three injuries in the Six Nations and look to bring in fresh, but experienced blood.
