The 2024 Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa is off to a dream start as the side, coached by Simon Easterby, cruised to a 36-24 victory over the Airlink Pumas in Bloemfontein. Tries from Zac Ward, Darragh Murray, Cormac Izuchukwu, Stephen Smyth, Gus McCarthy and a penalty try led to a convincing win for this experimental Irish team.
There were a lot of positives to take from a game labelled by Easterby as “outstanding”. Here’s who we thought stood out in the opening game of this Autumnal tour.
Emerging Ireland's star players vs the Pumas
Cormac Izuchukwu & Harry Sheridan
In the white of Ulster and now in the green of Ireland, this one-two combo showed they are levels above on Wednesday afternoon. Tullamore native Izuchukwu dotted down for a try while also teeing up Connacht’s Darragh Murray for another in a typically shrewd performance with ball in hand from the flanker.
His Ulster teammate and friend Sheridan was dominant in contact throughout, bringing his typical tenacious energy in close contact. His brilliant line break in the build up to Stephen Smyth’s try showed his sharp IQ in possession, and reminded many that he is closer to chasing down Ryan Baird’s position as a like for like replacement than some might give him credit for.
Matthew Devine
Lovely pass from Matthew Devine, 22-7 to Ireland after 45min. pic.twitter.com/REQE6tfHK9
— Joe Naughton (@JoeNaConnacht) October 2, 2024
Connacht’s Matthew Devine wouldn’t have expected to go the full 80 on Wednesday, but it is testament to his performance as well as his versatility. The Ballinasloe man is known for his sniping runs and tempo of attack, both of which were on display; but it was his precision and polish that stood out. In just his first game of the season, Connacht’s scrum-half battle took another turn for the better.
Stephen Smyth
One of the youngest starters up next with Leinster academy hooker Stephen Smyth. The Old Wesley man got the nod over under-20 teammate Danny Sheahan and Leinster teammate Gus McCarthy, and showed why. He ran a smooth operation at lineout time, was busy around the park and took his try very nicely. A tidy performance from him.
Jack Aungier
Back to the more experienced heads now as Connacht’s Jack Aungier had another typically rock solid day from minute one. The now 25-year-old tighthead prop locked out the scrum from his side, on a good day for the Irish set piece, and was ever present around the park, like he so often is for Connacht.
Alex Kendellen
The final mention on this list goes to captain of the tour, Alex Kendellen. The Cork man has stepped up to leadership roles with ease, despite still being only 23, did not let it bother him. Kendellen was proficient throughout, looking comfortable in the strike wing forward role set Josh van der Flier has owned in the Farrell era. Don’t be surprised if the Munster flanker is the next back rower to get his shot in green if his tour keeps going on this trajectory.
Emerging Ireland's next fixture
Ireland go into Sunday’s clash with the Western Force on a high, although changes will need to be made. With such a short turnaround, I don’t expect to see many starters go again from the off, paving the way for the likes of Scott Wilson, Alex Soroka and Charlie Tector to get their first shot.
Munster duo Danny Sheahan and Seán Edogbo are both likely to feature alongside Ireland under-20 teammate Alex Usanov, who was excellent in the second half yesterday, further highlighting the level of talent in the 2023 Ireland under-20 squad.
A Predicted 23 to play the Western Force:
(15-9) Ben O’Connor, Chay Mullins, Hugh Cooney, Jude Postlethwaite, Andrew Osborne, Charlie Tector, Ethan Coughlan
(1-8) Alex Usanov, Gus McCarthy, Scott Wilson, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Evan O’Connell, Alex Soroka, Alex Kendellen, Seán Edogbo
(16-23) Danny Sheahan, Mark Donnelly, Ronan Foxe, Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Jansen, Cormac Foley, Sam Prendergast, Seán O’Brien
Their next game is against the Western Force on Sunday at 12pm on Irish Rugby +
SEE ALSO: Paul O'Connell Had Uncharacteristically Wild Reaction To South Africa Test Win
