As the URC winds down, provincial excitement is at a fever pitch. When that culminates, there’s the small matter of a test series to kickstart the month of July. Reigning world champions South Africa hosting rivals and back-to-back Six Nations winners, Ireland.
It’s a battle to whet any appetite, and although injuries might dampen some people’s excitement, it will open up opportunities for others.
Who will Andy Farrell give a chance to, and which uncapped players will be unearthed? Here’s a sample of some guys we would like to see travel.
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Five players who could force their way into the Ireland squad for South Africa tour
Cormac Izuchukwu
8 June 2024; Cormac Izuchukwu of Ulster makes a break during the United Rugby Championship quarter-final match between Leinster and Ulster at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
One man’s knock is another man’s gain. With Tom Ahern set to miss out due to a cruelly timed knee injury, a door on the plane has been left ajar for Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu. The in-form lock/blindside hybrid option has been explosive under Richie Murphy having struggled for minutes in the previous regime.
The Tullamore native is dynamic and abrasive in the open field, with an all-round set-piece game to compliment the other parts of Ireland’s pack jigsaw. Ryan Baird is in pole position to occupy a crucial bench role in a 6/2 bench split, but “Izzy” should be close to deputising in South Africa.
David McCann
1 June 2024; David McCann of Ulster takes a possesion in a line-out during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Ulster at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by John Dickson/Sportsfile
We remain in Ulster and in their back-row next for another in-form sensation. Former Ireland under-20’s captain David McCann has shown his promise in the last 12 months, including a fearsome 2023/24 campaign where he made 18 appearances and scored 8 tries. Considering a mid-season injury sidelined him for a little over two months, it’s been an extraordinary campaign.
Like Izuchukwu, and another player to feature down the list, McCann will be viewed by many as being on the outside looking in. Questions of “who do you drop” shouldn’t factor into the discourse… even if it will. For me, McCann could compliment Josh van der Flier nicely in that expected 6/2 bench split, helped by his ability to play across the back row in different shirt numbers and job roles.
Sam Prendergast
8 June 2024; Sam Prendergast of Leinster during the United Rugby Championship quarter-final match between Leinster and Ulster at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Next on our list, we’re heading down the M1 and into the backline to include one of Irish rugby’s most hyped-up prospects. Kildare’s Sam Prendergast was a star in the green of Ireland under-20s, helping them to Six Nations grand slam glory, and a runners-up finish at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Many want him fast-tracked for Ireland squads and this is a prime opportunity.
Although a debut cap against the Springboks might be a physical step too far, a squad inclusion is deserved. Prendergast’s game awareness has accelerated this season, making him a viable candidate for the starting gig. A test debut is a case of when not if.
John Hodnett
7 June 2024; John Hodnett of Munster is tackled by Morgan Morris and Dewi Lake of Ospreys during the United Rugby Championship quarter-final match between Munster and Ospreys at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Similarly to Prendergast, claims for John Hodnett’s inclusion in Ireland squads started in 2023 and only continued to grow over time. A URC winner last May, the Rosscarbery man has ascended to first-team status with Munster, flourishing in an abrasive, hard-nosed roleset.
Like Izuchukwu and McCann above, John Hodnett finds himself starring in Ireland’s most competitive position. That said, with his wealth of experience in high-profile provincial games, many fans and pundits feel like an Ireland debut is long overdue.
Shane Daly
7 June 2024; Shane Daly of Munster keeps the ball in play during the United Rugby Championship quarter-final match between Munster and Ospreys at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Our only capped international on this list is one of the most in-form players in Ireland in recent weeks. Munster’s Shane Daly has found his best stuff in the business end of the season and, with an ability to cover both wing and full-back, could add to his two Ireland caps from 2020 and 2021.
Another Cork man, Daly is a weapon defensively with aggressive line speed and decisive tackling, while also being a sublime kick-chaser, with a mix of acceleration and aerial nous. Another Ireland call-up would be a deserved one.
Honourable Mentions: Jeremy Loughman, Oli Jager, Tom Stewart, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne
Should Andy Farrell really try and test the extremities of his squad, then the five lads above could be in pole position for serious minutes. Jimmy O’Brien looks set to be the next man up at hooker, while Oli Jager and Tom Stewart would love to add to their solitary caps.
Jamie Osborne could also benefit from Garry Ringrose’s injury troubles in green, just like he has in blue; with Jeremy Loughman fully deserving of a crack at the tenacious South African scrum.
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