After an eventful final few days of the URC, closely followed by Andy Farrell’s 35-man squad selection, it’s fair to say that Irish fans are perked up at the moment. Even as the slow, wilting fatigue of this 13 month season starts to kick in, there’s nothing like a squad announcement to get the juices flowing.
These reactions were fuelled by a largely divisive selection. Regulars Iain Henderson, Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Conan were all ruled out while an in-form Munster trio of Jeremy Loughman, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes headlined the omitted conversation. The selected squad includes three new caps, and three centurions, but still leaves the door open for some changes to the matchday 23 to face the Springboks in Pretoria.
Here's how we see Andy Farrell and his coaching staff going for the opening game:
15. Jimmy O’Brien
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
With Hugo Keenan chasing the Olympic dream in Paris, his shirt is the first chance at rotation in this side. His Leinster teammates Ciarán Frawley and Jordan Larmour both deputised there during the Six Nations, but I am leaning towards Jimmy O’Brien. The versatile outside back is the most comfortable under the high ball, has the best positioning sense, is an aggressive defender and offers the most going forward. An easy selection in my books.
14. Calvin Nash
Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
On the right wing we have a man who made good on his chance in the spring, with Munster’s Calvin Nash retaining his place from the Six Nations. The Limerick man scored his first two Ireland tries in the Six Nations, where he showed his physical edge and natural ability at the highest level.
13. Robbie Henshaw
Like Nash, Robbie Henshaw also started all five of Ireland’s Six Nations games, all of which at outside centre, where I would like to see him get his chance again. Henshaw is best suited to the 13 role for Ireland, rather than his familiar 12 spot, with a known physicality that will be important against the Boks. With Garry Ringrose having only played 91 minutes since early February; then starting Henshaw seems the best bet for the must-win opener.
12. Bundee Aki
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Ireland’s stand-out player at the last World Cup is a dead cert selection wise. Although I would like to see Stuart McCloskey get minutes in one of the two tests, you simply cannot expect to beat the Boks with an already changed up attacking output without Bundee.
11. James Lowe
Akin to Aki, James Lowe will be critical to Ireland’s attacking philosophy on this tour. His cannon of a left boot will be vital in the exit strategy, but his ability to win collisions and consistently make the gainline down the wings will be crucial against a different looking South African edge defence.
10. Jack Crowley
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Jack Crowley’s rise to the top over the past two seasons has not gone unnoticed by those in South Africa, and I am sure he will be the man to lead Ireland’s line down there. With Ciarán Frawley and Sam Prendergast struggling for meaningful minutes at 10 at Leinster, Crowley should be expected to start both tests.
9. Craig Casey
With Jamison Gibson-Park’s untimely injury, a space has opened up at scrum-half. Conor Murray has been the Leinster man’s back-up since the reversal, but with Murray set to enter his final year of pro rugby, then Craig Casey should be given the nod here. Casey had an up-and-down end to his season at Munster, but Ireland should be able to resource possession better, as it is a cornerstone of their lightning attack.
READ HERE: 'Something Is A Bit Amiss': Jackman On Disappointing Rugby Season For Irish Provinces
1. Andrew Porter
As always, Ireland’s front-row picks itself. Andrew Porter will need to be at his brilliant best against scrummaging experts like Frans Malherbe and Thomas du Toit, as well as keeping up his science-defining 70+ minutes every week.
2. Dan Sheehan
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
If Ireland are to claim victory in South Africa, then the set-piece will be crucial. Ireland’s lineout misfired at key moments of the World Cup and Six Nations, but Sheehan is Ireland’s best throwing option from hooker. His lineouts and ball carrying alone make him a key cog in Ireland’s operation.
3. Tadhg Furlong
If you love set-piece duels, then get ready for Tadhg Furlong vs Ox Nche (or Retshegofaditswe Nche to give him his proper name). Furlong’s evolution into a pass first distributor and clinical power scrummager has been fun to watch, but he will need every last bit of nous against the Sharks loosehead.
4. Joe McCarthy
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
If you wrote this article a year ago, then starting Joe McCarthy would be grounds for ridicule. However, the Leinster power-lock has shown his worth this season with some stellar performances. He is a shoe-in to start against the typically brutish Springbok pack, who will look to nullify McCarthy’s carrying threat just like England did back in March.
5. Tadhg Beirne
Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Tadhg Beirne needs no reason to start, it’s a given; but seeing him face-off against Eben Etzebeth again is enough to get anyone excited. A big tour is needed from the Munster captain if Ireland are to be victorious.
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
Once confirmed (again) as Ireland captain, Peter O’Mahony’s place in the starting XV was all sewn up. The Cork man was at his brilliant best last time Ireland took to the field, and since re-signing with Munster, will be expected to lead Ireland into battle for the foreseeable. Like Sheehan, a stereotypical lineout masterclass will be needed from O’Mahony, and we wouldn’t say no to a few signature jackal turnovers either.
7. Josh van der Flier
In another world, Jack Conan’s absence would see Josh drop to the reserves and deployed as the primary explosive bench option. However, looking at this squad, the 2022 World Player of the Year will almost certainly start at openside, leaving a scrap for the bench spot.
8. Caelan Doris
Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Ireland’s vice captain and key ruck weapon Caelan Doris is the final name and final certainty. He is the best number eight in Ireland, and despite his flexibility, Farrell and his coaching staff seem to prefer him in that role.
Replacements (6/2):
Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Oli Jager; James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney; Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley
On the bench, I predict minimal changes also. Oli Jager’s bomb squad role at Munster could be nourished at Test level, while Nick Timoney’s explosivity gives him the edge over Cian Prendergast to feature. Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose are unlucky not to be involved, but I can see them getting minutes at some stage in this series.
