There’s nothing like a minor injury crisis to get a peek into the true power of Ireland’s cohesive style. With Dan Sheehan sidelined for the long-term and Ronan Kelleher having picked up a knock in recent weeks, Ireland will have to test their depth at hooker this coming November.
Exciting young Ulster hooker Tom Stewart was ruled out with injury this week as well, so some new faces will be given a shot. From provincial leaders to Emerging Ireland stars, there’s plenty of options for Easterby and co. to consider. Here are the runners and riders and who we think will be called up to lead the lineout in November.
Rob Herring
The obvious candidate to start is this beloved Ulster clubman. However, Herring is also on the sidelines nursing a calf strain and missed Ulster's win over the Ospreys last night. With 40 caps to his name, the 34-year-old has all the credentials to fill in for Sheehan and Kelleher, if fit. His injury was this week described as 'week-to-week'.
Dave Heffernan
Having been flown down to South Africa as injury cover this summer, in-form Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan will also fancy his chances. The Ballina man is as experienced as he is robust, and will be keen to add to his seven previous Ireland caps.
Diarmuid Barron
The most recent squad call-up not already mentioned, and first uncapped option, is a Tipp man with a commanding presence. Although you could point to his bench role at Munster as reasons not to select Diarmuid Barron, he has the role set to slot in seamlessly.
6 September 2024; Diarmuid Barron of Munster during the pre-season friendly match between Munster and Gloucester at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Niall Scannell
Staying in Munster, another experienced choice is Niall Scannell. A set-piece specialist, Scannell has rarely featured in Andy Farrell’s squad, but needs must could see him earn a timely recall.
Dylan Tierney-Martin
Back to Connacht next for an exciting prospect, who could jump the provincial queue. Tierney-Martin is a robust hooker in open play, with a decent throw and high upside in a powerful pack.
Gus McCarthy
Finally we come to a Leinster option, and a truly exciting prodigy. Former Ireland under-20s captain McCarthy recently toured South Africa with Emerging Ireland, and although he’s still new to provincial rugby, he could be fast tracked for Ireland duties. McCarthy will make his first Leinster start against Connacht on Saturday and it will be interesting to see how he gets on
📩 | 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩...
Here is your #LeinsterRugby team to face @connachtrugby tomorrow evening in Galway!#CONvLEI #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/dPeEHvRglf— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) October 18, 2024
Lee Barron
Our final option is another Leinster man, in Lee Barron. From the naked eye he looks like a Dan Sheehan regen across the park, and could be seen as a great role swap going forward.
The Ireland coaching staff will have quite the anxious wait to see how injuries clear up, if they do at all. But now the onus is on the other candidates to push on with their form, and get a chance in camp to impress.
