Who will be 2015’s Conor Murray?
The Munster scrum-half had only eight starts in professional rugby when he was included in Declan Kidney’s World Cup squad in 2011. His first Test start came against the USA in New Plymouth and he has yet to look back.
Joe Schmidt has already sprung a few selection surprises since taking charge of the national team. The Ireland coach was a keen observer at the interprovincial matches over the summer and will have taken note of telling contributions from a number of players that currently fall into the ‘outsider’ bracket.
Here are five players SportsJOE feels could yet force their way into the World Cup picture.
Jack Conan
The versatile back-row stepped up from Old Belvedere’s Ulster Bank League push, late last season, to make his Leinster debut. Has looked as if he has been on the scene for years with a series of outstanding performances and man-of-the-match accolades. Can deftly cover blindside and No.8, as he did during a try-scoring performance against Ulster on Saturday.
Denis Buckley
The loose-head has long been touted as an international prospect for the past four years but has only begun to consistently deliver since Pat Lam took charge out west. Has developed into a strong scrummager, a ball-carrying threat and his staying power – proving effective deep into matches – has improved.
Chris Farrell
Continues to wave a spade-like hand in Schmidt’s direction by his midfield efforts with Grenoble in the Top 14. The big man, who moved from Ulster last summer, has neat handling abilities and is often the fulcrum of Grenoble’s best attacking moves. Offers a bustling, intelligent option at outside centre.
John Ryan
Another loose-head option and one that found himself third-choice at the beginning of the season. Injuries to Dave Kilcoyne and James Cronin have shoved him into the limelight but he has neither blanched nor wilted in a series of tough encounters. Held his own away to Clermont and impressed in the Thomond Park win over Leinster.
Tadhg Furlong
It was not so long ago (March 2013) when Ireland were capping New Zealand native Michael Bent at tight-head before he had even turned out for Leinster. The provincial academies have all produced promising propping options in the past 18 months and Furlong is one of the best. Suddenly scrummaging life after Mike Ross (retires) does not look quite so bleak.
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