Joe Schmidt is sticking to his guns for the visit of Wales but Garry Ringrose’s international elevation may soon prove irresistible.
At this stage, we almost don’t want to ask the Irish management for an injury update.
While not quite at 2013 levels – when Ireland finished the championship with Peter O’Mahony on the wing – we are one more ankle twist or finger break away from a crisis.
Luke Fitzgerald [knee] is the seventh senior squad member to fall afoul of an injury curse that has gathered momentum in recent weeks. Ireland will stick with their current squad but may refresh the numbers ahead of the trip to Paris.
Fitzgerald’s last Irish outing was on the wing but he was expected to challenge for the outside centre position in this championship. Indeed, he was in that position when his foot stuck in the Aviva Stadium turf and his Six Nations ended before it started.
To that end, we will overlook the valid claims of Craig Gilroy [Ulster] and Matt Healy [Connacht] and look at the options Schmidt has at centre.
The people’s champion: Garry Ringrose
11 games into his pro rugby career and just a solitary try to his name but Ringrose is the young man most are pinning their hopes to.
The 21-year-old snatched his opportunity with Leinster during the World Cup and never looked back. He still has some bulking up today if he is to survive more than a month as a senior centre but he has done all that has been asked of him and more in recent months.
The Brian O’Driscoll comparisons will continue if he manages to get on the pitch in Paris and introduce himself to the wider rugby world.
Joe Schmidt name-checked Ringrose as one of three young Irish players on the verge of senior selection. Fitzgerald’s injury could be all the opening he needs.
The safe bet: Fergus McFadden
Somewhat disingenuous to describe McFadden as safe but that is only because Schmidt would know exactly what to expect from the Leinster man.
McFadden has been focusing on playing out wide this season but eight of his 29 Test caps have been in the centre.
Has an aggression and doughtiness to his game that would come in handy in what will be tough away ties with France and England. Thrives in pressure cooker situations and loves a scrap.
The outside bet: Stuart Olding
The Ulsterman is destined to appear numerous times for Ireland – and add to his two existing caps – so why not get him in, and around the senior squad, now?
Recently back from injury and instantly getting fans off their seats. He was superb in the recent away win over Treviso.
The counter argument would be that Olding needs game time and would be better served at Ulster in the Guinness PRO12.
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