A team bursting with potential!
Lions fever has gripped the country, but Ireland are back in action this Saturday, facing off against Georgia in Tbilisi (kick-off, 6pm), with Paul O’Connell in charge.
Fans have been crying out for more new caps and their wish will be granted, with so many off in Australia.
Front row
Jack Boyle finds himself as a relatively experienced head among this front five, a position he won’t find himself again with Ireland for another season or two.
This is huge for his development as a leader, while having his scrummaging severely tested by the Georgians.
The same applies for Gus McCarthy, who will be in the running a MOTM award given his work rate and abrasive nature.
With Finlay Bealham called up to the Lions, Tom Clarkson is next in line and will be looking to continue the form he showed in Leinster’s URC final win over the Bulls.
Second row
Darragh Murray is the only out-and-out second row in the squad, but Cormac Izuchukwu’s days as a blindside/lock hybrid look to be coming to an end for both club and country.
The former’s skill at set-piece will be crucial, and his nitty-gritty work allows others to flourish in the loose.
Back row
Unfortunately, it looks like Tom Ahern will be unavailable for the game, after Josh Murphy was called in as cover.
Ryan Baird will provide further experience to help ease in the new blood.
Gavin Coombes also deserves a start after finally getting back into an initial squad.
Nick Timoney should round out the back row at openside, in what is a quick Irish pack.
Half-back
Captain Craig Casey will and should start, allowing a debutant in Ben Murphy or Nathan Doak to bring the game home when it opens up.
With Sam Prendergast getting the majority of the minutes in the Six Nations, Jack Crowley deserves his place, and could play the full 80 minutes, moving to 12 when the Leinster No 10 comes on.
Both men will be looking to show that they’ve ironed out some serious flaws in their game.
Centre
Like Baird and Casey, Stuart McCloskey will be guiding the younglings, and providing his signature go-forward ball and offloads.
Connacht’s Hugh Gavin is the best prospect in the squad and will form a big midfield with the Ulsterman.
Back three
Jacob Stockdale has been nearing his best in recent months, and given the age of James Lowe, he looks more likely to be the main option for the next World Cup.
It is imperative that he gets more games in green under his belt.
Tommy O’Brien’s form after years of injury woe has marked him out as a challenger to Mack Hansen on the right wing, and should cap off the best year of his career with a debut.
Jamie Osborne will likely fill out the back line at fullback.
Ireland team vs Georgia:
- Jack Boyle
- Gus McCarthy
- Tom Clarkson
- Darragh Murray*
- Cormac Izuchukwu
- Ryan Baird
- Nick Timoney
- Gavin Coombes
- Craig Casey
- Jack Crowley
- Jacob Stockdale
- Stuart McCloskey
- Hugh Gavin*
- Tommy O’Brien*
- Jamie Osborne
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Michael Milne*, Tom O’Toole, Max Deegan, Alex Kendellen*, Ben Murphy*, Sam Prendergast, Jimmy O’Brien.
