We’re still in this dogfight and there’s lots lots of barking to be done.
One game down and one point in the bag. Realistically, Ireland cannot afford to drop any more points if they wish to retain their Six Nations trophy. Okay, one more draw and we could still nick it.
Joe Schmidt’s squad are only able to have two full training sessions this week, thanks to a horrifically punitive six-day turnaround.
The likelihood of putting out the exact same 15 players, that drew with Wales, was always going to be slim. As it is, Schmidt will hold off on a couple of selection calls until after Thursday morning’s training run at Carton House.
Going off word, closer and closer to the Irish camp, this is the XV Schmidt wants to start against France.
FRONT ROW
No change here from the Welsh draw, wish as we might for a miraculous Mike Ross return. Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Nathan White get a chance to remedy last Sunday’s scrum ills.
SECOND ROW
Devin Toner, who was excellent against Wales, and the bustling Mike McCarthy are retained.
BACK ROW
The moment Sean O’Brien got through Tuesday’s training run, the dye was set. CJ Stander [6] and Jamie Heaslip [8] to keep O’Brien and his tender hamstring company. Tommy O’Donnell appears to have shown no ill effects from the blow to the head that saw him removed against Wales. Rhys Ruddock’s ability to cover all back row positions should see him play reserve.
HALF BACKS
Johnny Sexton was back to his best against Wales and Conor Murray [try and all] looked sharp too. Kieran Marmion was somewhat surprisingly released to Connacht. That means Eoin Reddan and Ian Madigan will be the half-back cover.
MIDFIELD
He might protest otherwise, and has in the past, but the Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne combo is Schmidt’s pet project. Solid if unspectacular against Wales.
BACK THREE
The fact that Andrew Trimble, Simon Zebo and Keith Earls all sat out of Ireland’s training run, on Tuesday, makes this the biggest quandary for Schmidt.
Earls is unlikely to feature due to his confirmed concussion and the step-by-step safe return protocols. Our educated guess is Rob Kearney at fullback, with Zebo and Trimble on the left and right wings respectively. If either Zebo or Kearney are ruled out, Dave Kearney will provide cover.
SportsJOE’s predicted IRELAND XV
15. Rob Kearney
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Simon Zebo
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Nathan White
4. Devin Toner
5. Mike McCarthy
6. CJ Stander
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements: S Cronin, J Cronin, Furlong, Ryan, Ruddock, Reddan, Madigan, D Kearney.
*If either Zebo or Kearney are ruled out, Dave Kearney will provide cover
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