Ireland squad winners and losers as Andy Farrell ‘gambles’ on injured veterans, rewards Leinster star but snubs Munster powerhouse
Check out our winners and losers from Andy Farrell's Ireland squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
Following the announcement of Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, we pick out our winners and losers.
Farrell has opted to stick with a largely similar team to the one that did service in July against the Springboks but has welcomed the return of several key players.
Meanwhile, the Ireland boss has gambled on many players’ fitness and will hope that they will be fit in time to tackle the All Blacks, Los Pumas, Fiji and the Wallabies at the Aviva Stadium.
The head coach has also called up five players who will train with the side in an attempt to fast-track their development with two uncapped players also primed to make their Test debuts.
With all this in mind, here are our winners and losers from Farrell’s selections.
Winners
Uncapped duo
After standout campaigns for the Emerging Ireland XV, Cormac Izuchukwu and Sam Prendergast have once again been included in the senior national squad and will eye their respective debuts this November.
Forward Izuchukwu has been a revelation for Ulster in recent times with his extreme athleticism for a man of his size being a real drawing point for his selection. This is not the first time that the 24-year-old has been named in an Andy Farrell squad as he also toured South Africa without earning a maiden Test cap. However, that could very well change during the Autumn even though he is contending for a spot in a highly competitive second and back row.
With Rugby Championship powerhouses New Zealand and Argentina first up, Farrell could rotate his squad for the clash against Fiji which could be Izuchukwu’s chance.
The same applies to Leinster prodigy Prendergast who has been seriously impressive for his Province since breaking into the senior squad. The 21-year-old has a cool head beyond his years and is viewed by many as Johnny Sexton’s long-term successor despite the performances of Jack Crowley and Ciaran Frawley.
Five development players
Five winners who will still feel a bit unlucky as Thomas Clarkson, Alex Kendellen, Shayne Bolton, Jack Boyle and Gus McCarthy are named as “Training Panellists” for November.
This means that they will help the squad prepare for the internationals but are unlikely to be in the frame for selection. While it is a suggestion that they are squarely on the senior coaching team’s radar, a player like Kendellen will feel aggrieved that it is not a full squad member call-up.
Still, being in direct eyeshot of the coaches can only do their hopes of making their international debuts further down the line all the more likely.
Jacob Stockdale
Jacob Stockdale’s form has been rewarded yet again as fans wait patiently for the Ulster star to return to his world-class best. The speedster was nigh on unstoppable at one point in the Ireland jersey but a plethora of injury setbacks have stalled his career.
However, this season with Ulster he looks to be hitting those strides yet again and he will be eager to get even a sniff at a few minutes back at the highest level.
Peter O’Mahony
The inspirational Munster forward is not the only player to be selected on proven pedigree but Peter O’Mahony is certainly the most eye-catching of the lot.
Many are of the opinion that he is past his best but Farrell does not share those sentiments as he has named the 35-year-old back-rower in his squad despite not playing a single minute of the URC season so far.
It’s a nod to what he brings to the squad not only on the field but off to as there is no question that he is a true leader of men.
Caelan Doris
Speaking of leaders, number eight Caelan Doris will be captaining Ireland this November after doing so against the second Test against the Springboks earlier this year.
The back-rower has been one of the most consistently brilliant forwards in world rugby for some time now and is starting to add leadership to his ever-increasing repertoire.
It’s a huge honour for any player to lead their country and one Doris is taking in his stride.
“It is an enormous honour to be named Ireland captain and I am excited about leading the squad into battle over the coming weeks,” he said.
“I am very fortunate to have had so much support from my family and friends and many others along the way from Mayo to Blackrock and on to Leinster and Ireland.
“I am extremely proud to lead this squad and I know that there’s an experienced group of leaders who will work hard to achieve success in the weeks ahead. We have a special group of players and I am confident that there are bright days to come as we build up for four huge Tests at Aviva Stadium.”
Jamie Osborne
After a stunning showing in South Africa, where he played at fullback, Jamie Osborne started his United Rugby Championship campaign in the number 15 jersey before reverting back to his usual spot at inside centre.
The uber-talented 22-year-old has continued his fine form which has resulted in him retaining his place in a highly competitive space for Ireland. The midfield is stocked with class in Stuart McCloskey, Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose while he will complete with the always-brilliant Hugo Keenan for the fullback role.
Despite the competition, Farrell clearly believes that Osborne has plenty to offer the team and deservedly includes him in his 35.
Andy Farrell
Shortly, we will dive into the unlucky stars who have missed out on a place in Farrell’s squad which illustrates the strength in depth the number one ranked side in the world have at their disposal.
Even with a host of injuries, Farrell has been able to piece together a mighty team that could go unbeaten this November even with some challenging fixtures laying ahead.
Losers
Injured stars
Farrell is giving many of the stars that have served him well over the past few seasons the opportunity to prove their fitness but some have already been ruled out of contention.
Back-rower Jack Conan fits into that category after he also missed the tour to South Africa due to family commitments and the same applies to hooker Dan Sheehan.
With doubts around Ronan Kelleher before the squad was named Tom Stewart looked to be in the frame for selection but unfortunately for the Ulster star, he too is out through injury.
Cáolin Blade
After performing so well for Ireland in South Africa, Cáolin Blade can really feel hard done by as he misses out on the squad as Farrell favours Gibson-Park, Conor Murray and Craig Casey.
The aformentioned trio have been consistent selections and performers for Ireland in recent seasons but Blade made a good fist of his opportunity and would have loved another richly-deserved crack.
Mike Haley and Jordan Larmour
Simply put, the Munster back has been in superb form for his Province and misses out purely down to the sheer quality of the selection pool.
It’s a harsh reality and for Farrell, a brilliant position to be in that the 30-year-old is deemed surplus to requirements.
The same applies to Leinster speedster Jordan Larmour who was in excellent form at the end of last season and was in the Ireland squad but has now fallen out of favour.
Thomas Ahern and Gavin Coombes
Copy and paste from the above as Thomas Ahern and Gavin Coombes are in the same boat as their Munster teammate as despite his excellent form in the URC, is not enough to force the selectors’ hands.
Jeremy Loughman
Cian Healy is a true great of Irish Rugby and remains a real force at the age of 37 years old but one has to wonder what more has the Munsterman Jeremy Loughman have to do?
He has been superb in the set-pieces for Munster and is no slouch around the park either and at 29, he is entering his prime propping years.
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