Ireland’s November tests have been a mixed bag by their high standards, but a victory over Joe Schmidt’s Australia on Saturday could turn a decent month into a good one. Last weekend’s comprehensive victory over Fiji showed which players are finding form, and with that in mind, here’s our “form fifteen” of players pushing for starts at the weekend.
On Tuesday, Tadhg Furlong, Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale and Ryan Baird were all ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Wallabies by Andy Farrell.
1. Andrew Porter
A boring choice to start, but Leinster’s Andrew Porter is the form loosehead in Ireland. Cian Healy and Tom O’Toole’s brief cameos aside, it’s Porter’s jersey because of how vital he is to Farrell’s system.
2. Gus McCarthy
It takes an impressive debut to force your way into a form team, but Gus McCarthy hit that exact marker against Fiji. The 21-year-old hooker had a try and 3 assists as well as being a menace carrying the ball, and will be pushing for another shot on Saturday.
3. Tom Clarkson
With Tadhg Furlong absent, there was room for a new man to step up in green if allowed. That man was Tom Clarkson. The youngster looked comfortable in both of his tests, raising questions of Leinster’s signing of Rabah Slimani this past off season.
4. James Ryan
Lock was a coin toss between two more Leinster men, but this writer has edged in the direction of James Ryan over Joe McCarthy after incredible defensive efforts in games one and two.
5. Tadhg Beirne
Despite deputising at flanker this in the opening rounds, Munster captain Tadhg Beirne is a world class lock who has gotten better game on game
6. Cormac Izuchukwu
Another fresh face starts the back row in Offaly history maker Izuchukwu. The Ulster blindside had an impressive debut in green and would be a deserving starter.
7. Josh van der Flier
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Arguably Ireland’s player of the month, Josh van der Flier has been exceptional. The Wicklow man is a leading carrier and tackler and Ireland’s best (and only) 7 to feature.
8. Caelan Doris (capt)
Rounding out the pack is Leinster and Ireland captain Caelan Doris. He too has started every game but like Tadhg Beirne, has gotten better with every minute played.
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9. Craig Casey
Starting off the backline is the latest Munster man. Craig Casey’s starring role versus Fiji was one of his best ever in green, and even better than the efforts of Jamison Gibson-Park.
10. Jack Crowley
In a month where all three 10s have shown promise, we have leant towards Jack Crowley. When the spotlight shone brightest, Crowley’s performance against Argentina was near perfection while up against a difficult opponent.
11. James Lowe
Jacob Stockdale looked like his old self as he racked up 10 carries for 70 metres in just 50 minutes of action, however his hamstring injury means James Lowe will surely start for Ireland against the Wallabies.
12. Bundee Aki
Player of the match last week having been left out of the Argentinian visit, Bundee Aki was in superb form against a tough Fijian midfield. When he finds top gear, he’s tough to stop.
13. Robbie Henshaw
Joining Aki in the centre is former Connacht teammate Robbie Henshaw. Imperious against Argentina and dangerous against Fiji, Henshaw is the man in form ahead of selection, even if Garry Ringrose didn’t put a foot wrong either.
14. Mack Hansen
Three tries in the last two games, Connacht favourite Hansen is another who is improving as the games go on. He has slotted right back into Ireland’s attacking structure, acting as a key cog of the multiple playmaking role.
15. Hugo Keenan
Jamie Osborne’s brief but impressive cameo against Fiji makes him Ireland’s most interesting option at fullback based on form. However his abductor injury means Hugo Keenan will be a shoe-in to start on Saturday.
Andy Farrell is highly unlikely to name this fifteen at the weekend, with Kelleher, McCarthy, Gibson-Park, Lowe and Keenan all set to start; but he should be very pleased with the improved form after a slow start.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-11-26 14:43:21
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