Conor Ward takes a look back at Ireland’s Six Nations campaign and picks what he believes should be the starting XV for the World Cup in New Zealand later this year.
Well, the world became a better place to be for an Irish rugby supporter between the hours of 5 and 7 in the pm last Saturday.
Not only did our players show what they are truly capable of, the added bonus was the auld enemy taking ‘one hell of a beating’ and being denied Grand Slam glory in the process, a humbling only made sweeter by the emergence of that ill-advised Nike ad which had them ordained before the event. Very silly.
Hope springs eternal, as they say. Ireland had actually been threatening this sort of performance for a while, only to let it slip through their own shortcomings and indiscretions, not to mention some cruel external factors (linesmen!) at different stages.
Confidence restored
But that should all be consigned to the past now, as a potentially disastrous campaign has been salvaged and confidence restored (he said tentatively). We’ve had a timely reminder of the quality that still resides in this squad with the World Cup in New Zealand looming ever larger on the horizon.
And with that in mind, taking all the evidence of the last few weeks into account, I will now attempt to pick my way through the various selection dilemmas to pick my World Cup starting XV and substitutes. Here goes…
1 Loose-head Prop – Cian Healy
Always dynamic in the loose and improving steadily in the scrum, Healy is starting to prove himself as the real deal at international level.
2 Hooker – Rory Best
A solid performer without being a superstar. Strong leadership strengthens his case, but needs to keep up recent progress with lineout delivery.
3 Tight-head Prop – Mike Ross
Has made the crucial difference in solidifying a previously creaking scrum, and on that basis alone Ross must get the nod.
4 Second Row – Leo Cullen
A contentious call to pick him ahead of long-serving Donncha, but Cullen’s skill level is higher, he’s good in the lineout, and he’s a clever player around the pitch.
5 Second Row – Paul O’Connell
Always a shoo-in when fully fit, and his resurgence is now beginning to tell as he became ever more conspicuous at crucial stages during this campaign.
6 Blindside Flanker – Sean O’Brien
First name on the teamsheet, maybe the best player of the whole championship. Immense strength and pace will give us serious scoring potential in the autumn.
7 Openside Flanker – David Wallace
Tight calls to be made in the back row, but Wallace, having been written off by many, was back at his rampaging best against England and looks set for one last tilt at glory.
8 – No 8 – Jamie Heaslip
Has struggled with injury meaning we didn’t see the best of him for much of this campaign, but he’s a player of great skill and an enormous attacking weapon. One of the key men.
9 Scrum-half – Eoin Reddan
Another tough call here. Reddan just shades O’Leary, largely on the back of the England game. Can link up play effectively, organise those around him and has a nose for a score.
Leinster duo Eoin Reddan and Jonathan Sexton look the favourites to fill the half back slots at the Rugby World Cup
10 Out-half – Jonathan Sexton
The big debate. While he’s still a bit inexperienced at the highest level, Sexton is such an explosive runner and creative force that he has to get the nod – and that’s from a Munster fan!
11 Left Wing – Keith Earls
A class act, underrated if anything. Earls invariably takes the right options and, though small in stature, has the full bag of tricks – a great step, pace, kicking and finishing.
12 Inside Centre – Gordon D’Arcy
Looked a fading force this campaign, with many justifiably calling for him to be dropped. His experience is still of vital importance to this side, however, and it shone through last week.
13 Outside Centre – Brian O’Driscoll (Capt)
What’s left to be said? He is unquestionably the best player we’ve ever had. Arguably the most esteemed player in the world game, remains the hub and driving force of this team.
14 Right Wing – Tommy Bowe
Sorely missed for much of the championship, Bowe is the go-to guy out wide when Ireland need to produce scores, not to mention a hugely popular player with his team-mates.
15 Full-back – Rob Kearney
The spot is seen as being up for grabs, with Earls doing well against England. But Kearney gets the nod here for his prowess under the high ball and greatest knowledge of the position.
SUBS:
16 Hooker – Jerry Flannery
If he can get back to fitness, Flannery will be a big asset and could be a player with real impact from the bench.
17 Prop – Tony Buckley
There’s an unfortunate lack of competition at prop, but form and fitness permitting, Buckley could make his mark in the autumn.
18 Second Row – Donncha O’Callaghan
Whether he starts or not, O’Callaghan will be a key member of the squad and among the most committed players at the tournament.
19 Back Row – Stephen Ferris
Injury has conspired against the Ulsterman, though he could yet force his way into the starting line-up. His ball-carrying and strength at the breakdown are of huge value.
20 Scrum-half – Tomas O’Leary
Though his delivery remains a concern, O’Leary is very strong defensively and can hurt teams with ball in hand, making him an excellent back-up option.
21 Out-half – Ronan O’Gara
Still a world class out-half, O’Gara would be unfortunate not to start, but has repeatedly exhibited a canny knack for coming on to close out games. Kicks from the hand like a dream.
22 Centre/Wing – Like Fitzgerald
Along with Earls, Fitzgerald is a highly versatile back who could slot into most positions, and would be another to give meaningful attacking impact from the bench.
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