New Zealand born prop Michael Bent only arrived in Ireland for the first time on Sunday but is in contention to make his Ireland debut against the Springboks on Saturday week.
By Declan Whooley
The new Leinster tight-head prop has only just stepped off the plane, but has immediately been drafted into the Ireland squad and is vying with Ulster’s Declan Fitzpatrick to act as cover for Mike Ross.
Indicative of the lack of Irish-born options in the front-row, South-African born hooker Richardt Strauss could also make his Ireland debut in the Guinness International series.
Bent qualifies for Ireland through his grand-mother and has featured at loose-head and tight-head for the Hurricanes in the Super XV over the past two years.
Ireland team manager Michael Kearney told the Irish Independent that while it is a big ask to put Bent straight into the action, they are keeping their options open.
“All options are open: Michael could play in one, two or even three games next month. It just depends on what happens in the next week or two,” he said.
Leinster will hope that the quality addition will spearhead their European assault but he could well have more pressing concerns in an Irish jersey beforehand.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
