Ireland might have gotten out of jail on Friday, but the need for rotation has never been greater. In the opening two games of the Autumn, the reigning Six Nations champions look like a team missing their usual spark. Andy Farrell has some big decisions to make this week regarding selection, but here’s the 23 we picked to face the Flying Fijians.
With a rotated fifteen and three new caps on the bench, I have tried to balance the scales with some valuable experience. Porter, Furlong and Beirne could make life easier for Gus McCarthy, likewise Gibson-Park for Prendergast. However, as Ireland have been reluctant to cap new players over the past 18 months, this game feels like last chance saloon for the calendar year, and should be seized upon.
15. Jamie Osborne
Starting off proceedings in the new look backline is in form Leinster back, Jamie Osborne. The Naas man started his first two games in green in the fifteen shirt, and is poised to get another shot from the backfield on Saturday
14. Calvin Nash
A star stand-in in green in 2024, Munster’s Calvin Nash has surely done enough to get another shot. Nash’s club form has improved game on game this year, and would be fully deserving of being rotated into the side on Saturday.
13. Robbie Henshaw
One of just four players retained from last Friday’s victory over Argentina; Robbie Henshaw looks set to go again but from the outside centre channel. With Garry Ringrose the only recognised thirteen in the squad, his Leinster teammate Henshaw is likely to move across as he did last February against Italy
12. Stuart McCloskey
Partnering Henshaw once more is Ulster talisman Stuart McCloskey. He has featured just three times this season due to injury, but with six appearances in green last season, he is clearly highly rated by Andy Farrell as a key man in the squad. Himself and Henshaw would give Ireland’s new look half-backs a brilliant platform to play from
11. Jacob Stockdale
One of the in-form players in the URC this season, Jacob Stockdale cannot do much else to win cap number 38. We all know about his ability with ball in hand – with a strike rate of 1 try every 2 games for Ireland – but his big left boot is a worthy asset if staking a claim to take the jersey off of James Lowe.
10. Ciarán Frawley
Despite being dropped from the 23 last weekend, this game is likely to have been earmarked for Ciarán Frawley’s first start at 10 for Ireland. The Skerries man will be keen to right the mistakes of his cameo against the All Blacks, and should be given the chance to do so.
9. Craig Casey
Another in form man rounds out the backline in Munster scrum-half Craig Casey. Now 25, Casey has usurped legend Conor Murray in red, and has done more than enough in green – particularly on the summer tour of South Africa – to get another starting berth.
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1. Cian Healy
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All going well, this Saturday would see Cian Healy break the Irish caps record, and no better way for him to do it than starting and leading out the team in Dublin.
2. Dave Heffernan
The first of two Mayo born men in this pack, Connacht stalwart Heffernan is long overdue a start for Ireland. Having picked up all seven of his previous caps from the bench, his set-piece partnership with the tighthead could swing it.
3. Finlay Bealham
Despite a tough time in the summer, Connacht’s Finlay Bealham has once again stepped up to the mark in Tadhg Furlong’s absence. Tom O’Toole should be rotated back in for the Australia game but another start for Bealham would be deserved.
4. Joe McCarthy
Joe McCarthy’s hype train might have plateaued, but despite a dip in form; these are the games you want your abrasive power lock for. Ireland will be asking for a big performance from Joe against a Fijian pack littered with powerful options.
5. Iain Henderson
Another player dropped from the All Blacks game, Ulster captain Iain Henderson is likely to get a recall for lineout and physical reasons. The 2 time British and Irish Lion is likely to be backed to perform after an off night, and deservedly so.
6. Ryan Baird
There’s a curious case that surrounds Ryan Baird and his positioning. Flanker one day, lock the next. For the sake of this article we will work off of the assumption that Farrell returns him to the blindside flanker role, hoping to get the most out of his size and athleticism.
7. Caelan Doris
One of the true “undroppables”, captain Caelan Doris is likely to start every game this Autumn. Having started on the openside flank against Italy earlier this year, we could see the jack of all trades Ballina man move across to accommodate for a powerful back row with Ryan Baird and Cian Prendergast.
8. Cian Prendergast
Last but not least we have another captain, in Connacht leader Cian Prendergast. It could be a great day for the family if he and Sam share the field, but with just three Ireland caps, the 24 year old should be backed from the off against the flying Fijians.
Replacements:
Gus McCarthy*, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Cormac Izuchukwu*, Jamison Gibson-Park, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose
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