IRELAND COACH JOE SCHMIDT has spoken of trying to build up a squad of 30 to 35 Test level players.
The temptation, going into his first Six Nations as Ireland coach, will be to play his strongest team each week. Declan Kidney went into the 2013 championship with similar intentions but, by tournament’s end, had lost 18 players to either injury or suspension.
Schmidt will have to manage his top performers wisely and may start off by giving starting berths to fringe players this weekend. Scotland have been underestimated before and have made Ireland pay. Nonetheless, the selection of any three [or four] from this half dozen should not hinder Ireland’s pursuit of victory.
Front row: Martin Moore
Since the beginning of 2013 Moore has emerged as one of Mike Ross’ provincial deputies to a player targeting the tight-head’s Ireland jersey. Praised by Schmidt, before he left Leinster, as an up-and-coming talent, Moore showed he was capable of stepping up to Heineken Cup level. Described, in the nicest possible sense, as ‘a barrel’ by TheScore.ie columnist Adrian Flavin, the prop is capable of causing the Scottish scrum trouble and gaining 10 metres at ball-carrying time where Ross may fine one.
Lock: Iain Henderson
Devin Toner took his chance during the November Series as the injured Donnacha Ryan and Henderson, himself, looked on from afar. The combative Ulsterman would be formidable alongside Paul O’Connell in the lineout and providing extra gas and laying in hits in double figures. With Sean O’Brien’s carrying not an option during the Six Nations, Henderson would provide added attacking foil up front.
Back row: Tommy O’Donnell
Due to his world-class standing, there is simply no like-for-like replacement for Sean O’Brien. O’Donnell offers the ball-carrying option, as does Jordi Murphy, while Chris Henry is a breakdown specialist. The Tipperary native has been in excellent form for Munster since his comeback from injury and would be the gung-ho selection at openside.
Centre: Luke Marshall
Gordon D’Arcy showed just how good he is at defence during the narrow defeat to New Zealand and combined with Brian O’Driscoll to turn a losing situation, in Castres, into triumph. Marshall is seen as the heir apparent but that does not automatically mean he should be selected. His form with Ulster in the Heineken Cup, however, demonstrates his growing maturity and role as leading ball-carrier in the backline. Immensely strong and a great attacking awareness. He ran the Scots ragged in the opening 40 minutes at Murrayfield and is capable of stretching their limited midfield.
Wing: Andrew Trimble
Trimble has stacked up the international caps but consistent starts have been his downfall. Declan Kidney never truly rated him and it shone through in his fits and starts Test appearances. A focal point of the Ulster attack and a magnet under the high ball, if Trimble is given a run of games in green he can finally show Irish fans what he regularly produces at provincial level.
Fullback: Felix Jones
A Test call-up was looking like a stretch at the turn of the year but consistent, solid performances for Munster has forced Jones back into the reckoning. The injury that ruined his 2011 World Cup hopes has not removed his devastating burst of speed over the first 10 metres. His upper body strength has also improved in recent years, allowing for fend-offs and offloads that turn promising attacks into scores.
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