Advertisement
Dan Sheridan/INPHO
you decide

Which back row forwards would you bring to the Rugby World Cup?

Our World Cup squad discussion continues into the pack.

YOU DEBATED THE back line yesterday, but now it’s time for the forwards.

Numbers-wise, you have options. The likely scenario is five across the board, with the possibility of a second row or two who can cover if needed.

If you’re cutting corners elsewhere, you might get an extra name, but it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be bringing this full compliment to the tournament.

Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Tommy O’Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Sean O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster)
Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)*
Unless you plan on revolutionising Irish rugby, you’re probably picking O’Mahony, O’Brien and Heaslip to travel, so the likely scenario is two more from Murphy, O’Donnell, Henry and Conan will complete the back row options*.

Ireland's Jordi Murphy watched by Tommy Bowe and Tommy OÕDonnell 1/3/2015 Tommy O'Donnell's fitness may stand against him.

With Tommy O’Donnell coming back from injury, his fitness may play into the hands of his competitors for a place in the squad, and Chris Henry has been improving game by game since returning from his potentially career threatening heart troubles.

Jordi Murphy’s performances at number 8 during the Six Nations will stand to him, while Jack Conan may need some huge performances to sneak through.

(*And for those worried that they don’t see Iain Henderson of Donnacha Ryan on the list, we’re keeping them in tomorrow’s second row discussion.)

Open thread: Pick your half-backs to travel to the Rugby World Cup

You’ve decided on the back three, now pick your centres travel to the Rugby World Cup

 

Your Voice
Readers Comments
37
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.