JOE SCHMIDT HAS named his team to face Wales on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium (KO 2.30pm). Check out the matchday 23 in full here.
Luke Fitz at 13
After Keith Earls and Jared Payne got starts in Ireland’s 13 shirt in the two opening World Cup warm-ups, that appeared to be that in terms of Schmidt being content with his options at outside centre.
Instead, Luke Fitzgerald is the third player to audition in the role and it’s an intriguing selection. Payne looks to be the leading candidate to retain the starting 13 jersey at the World Cup, but Fitzgerald’s run this weekend may hint at selection options elsewhere.
Payne could comfortably slot into the fullback position if Rob Kearney was to be injured at the World Cup, but that would leave Ireland without their regular 13. Does the game time for Earls and now Fitzgerald at outside centre point to Schmidt covering his bases in that regard, while negating the need to bring a second fullback in Felix Jones?
That said, Munster man Jones lies in wait on the bench, hoping for a final chance to show Schmidt his value. His race is not yet run. Fitzgerald, meanwhile, will be aiming to show Ireland that he is a genuine contender to start at outside centre ahead of Payne.
Dave Kearney’s late dash
Picking the bulk of Ireland’s final World Cup squad is a relatively straightforward procedure, but the front row and outside backs remain up for debate and will do right up until Ireland finally announce their 31-man selection early next week.
Dave Kearney’s start on the right wing, after impressing off the bench against Scotland, adds another twist to the plot. Schmidt is a strong believer in the 26-year-old’s quality and a standout performance on Saturday might secure Kearney’s place at the World Cup.
Schmidt does of course have his mind made up about the vast majority of his squad, but those outside back slots remain unconfirmed. This weekend’s performances from the likes of Kearney will be the deciding of the issue.
The White knight rises
Having played in all 10 of Ireland’s Six Nations games over the course of the two championship successes in 2014 and 2015, the long-term outlook had been that Marty Moore was set to be Mike Ross’ World Cup back-up, if not push for the veteran’s place.
However, shoulder surgery late last season was a blow and with his recent foot issue, Moore is in danger of running out of time. Ireland have indicated that past performances will be remembered, but Nathan White will plan to overrule that sentiment.
The Connacht prop was strong on debut against Scotland a fortnight ago, and now gets his first international start. While he showed off his handling skills and mobility against the Scots, a powerful set-piece display against the Welsh could book White a World Cup adventure.
On the bench, Tahdg Furlong awaits his first cap at senior international level, hoping to be this year’s bolter. Back in Ireland training today, Moore will have no intention of letting a place in the 31-man squad slip away.
As an aside, it’s remarkable that this is the first time Mike Ross hasn’t started at tighthead during Schmidt’s tenure.
First forays
There were clear and understandable signs of rust from Ireland’s players in the two warm-ups against Wales and Scotland so far, as Schmidt’s men took to the field for the first time in some months.
A new batch of Irishmen get their first starts of the season this weekend, namely Paul O’Connell, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony, Rob Kearney, his brother on the wing, and inside centre Robbie Henshaw.
Again, the expectation will be of a few early errors, but Schmidt will be keen for this group of experienced men to adapt much quicker than others, particularly against a strong Welsh side.
Even still, seeing all of the above come through the game with fitness increased and their health fully intact will be a positive for Schmidt and Ireland.
Mastermind
Schmidt has been loath to confirm any cuts to his squad throughout the pre-season and has been true to his word in keeping more than 40 players at Carton House right up until this week.
The Kiwi head coach has almost every one of those players believing they can feature in his final 31-man squad, including men like Michael Bent and Andrew Trimble who are back with their provinces for the weekend.
There is no security even for the perceived frontliners. Is Jared Payne’s position at 13 really safe for the tournament? Will Devin Toner watch Iain Henderson nervously on Saturday? How is Tommy Bowe feeling about a starting spot right now?
Yes, we can predict Schmidt’s first-choice World Cup XV with a degree of assurance, but certainly not absolute confidence in all positions.
Even with men like Jack Conan and Furlong, who may well prove to be standby players during the tournament, Schmidt has given them exposure to Test rugby this month. We’ve seen before how crucial late call-ups can be in World Cups.
Schmidt is keeping everyone on their toes and working positively towards ensuring Ireland are better prepared than ever for a World Cup.
