RUGBY: Ireland v ConnachtTHOSE MEMBERS of the Irish squad who are being sent to Donnybrook this evening may privately feel they've drawn the short straw and one wonders how much they can achieve individually or even collectively. Anything less than a convincing win would be a disappointment, yet the more convincing it is then the more it may look devalued.
* * Tonight's match kicks off at 6.30pm, not 7.45pm as printed in today's Irish Times **
Admittedly, at least six or seven of the 22 players on duty here should be on the plane to New Zealand, and it’s possible that one or two spots could conceivably be swayed tonight. For example, Isaac Boss would appear to have every opportunity to cement the third scrumhalf slot ahead of Conor Murray, while if there are to be only four props the last one would appear to rest between Tony Buckley, starting at loose-head, and John Hayes.
Beyond that, Paddy Wallace, starting at outhalf, Seán Cronin, Leo Cullen and Denis Leamy will surely travel. Furthermore, having started at lock and blindside in the two previous Tests, Donnacha Ryan looks favourite to land the back five utility forward role, with Kevin McLaughlin confined to a cameo off the bench against Scotland and now a starting place here, thus given the shorter end of the stick. Rivals for squad places within the same ‘team’. It must be a funny one for them.
Similarly, you wonder if Geordan Murphy even scores a hat-trick, lands a few drop goals and cartwheels onto the Old Wesley pavilion will it really make much difference now.
As for Gavin Duffy, like his provincial team-mate and another member of the original 43-man squad, prop Brett Wilkinson (pulled hamstring), he doesn’t even have the consolation of making this game as he has been ruled out with a calf strain.
The Connacht side sees just three changes from the starting XV that lost 47-10 to Exeter Chiefs in Dubarry Park last weekend with Adrian Flavin starting at hooker, Mick Kearney replacing the injured Dave Nolan and captain John Muldoon returning to bolster a strong-looking backrow.
“This will a be a huge test for us, we’re up against a strong Ireland Select side with players vying for World Cup places so it’s a great opportunity for our players to test themselves at this level,” said Connacht coach Eric Elwood.
IRELAND: Geordan Murphy (Leicester); Johne Murphy (Munster), Darren Cave (Ulster), Ian Keatley (Munster), Fergus McFadden (Leinster); Paddy Wallace (Ulster), Isaac Boss (Leinster); Tony Buckley (Sale), Seán Cronin (Leinster), John Hayes (Munster), Mick O'Driscoll (Munster), Leo Cullen (Leinster), Kevin McLaughlin (Leinster), Shane Jennings (Leinster), Denis Leamy (Leinster). Replacements: Damien Varley (Munster), Marcus Horan (Munster), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Niall Ronan (Munster), Conor Murray (Munster), Denis Hurley (Munster), Ian Whitten (Ulster).
CONNACHT: Tiernan O'Halloran; M McCrea, E Griffin, H Fa'afili, B Tuohy; N O'Connor, P O'Donohoe; Dylan Rogers, Adrian Flavin, Rodney Ah You, Michael Swift, Mick Kearney, John Muldoon (Capt), Ray Ofisa, George Naoupu. Replacements: Ethienne Reynecke, Denis Buckley, Johnny O'Connor, TJ Anderson, Dave Moore, Matthew Jarvis, James Loxton.
