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Joined June 2018
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Connacht/Waratahs
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Great read Harry.
Big news coming out of Ireland- probable team:
McGrath
Herring
Ryan
Henderson
James Ryan
O’Mahony (C)
Murphy
Stander
Murray
CARBERY
stockdale
Aki
Henshaw
Earls
Kearney
For those paying close attention that’s 6 changes from the team that beat England.
McGrath comes in for Healy at loose head where the two of them have been sharing duties for Ireland and Leinster.
Herring replaces the injured Best when many expected Cronin to start.
John Ryan replaces Furlong. Long regarded as the best scrummaging prop in Ireland but not in the same league as Furlong around the park (no one is).
Jordi Murphy starts at 7 for Leavy which for me tilts the backrow battle in favour of the WBs.
Joey Carberry starts ahead of Sexton. Huge call but Schmidt clearly wants to give Joey as much time at 10 as possible. For the Aussies out there who don’t know him he is Ireland’s future. Dynamic with ball in hand, quick with great feet and a great pass. Needless to say he doesn’t have the same game control that Sexton has.
Lastly, Henshaw is in for Ringrose at 13. No loss no gain, both great players.
No word on the bench yet
Matchup: Box kick king Conor Murray versus Speedy Sanchez
As an Irishman living in Sydney I fervently hope that you are right and the WBS “hit early form”. If they don’t Ireland could wipe the floor with them, I don’t say that lightly. I would have serious concerns about reading anything into recent SR performances, particularly the Tahs/Reds game. The ruck and ruck defence in that game will not serve as any type of preparation for the first Test. In fact, it’s likely it was counterproductive. I say that as an avid watcher of European rugby, particularly the pro 14 and the European Cup and 6N, put simply, Ireland may blow Aus away at the ruck in both defence and attack, the level of intensity brought to that part of the game by Ireland, Munster and Leinster during the entire NH season but particularly in the latter half of the season should make any team sit up and take note. I have no doubt Cheika will be all over it but replicating it in the few days training Aus have left or simply being mentally prepared for it is very very difficult. Worth noting that Ireland’s best players this season (Leavy 7 and Ryan 5) have been simply immense in this area, watch out for both of them, you’ll not be disappointed. Added to that is the uncapped Beirne. A second row or a 6, led the Pro 14 in turnovers (something crazy in the 30s). Just one further point about Folau and kicking it to him. No team in SR or indeed international rugby compete like Ireland do for a box kick and nobody is as good at the box kick than Murray. Watching Folau and some of the comments about his undoubted skill in that area I am always struck by the fact that no team does it properly. If you do it, the kick has to be perfect, there has to be a player in the air competing and one either side when the competing players land. Ireland do this every time and compete ferociously at the ruck often winning penalties from outnumbering the opposition at that ruck. In short, Folau may catch everything but if he isn’t supported by his teammates at the ensuing ruck it will spell trouble for Aus.
Could the Wallabies be bringing some genuine form into the Ireland series?
Brett, there is no argument. This is the strongest Irish squad ever put together. Depth in every position.
The June Tests panel: What are we hoping to see from our national sides?