Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
It have been wrong to keep Simon out in the cold
LEGEND KEITH BACKS RECALL FOR REDS ACE
SIMON ZEBO is back in an Ireland squad for the first time since 2017 – with Keith Wood insisting it’s the right move.
After Andy Farrell named a 38-man squad for the November internationals against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina, Ireland legend Wood (inset) told Newstalk: “Zebo had to come into it.
“Yes, he’s pushing on and we often want to look for change but he also has a huge level of versatility about him.
“He has the capacity to play at full-back or on the wing. If we’re being honest, full-back has been a slightly awkward position for Ireland for their last period of time.
“For me it’s a security thing, it gives us a far greater wealth of depth.”
Zebo’s last Ireland appearance was against Japan in the summer of 2017.
His move to Racing 92 saw him exiled from Test rugby, but he returned to his home province in the summer and has started two of Munster’s four URC games to date.
Johnny Sexton skippers the squad that includes two uncapped players – Leinster’s Ciaran Frawley and Dan Sheehan.
Robbie Henshaw is not included, although the centre – who hasn’t played since the Lions clashed with South Africa – could yet feature as he continues his foot injury rehab in Ireland camp.
Chris Farrell and Will Addison miss out through injury, but Iain Henderson (hand) and James Ryan (head) are included as they return to full fitness.
Conor Murray is the other returning Lion yet to have game time this season but will break his duck for Munster against the Ospreys on Saturday.
“We will face an exciting and well coached Japan team who showed in July what a dangerous team they are,” said Farrell.
“New Zealand dominated the Rugby Championship, losing just one game, while Argentina are battle hardened from playing the southern hemisphere’s big three week in week out over the past two months.
“It would be fantastic to play in front of a full house at the Aviva Stadium.”