Plenty of jostling for position in Irish squad as Farrell takes hard look
With only five big names nailed on for selection, Portugal camp will throw up key contests for Andy Farrell to consider
THIS day next week, Andy Farrell will name his first Ireland team since taking over as head coach and the new man has a great deal to mull over.
His squad will gather today ahead of flying out tomorrow for a week-long training camp in Portugal and, as it stands, you could only pinpoint five ‘untouchables’ (see panel) in Farrell’s side ahead of the opening Six Nations showdown with Scotland in Dublin on Saturday week.
That leaves 10 positions up for grabs, with the various candidates flying to Portugal in audition mode as they seek to convince Farrell and his management team of their abilities.
The Champions Cup run-in has been mixed — Leinster and Ulster buzzing on the back of impressive qualification, Munster and Connacht deflated by pool campaigns fizzling out into irrelevance.
However, regardless of varying states of morale, there will be a clean slate in Portugal and Farrell has plenty of quality to select from in every area of his side.
As well as whittling down the candidates, Farrell has to instil a tactical template to banish the dark memories of Ireland’s World Cup failings and his selection process could be determined by how well individuals buy into his vision over the next few days.
And, while building collective unity on and off the pitch is a key aspect of this process, there are individual contests all over the park that should guarantee an edge in training.
CIAN HEALY v DAVE KILCOYNE
Ireland are well served at loosehead and you would back either man to step up against the Scots.
Kilcoyne has been in eye-catching form for some time and would be seen as the more dynamic on the ball but Healy is flourishing for Leinster as he adjusts to veteran status and, if he raises his carrying game to the levels that characterised his early career, he is the stronger all-round option.
VERDICT: HEALY.
ROB HERRING v RONAN KELLEHER
Herring has not seized his chance to convince that he is the man to step into the considerable hooking void left by his retired Ulster colleague, Rory Best. Kelleher has been streets ahead when he has played this season and the only reason this is even a contest is because injury has compromised exposure opportunities for the Leinster tyro. If he can prove his fitness in time, Kelleher is too good to leave out.
VERDICT: KELLEHER.
PETER O’MAHONY v MAX DEEGAN
Following the World Cup, there was a lot of talk about O’Mahony running out of road but the Cork blindside flanker has shown signs of revival over the last couple of weeks.
Deegan has been in brilliant form for Leinster but O’Mahony’s experience and dog carry considerable clout, particularly first up, with Deegan a quality, versatile option off the bench.
VERDICT: O’MAHONY.
CAELAN DORIS v CJ STANDER
Like O’Mahony, Stander has been more prominent for Munster recently but still along largely predictable lines. Doris has been sensational for Leinster and is a much more rounded option at No8 — he looks primed for the step up.
VERDICT: DORIS. JOHN COONEY v CONOR MURRAY
The marquee showdown, Murray
has been playing far better than he has been given credit for but Cooney has been irresistible for Ulster. Farrell may find it hard not to tap into Murray’s vast experience and familiarity with Johnny Sexton but it will be an injustice if Cooney does not start at No9.
VERDICT: COONEY.
BUNDEE AKI v ROBBIE HENSHAW
Two players going through low-key seasons and, if Chris Farrell was getting regular game time at No12, he would have a real shot. As it is, Aki has still not banished the memories of his difficult World Cup and Henshaw’s superior skill-set and midfield bond with Ringrose at Leinster work in his favour.
VERDICT: HENSHAW.
JACOB STOCKDALE v DAVE KEARNEY
Kearney’s resurgence for Leinster has been admirable and he carries the defensive solidity that continues to elude his Ulster rival. However, Stockdale brings an extra level of exuberance on the ball and excels in the Six Nations, where he has amassed a remarkable nine tries from 10 appearances.
VERDICT: CONWAY.
VERDICT: STOCKDALE.
KEITH EARLS v ANDREW CONWAY
The Munster team-mates are both injury concerns and Ireland could end up with Stockdale and Kearney filling the wing slots. If Earls and Conway are both fit, it is hard to separate the two with Conway’s greater physical presence giving him a slight advantage.
JORDAN LARMOUR v WILL ADDISON
Farrell will have been encouraged by Addison’s tour-de-force in UIster’s win over Bath last weekend as there is a slight doubt over his full-back rival Larmour. The Leinster youngster has been sizzling this season and, fitness permitting, could light up the Six Nations but Addison is not far behind.
VERDICT: LARMOUR.