Could this be Ireland's starting XV at France 2023?
With the Six Nations postponed, Andy Farrell’s regeneration project with Ireland will have to wait.
The team that became such a force under Joe Schmidt was clearly in need of freshening up after such a disappointing 2019 season, and as Farrell begins to move his squad forward, it is interesting to wonder just how much transition we will see by the time France 2023 arrives.
With so many leaders closer to the end of their careers than the start, Farrell is presented with the tricky task of introducing the right amount of fresh faces without causing too much disruption to a squad that was a genuine force in the not too distant past.
There are a number of players who are on the wrong side of 30, and Johnny Sexton (34), Conor Murray (30), Peter O’Mahony (30), Keith Earls (32) and Cian Healy (32) could all be out of the picture come the next World Cup. That leaves Farrell with some big holes to fill, but Ireland have shown a handy knack of producing young talent in recent years.
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This is the Ireland team RugbyPass thinks we could see at France 2023. Working on the assumption that the selected players all continue on their current trajectory, it is a team that offers an exciting mix of youth and experience, and in general has a more dynamic look to it than the group which failed to reach their target at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Jordan Larmour
With Andy Farrell wasting no time in bringing the curtain down on Rob Kearney’s long reign at fullback, the jersey is now Larmour’s to lose. The Leinster flyer’s talent and ability to produce the unexpected is well known at this stage, with the only question left the one surrounding his best position. With a number of standout options available on the wing, Larmour looks set to continue his development further back the pitch. Only a shocking loss of form would see him drop out of this team.
Andrew Conway
There is a sense Conway is finally fulfilling the potential he has long shown glimpses of. With Keith Earls being eased out of the starting XV by Farrell, his Munster teammate has stepped up to the plate in impressive fashion. Having become increasingly influential at Munster in recent seasons, Conway has worked on the areas on his game that need improvement, and looks right at home on the international stage now. At 28, he can grow into the type of experienced winger that made Earls such an important part of Joe Schmidt’s backline.
Garry Ringrose
Mr Consistent. Ringrose’s development has only been curtailed by injury. In arguably the most competitive area of this Ireland team – think Bundee Aki, Chris Farrell, Will Addison, etc – Ringrose has continuously shone when selected in midfield, and often provides some spark with ball in hand. Earlier concerns about his defensive ability remain, but he has made significant improvements in that area, and will be a fixture of this Ireland team for years to come.
Robbie Henshaw
Like Ringrose, Henshaw would certainly have more caps to his name if it wasn’t for a troublesome injury record. Both players will continue to face stiff competition from Aki, whose security on the ball was highly valued by Schmidt, but their familiarity with each other as Leinster teammates makes this the partnership of choice going forward. Defensive effort is usually faultless, and his qualities compliment those of Ringrose well.
Jacob Stockdale
An area of the pitch which is set to become fascinatingly competitive over the next few years. While Ulster wing Stockdale may not be hitting the incredible heights of 2018, at just 23 years old, naturally the expectation is that he will hit that form again. He has responded to the disappointment of Japan with some big moments for Ulster, but will need to be at his best to keep his jersey going forward. Leinster’s James Lowe becomes eligible to play for Ireland later this year, and is sure to push for a place in the squad straight-away. On top form, it’s a tight call between Stockdale and Lowe, but the former edges the battle given he has already proven himself on the Test stage. Lowe plays all his rugby in the 11 shirt at Leinster, but such is his talent, Conway may find himself under pressure on the opposite wing should Farrell look to accommodate both Stockdale and Lowe. Watch this space.
Joey Carbery
Perhaps the biggest question mark in this team given just how much Carbery has struggled with injury over the past 12 months. The Munster out-half is a gem of a player, but needs to stay fit and learn his position if he is to nail down a place as Ireland’s starting 10. Ireland won’t be able to rely on Johnny Sexton forever – he’ll be 38 come the next World Cup – so the hope is Carbery can get fit and kick on with his development. He will have plenty of competition, with Byrne brothers Ross (24) and Harry (20) both set to compete for the Leinster No 10 shirt over the next few seasons. Arguments that Carbery would be better served at fullback add to the intrigue, but his desire remains becoming Ireland’s 10.
John Cooney
It is not impossible to imagine a scenario where Conor Murray hits a steady run of form and remains Ireland’s first-choice scrum-half for another few years. Yet Murray will be 34 come France, so Farrell will be keen to assess his options. Currently Ulster’s Cooney is his main threat and appears best placed to make the position his, but at 29, time isn’t exactly his friend either. Leinster’s Luke McGrath (27) appears more suited to the role of reliable back-up rather than go-to-guy, as does Kieran Marmion. Then you have Craig Casey, one of the most exciting prospects on Munster’s books and a player who looks destined for a bright future. He will be 24 by the time France 2023 rolls around, and while it is too early to predict how quickly he will rise through the ranks, if he continues on this upward curve, there is every chance he will have a major say in the scrum-half conversation.
Jack McGrath
This could become something of a problem position for Farrell. At the moment, his main options at loosehead are Cian Healy (32), Dave Kilcoyne (31), and McGrath (30). While it is not impossible that one of those three will be the starting loosehead in France, their age profile would suggest this is an area in need of some fresh blood coming through. Compared to tighthead, there does not seem to be the same breadth of talent available. Moving Andrew Porter back across to his former position could become a very live possibility unless Farrell unearths some exciting young prospects, but currently there are no stand-out candidates. McGrath will turn 34 in the final weeks of the next World Cup, and could remain as the old head in the pack. Yet with no clear front-runner there is perhaps no position as open as loosehead.
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Ronan Kelleher
It is a matter of when, not if, Kelleher is confirmed as Ireland’s first-choice hooker. After a superb start to the season with Leinster, injury kept him out of the reckoning for the opening stages of the Six Nations. When fit and firing, he is the obvious choice for the jersey. A dynamic hooker, Kelleher has shown a natural ability to get around the pitch and shares Leinster teammate Sean Cronin’s eye for the try-line. Promises to be a mainstay in Farrell’s team for years to come.
Tadhg Furlong
Like so many of this Ireland squad, Furlong has been far from his dominant best over the last 12 months, but he is still a world class talent when on song. Has found himself under increasing pressure from the impressive Porter, but it would take a rapid decline to see Furlong lose his place in the team. Not long ago he was considered the best tighthead in world rugby, and at 27, his best years could still be ahead of him.
Iain Henderson
The second-row has seen plenty of chopping and changing over the past year, with Devin Toner the surprise omission from Schmidt’s World Cup squad, only to return under Farrell for the Six Nations. Tadhg Beirne appears to be a victim of his own versatility when it comes to nailing down a position, and while Jean Kleyn made the plane to Japan, he failed to dislodge Iain Henderson, and the Ulster captain is in the driving seat to lock down a formidable partnership with James Ryan over the coming years. Henderson will be 31 in France, so if he stays fit, there is no reason to suggest he will be out the equation. His biggest threat may come from the uncapped Ryan Baird. It is early days yet, but the early glimpses we’ve seen of Baird suggest he has everything needed to become a star. His stunning hat-trick against Glasgow in January’s Pro14 clash showcased just how exciting a prospect the 20-year-old is. Another position to watch with interest.
James Ryan
One of Ireland’s most consistent competitors, and Farrell’s likely captain at France 2023. Ryan has rarely put a foot wrong since bursting onto the scene and is now one of the first names on the team-sheet. An Ireland legend in the making, and he’s still only 23. Injury permitting, it is almost unthinkable to imagine he won’t be a key man for Ireland at the next World Cup.
CJ Stander
Often written off, but yet to budge from his perch, Stander remains hugely important to this Ireland team. If Farrell is to try put a more dynamic, youthful look on his team, then Stander’s experience and reliability could become more important than ever, even if it is likely the wealth of talent at Number 8 sees him shift across the backrow. At 29, Stander will hope to still be highly competitive come the next World Cup, and the fact he has proven himself to be so resilient in a particularly attritional area of the pitch suggests he could be here to stay for a while yet. It would take a brave man to bet against him.
Dan Leavy
We are more or less playing a guessing game with all of this team, but this position is especially difficult to predict. Ireland’s flankers have not had a good time of it when it comes to injury over the past two years. Between Sean O’Brien, Dan Leavy, Josh van der Flier and Jordi Murphy, injuries have come at desperately unfortunate times. Leavy’s injury was devastating, and the hope is he will still be the same bulldozing force when he does eventually return. If he can produce that level of performance again, the shirt is his. Fellow Leinster star Scott Penny will also have designs on earning the jersey, and don’t write off long-serving Rhys Ruddock either, even if the 29-year-old doesn’t appear to be in Andy Farrell’s current plans.
Caelan Doris
A superstar in the making. The hype surrounding Doris has been bubbling away for some time now, and so far, he is yet to do anything to suggest that hype is not entirely justified. Injury to Jack Conan saw his opportunities at Leinster increase, and he has made the step up with aplomb. Leinster buddy Max Deegan will hope to present Farrell with a nice headache in this position, but at the moment, Doris looks best placed to kick-on and nail down the jersey. The battle with Deegan could become something to savour.
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Comments on RugbyPass
The World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
1 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
41 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
57 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to commentsResults probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
1 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
3 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to commentsBold headline considering the Canes and Blues are 1 and 2 and the Brumbies were soundly beaten by the Chiefs and Blues. Biggest surprise is Rebels 4 Crusaders 12 - no one saw that coming. If Aus are improving that’s great 👍
1 Go to commentsAnna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to commentsHavili, our best 12 by a mile, will be in the squad, if he stays fit. JB is the most overrated AB in the last 50 years.
61 Go to commentsWe had during the week twilight footy, twilight cricket, tw golf plus there was the athletics club. Then the weekend was rugby 15s plus the net ball, really busy club scene back then but so much has changed and rugby has suffered. And it was all about changing lifestyles.
6 Go to commentsIn the 70s and 80s my club ran 5 Senior sides plus a Vets. Now it is 2 sides with an occasional 3rd team. Players have difficulty getting to training now, not sure why and the commitment is not there. It seems to me more a problem of people applying themselves and not expecting to turn up and play whenever they want to.
6 Go to commentsROG’s contract is until 2027. The conversation about a successor to Galthie after RWC 2027 may be starting now. We can infer that Galthie’s reign stops then. He is throwing the Irish Coaching Job angle in because he is Irish. The next Irish coach MUST be Leo Cullen. As well as being the best coach available, coaching the vast majority of Irish Internationals week in week out, he has shown incredible skill at recruiting the best coaching staff for the job in hand. That was a failing in France. Cullen is a shrewd guy and if there is a need for foreign coaches underneath him he won’t hesitate. Rightly so. Ireland does need to start to bring Irish coaches through. Not just at the professional level but we need to train coaches to man new pathways for developing kids from schools/clubs up through the divisions.
8 Go to commentsNo Islam says it must rule where it stands Thus it is to be deleted from this planet Earth
19 Go to commentsThis team probably does not beat the ABs sadly Not sure if BPA will be available given his signing for Force but has to enter consideration. Very strong possibility of getting schooled by the AB props. Advantage AB. Rodda/Skelton would be a tasty locking combination - would love to see how they get on. Advantage Wallabies. Backrow a risk of getting out hustled and outmuscled by ABs. Will be interesting to see if the Blues feast on the Reds this weekend the way they did the Brumbies we are in big trouble at the breakdown. Great energy, running and defence but goalkicking/general kicking/passing quality in the halves bothers me enormously. SA may have won the World Cup for a lot of the tournament without a recognised goalkicker but Pollard in the final made a difference IMO. Injuries and retirements leave AB stocks a bit lighter but still stronger. 12 and 13 ABs shade it (Barret > Paisami, Ione = Ikitau, arguably) Interesting clash of styles on the wings - Corey Toole running around Caleb Clark and Caleb running over the top of Toole. Reece vs Koro probably the reverse. Pretty even IMO. 15s Kelleway = Love See advantage to ABs man for man, but we are not obviously getting slaughtered anywhere which makes a nice change. Think talent wise we are pretty even and if our cohesion and teamwork is better than the ABs then its just about doable.
11 Go to commentsCompletely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
6 Go to comments