Something to prove - The 11 players in Andy Farrell's Ireland squad with less than 5 caps to their name
When Andy Farrell revealed his hand for the Autumn Nations Cup last week, there was some surprise he didn’t opt to select a more experimental squad. The Ireland head coach named just three uncapped players in his 34-man group, although many more of those included have yet to fully establish themselves at Test level.
Some, such as Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey or Connacht man Dave Heffernan, have been around the block for a while but struggled to make Ireland squads during Joe Schmidt’s trophy-laden tenure.
Others like James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park have only recently become eligible for selection. There is a small batch of fresh young talent selected, with Hugo Keenan and Will Connors both making debuts during the recent Six Nations games and Munster’s Shane Daly called up on the back of an impressive season with Munster.
Then you have the future. Many would have liked to see Munster scrum-half Craig Casey and Leinster out-half Harry Byrne get a chance, but instead they have been left to continue their progress on the Guinness Pro14 stage. Injury has also limited Farrell’s options. Max Deegan debuted earlier this season but is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while Ryan Baird’s first cap has been delayed as he rehabs an adductor problem.
Without totally ripping up the script, Farrell’s Ireland squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup games contains plenty of intrigue.
Here, we take a closer look at the 11 players within the 34-man squad who have less than five international caps to their name.
Billy Burns (Ulster) – Age 26, uncapped
The out-half has fitted in well at Ulster since arriving from Gloucester in 2018, and should win an Ireland debut in the coming weeks. Will face a major challenge to add to that going forward. Just look at Ross Byrne, a consistent performer for Leinster with only eight Ireland caps to his name. The expectation is that Johnny Sexton’s long-term replacement isn’t in this squad. Joey Carbery remains out of sight with injury while Byrne’s highly-rated younger brother, Harry, is spending his weekends steering Leinster to routine Pro14 wins. With that in mind Burns will need to make a real impression in this window. Has a strong kicking game and has shown leadership at Ulster, sometimes captaining the province in Iain Henderson’s absence.
Shane Daly (Munster) – Age 23, uncapped
A standout player earmarked during his time with the Ireland u20s and has settled in well at senior level. Can cover a number of positions across the backline, starting six times on the wing and seven at fullback for Munster last season, his performances earning him the province’s Young Player of the Year award. Strong on the ball and not shy to throw himself into a tackle, that versatility could make him an attractive bench option for Farrell. Anything more than that may be wishing thinking at this early stage of his career.
James Lowe (Leinster) – Age 28, uncapped
Could go straight into the starting team. Wasn’t in great form for Leinster after the restart but he’s been a superb signing for Leo Cullen’s side. While there remains some concern about his defensive work, the wing has struck for 33 tries in his 49 Leinster appearances since arriving from the Chiefs in 2017. That’s the sort of firepower Farrell simply can’t ignore. Lowe is a noticeably vocal presence in the Leinster backline, and that leadership is something Farrell could value given the amount of young faces breaking into his team. Has the potential to be a real game-changer in a team that has often lacked a bit of spark.
Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster) – Age 28, 2 caps
Made the cut ahead of Ulster’s John Cooney and Leinster team-mate Luke McGrath, who often starts ahead of Gibson-Park in Leinster’s big European games. A quietly effective player who does the basics well. Stuart Lancaster recently commented on how Gibson-Park has worked “really hard on speed of ball,” evident on debut v Italy. Not likely to oust Conor Murray any time soon, but certainly in with a shout of establishing himself as back-up to the Munster man.
Hugo Keenan (Leinster) – Age 24, 2 caps
Stole the headlines on debut with two tries against Italy. Offered a lively presence in Paris a week later although Ireland struggled to bring their wingers into the game. Will only get better, and could enter the conversation at fullback as James Lowe puts his name in the hat for a spot on the wing. Last season, eight of Keenan’s 12 starts for Leinster came at 15. Faces huge competition to nail down a spot in Farrell’s team but so far he has certainly looked up for the challenge.
Welcome to the #GuinnessSixNations, Hugo Keenan!#IREvITA pic.twitter.com/a7uYgQHrEa
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) October 25, 2020
Ed Byrne (Leinster) – Age 27, 2 caps
Two ACL injuries could have ended his career, but instead the loosehead has fought back to earn an Ireland debut almost six years after making his first appearance for Leinster. He’s there on merit, but struggled off the bench against a powerful French scrum in Paris. He’ll look to his more convincing first-half cameo, while Cian Healy was sent for a HIA, for encouragement. It’s been a long road to get here, now Byrne needs to convince Farrell he belongs at this level.
Will Connors (Leinster) – Age 24, 2 caps
Easily identifiable in his blue scrum-cap, Connors still manages to make himself a nuisance for opposition while also turning the chop-tackle into something of a trademark move. Nobody made more tackles than Connors’ 195 in last season’s Pro14 and he was Ireland’s top tackler v Italy (19), although Paris provided a more realistic taste of the step-up required at Test level as he found his usual high workrate translated into very little reward. If that wasn’t enough to keep Connors grounded, Dan Leavy’s recent return to action will certainly keep him on his toes.
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster) – Age 28, 3 caps
Debuted v England in 2016 but has only managed two further caps against Fiji and USA, the last of which came two years ago. A regular presence around Ireland camps but just couldn’t make the breakthrough under Joe Schmidt. There’s no great shame in that given he’s fighting it out with Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw for a place in Ireland’s midfield. Has struggled for consistency at times but when on form McCloskey is a devastating presence, strong in defence and well capable of showing some nice hands in attack, as demonstrated in a number of productive outings for Ulster last season. Will justifiably feel he belongs in this squad, but needs to be on top of his game if he’s to stay in the mix given the company he’s in.
Dave Heffernan (Connacht) – Age 29, 3 caps
Having waited over three years to add to his solitary Ireland cap, the Connacht hooker will be desperately keen to prove himself during this window. A powerful and dynamic ball-carrier who chipped in with a try against Italy, but he won’t have enjoyed Paris, with Ireland’s set-piece really struggling as Farrell emptied his bench. A fit Ronan Kelleher will likely limit his opportunities over the next few weeks.
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster) – Age 22, 3 caps
Would surely have more than his three caps if it wasn’t for injury and will know there is a place in the team up for grabs with Farrell yet to settle on a replacement for Rory Best. Established himself as Leinster’s first choice hooker last season and was rewarded with three appearances off the bench in the Six Nations before lockdown struck. Has had the odd bad day at the lineout but has also shown he has the qualities to establish himself at this level. Like so many in the Leinster pack, Kelleher is comfortable with ball in hand and happy to contribute in attack. His return of nine tries in just 16 Leinster appearances would make most wingers cast a jealous eye. Nail down the basics and Kelleher could own the shirt for years.
Caelan Doris (Leinster) – Age 22, 4 caps
Concussion ended his Test debut after just four minutes earlier this year but Doris has barely looked back since. A growing influence at Leinster featuring 17 times last season, including some big Champions Cup games. Farrell is clearly keen on Leinster’s Young Player of the Year, with Peter O’Mahony left looking on from the bench against Italy and France. Brings huge energy and shows confidence in taking on defenders. Like Connors, will have learned far more from defeat in France – where he was yellow-carded – than the cake-stroll against the Azzurri. Clearly a special talent but with no shortage of competition in this backline, consistency will be key.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments