Ireland World Cup Squad (17-14 split) Backs

[Golf Man]

While we have a strong squad - especially in the ability for guys to drop into the starting team without there being a noticeable effect on the team, it is still shallow enough. We probably have 2/3 good/decent options in every position, but there are a couple of key weak points (especially against the stronger teams)

Tight Head - its been better than it has been for years but Moore still has a way to go imo and 3rd/4th choices get ropey - would not like to see Moore/Ross injured
Lock - I think there is a good solid bunch here but POC getting injured would obviously be a hammer blow (all teams have players like him though, so not exactly a weakness)
Scrum Half - We essentially have 4 options and almost certain to go wioth Murray/Redan/Boss - personally I think Murray would be the biggest single loss in the starting 15 - Reddan can have a big impact on the bench but I really don't want to see him starting - loads of time for Marmion but Schmidt doesn't appear to be a fan. Also wouldn't be surprised to see Boss start if Murray was injured, whiuch again just isn't good
Out Half - I'd have no huge concerns about Jackson starting 10, but obviously concerns about kicking - would hope his is kicking for the rest of the year with Ulster
12 - the big one along with Murray for me - I don't think anybody knows exactly what he would do if Henshaw got injured, but I could see him picking Darcy - absolute disaster if this happens

[fourthirtythree]

I would have said Sexton and Murray were disasters to lose less than a year ago. I'm happier with the sub outhalf now (assuming it's Jackson, which I think we all do) but less happy with the sub scrum halfs. Marmion, between injury and form, would struggle mightily to get into the squad at this stage. I would have had him playing more before now so we would have had more of an idea whether he was up to top level, but it's too late now.
Whatever Madigan's merits as a 10, I don't see him as a starting 12. I can see Cave there if Henshaw gets injured before the tournament.

[Peg Leg]

Cooney as a bolter ahead of boss

[fourthirtythree]

If he wasn't a loaner to Connacht I can imagine a clamour...

Man of the match against Treviso don't count for much unfortunately.

[Peg Leg]

If he wasn't a loaner to Connacht I can imagine a clamour...

Man of the match against Treviso don't count for much unfortunately.

He's skipped the heir apparent in the queue and would be the only additional SH in the squad capable of playing 80

[simonokeeffe]

If he wasn't a loaner to Connacht I can imagine a clamour...

Man of the match against Treviso don't count for much unfortunately.

He's skipped the heir apparent in the queue and would be the only additional SH in the squad capable of playing 80

Marmion has kind of played himself out of contention

[goreyguy]

from a leinster perspective i really hope the following go: Reddan, Boss, Sexton, Madigan, Darcy, Kearney.

[johng]

Ha. Get the aul lads out of the way for GG FoetusFest!

Why not I say. If you can't blood the likes of Ringrose, Kelleher and whichever out half is in vogue during the WC then when are you gonna do it?

[goreyguy]

Ha. Get the aul lads out of the way for GG FoetusFest!

Why not I say. If you can't blood the likes of Ringrose, Kelleher and whichever out half is in vogue during the WC then when are you gonna do it?

whichever outhalf is in vogue?

But yeah I want MOC to be given no option but to play some of the very talented young backs like: McGrath/Byrne/Ringrose/Kelleher.

[simonokeeffe]

upgraded to central contract

[johng]

upgraded to central contract

Who is?

[simonokeeffe]

upgraded to central contract

Who is?

the thread

[rookie]

Why are so many players selected from a side that have been shite for most of last season?

[paddyor]

Munster?

[simonokeeffe]

Zebo injured a knee in training, off for a scan to determine how serious it is

[All Blacks nil]

Why are so many players selected from a side that have been shite for most of last season?

Obviously picked on form. Not sure what kind of form but surely picked on form

[ChrisUppy]

Why are so many players selected from a side that have been shite for most of last season?

Obviously picked on form. Not sure what kind of form but surely picked on form

What form players were left out?

[nc6000]

Why are so many players selected from a side that have been shite for most of last season?

Are you referring to the same players who won the Six Nations?

[CiaranIrl]

Why are so many players selected from a side that have been shite for most of last season?

Are you referring to the same players who won the Six Nations?

Twice in a row.