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Published 11:57 17 Dec 2019 GMT
Updated 12:00 17 Dec 2019 GMT
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MUNSTER: Niall Scannell, Jean Kleyn, Peter O'Mahony, CJ Stander, Conor Murray, Chris Farrell, Keith Earls, Andrew Conway (Injured: Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Joey Carbery) LEINSTER: Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Jordan Larmour, Rob Kearney (Injured: Sean Cronin, Jack Conan, Johnny Sexton) ULSTER: Iain Henderson, Jordi Murphy, Jacob Stockdale CONNACHT: Bundee Aki, Jack CartyFrom that list, Jack Carty, Jordi Murphy and Rob Kearney were not included in new Ireland coach Andy Farrell's 45-man get-together at the IRFU High Performance Centre on December 22 and 23. It could be taken that the trio may be surplus to Guinness Six Nations requirements but they are likely to be rested over the holidays too. As much as we all would love to see the top players facing over in some spicy inter-pro battles, the union's actions in this condensed season are understandable. It does also serve up a great chance for younger and fringe players to stake a claim to jerseys and gain some national attention. To that end, here are two players from each province that are more than capable of grabbing some game-time, and headlines, in the coming weeks:
(Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile)[/caption]
The young scrumhalf was described as having the fastest pass of a ball in the European game, last season, by former Munster star Barry Murphy (on House of Rugby). Casey was a tyro for Ireland U20s on their way to winning last season's Six Nations and he was drafted into the senior squad by the end of 2018/19. Only has one sub appearance this season but was out injured for a while. With Alby Mathewson departed and Conor Murray set to miss two games, he may get a game or two.
Hugo Keenan
Again, with Jordan Larmour and Rob Kearney both likely to take a limited part in the festive fixtures, this opens the door a crack for the 23-year-old Keenan. He has six appearances this season and five of those were in the 15 jersey. He did well in the wins over Connacht and away to Glasgow.
Robert Baloucoune
Ulster may be lucky enough to get Herring freed up for two games (he arrived in Japan for the final week and did not play) but they will have to make do without Murphy and Stockdale. Back three is one area Ulster are well stocked, especially with Michael Lowry coming back from injury soon and Will Addison's suspension expiring. Still, Baloucoune may get another couple of starts under his belt while Stockdale is being managed. Only two appearances for the 22-year-old so far this season but his try-scoring appearance against Scarlets shows he is as sharp as ever.
(Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
Nine appearances for the Dubliner already this season and someone who would be more than willing to step into that Aki role for his side. A great lad for getting his side over the front foot and breaking tackles, Robb does stretch the 'youngster' title as he is now 25. Gets through his share of defensive work too. Just one try so far this season and would be keen to finish off a few more attacks if the chances arise.
Ref mic picks up risky backchat from annoyed Munster captain Beirne
He was not at all pleased…. As expected, a strong Munster outfit put a big score against a seriously depleted Ulster team, beating them 41-14 at Thomond Park on Saturday. The result puts Munster up to fifth in the URC, after a hugely tumultuous few weeks, while Ulster are down to eighth, and just three […]
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