
Football
Share
Published 12:54 28 Nov 2016 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
In the aftermath of the Ireland's game against Australia at the weekend, Paul O'Connell and Gordon D'Arcy were speaking to Sky Sports and they outlined the Irish players who definitely should be on the plane next June.
Paul O'Connell decided on the Irish forwards who should make the trip.
He included Jack McGrath, Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O'Brien for his nominal squad. O'Connell also praised Furlong for his rousing performances and pointed to the fact that there are not many top-class tight-heads around putting their hands up for selection.
"You look at Tadhg Furlong, I know he’s a bit of a bolter but there aren’t many tight-heads around and I think he has been excellent throughout the November Internationals. "Rory Best has been excellent, Jack McGrath has been really consistent. I think Jamie and Sean O’Brien (should be picked), due to the experience they have from being on Lions tours before and the way the have played (in those Lions tours)."O'Connell does have concerns over O'Brien's fitness though, with the Carlow-man needing to prove his fitness over the remainder of the season in order to be within a shout.
"I suppose with Sean there is just bit of an issue there with injury and he needs to get a period of rugby playing week-in, week-out, so he can really build that fitness."O'Connell also name-checks Devin Toner and CJ Stander as possible forwards who could make the trip from an Irish perspective.
Gordon D'Arcy had the honour of deciding on the backs. He went with the three bankers of Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw.
In relation to Murray, the Wexford-man states that if there was ever doubt around whether he is the best scrum-half in the world before this November series, that argument can now be firmly put to bed.
"Conor Murray, even before the November series was included in the top 3 scrum-halves in the world but now he’s definitely the most influential and best scrum half in the world."Johnny Sexton, D'Arcy states, is a man you want in a battle against the world's best, and as we recently figured out, the world's most physically imposing side.
"He is somebody that you want on that plane and if you want to have a chance of beating New Zealand in New Zealand you’ve got to have him there."Finally, in relation to Henshaw, D'Arcy outlines that the 23-year-old is the only inside centre out of the four nations who have firmly established themselves in their respective national sides and that this makes him a guaranteed choice for the tour.
"The No.12 jersey seems to have opened up, England haven’t found a cut and dried No. 12. Jamie Roberts is fighting Scott Williams in the Welsh jersey and I just think with Robbie Henshaw coming back from injury – I’ve been really impressed with how he has played."During the interview, D'Arcy also mentions that Jared Payne could also be within a good shout of making the tour as he has versatility, something which could push him ahead of others when it comes to selection.
Nevertheless, there is still plenty of rugby to be played between now and June.
Unfortunately for the players, every game they play between now and then will be scrutinised to the highest level by the ever-watchful Warren Gatland.
All Irish players will be looking to put their best foot forward between now and the end of the season, also hoping that they can avoid serious injury.
You can see the thoughts of D'Arcy and O'Connell in the video below.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsRugby/status/803180498604486664
Who are we to argue with these lads?
Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
Some huge clashes! The ultimate TV guide for live weekend sport in Ireland is back! It’s another huge week in the Premier League with Arsenal hosting Newcastle, there are a host of massive inter-county championship matches in both hurling and Gaelic football, and there is an intriguing Irish derby in the URC to look forward […]
Football
10h
Huge changes in store as Lions launch bid to tour new countries
This could be massive! The Lions could soon be adding a new country to their list of touring destinations, according to an exclusive report from The Telegraph. The iconic representative team – which combines the best players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales – currently tour South Africa, Australia and New Zealand on a rotating […]
Football
15h
Football
Munster statement defends new coach over historical rape accusations
Football