
Rugby
Share
Published 15:54 2 Feb 2023 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
Tadhg Furlong during an Ireland media conference in New Zealand, last summer. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)[/caption]
Finlay Bealham is the next man up. He has performed well off the bench for Ireland but has only five starts in Test rugby. One of those starts was at loosehead and he last wore the Ireland No.3 jersey in July 2021. The only consolation, for those that are fretting, is that we will see what Bealham is all about now, rather than waiting for a win-or-go-home World Cup encounter. Same for Tom O'Toole, who is tighthead back-up for the game.Andrew Porter is starting and in top form, on the other side of that front row, so we still have that explosive, ball-playing prop option and Bealham's handling and passing has come on in the past few seasons. Andy Farrell assured us all, today, that Tadhg Furlong 'will keep working away to hopefully be fit for the French game'. We will believe that when we see it. Elsewhere in the Ireland match-day squad, the only eyebrow raises are on the replacements bench. Farrell is going for the perceived safer options of Iain Henderson, Conor Murray, Ross Byrne and Bundee Aki when he could have just have easily selected Ryan Baird, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Jimmy O'Brien. Byrne has jumped from 5th choice outhalf option to backing up Sexton again. Most of us that watch a lot of Leinster would like that Ross Byrne to show up more often for Ireland. The 27-year-old took a lot from his match-winning kick against Australia, last November. Let's hope he builds on it... if Sexton allows him any minutes!
Prendergast admits huge disappointment at Munster situation
Not ideal. It’s worrying times for Munster rugby at the moment, with problems on and off the field. After being knocked out of both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, controversy then surrounded the appointment of Roger Randle for next season, due to historic rape accusations. The New Zealander is coming in to replace senior […]
Rugby
16h
Kerry legend slams players for reaction to Michael Murphy punch
Not under his watch! Although the dust has pretty much settled after the Michael Murphy incident during Donegal’s NFL Division 1 final win over Kerry last month, one Kingdom legend is still not pleased with what went on. Most of the criticism was levelled at Murphy for his clear-as-day punch on Dylan Casey, as well […]
Rugby
18h
Rugby
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 134
Rugby