In little over 24 hours\u2019 time, Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell will name his side for the upcoming November Series.<\/p>\n
Now firmly mid Rugby World Cup cycle, Farrell faces a scenario of whether to stick or pivot from a host of veteran players who have done the business for him time and again.<\/p>\n
Whilst it would be foolish to suggest that Farrell, who is renowned for his loyalty to his players, will simply throw the baby out with the bath water. There is a clear need for a rejuvenation of a squad that has grown and developed with little change over the past five seasons.<\/p>\n
Across the board, Irish Rugby is blessed with young talent. Whether this talent has what it takes to upset the natural selection order, in Farrell\u2019s opinion, remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
Ahead of Wednesday\u2019s squad announcement, we decided to delve deep into the Irish playing stocks to list, in our opinion, the top five players in each position.<\/p>\n
1. Loosehead Prop \u2013 Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Undisputed kingpin in the number one jersey, the Leinster loosehead has become an undroppable player for both province and country over the past eight seasons. Still just 29-years-old, Porter\u2019s best days may yet be ahead, but he will need to be managed carefully given his ability to play big minutes week-in-week-out.<\/p>\n
2. Michael Milne (Munster Rugby), 3. Jack Boyle (Leinster Rugby), 4. Paddy McCarthy (Leinster Rugby), 5. Jemery Loughman (Munster Rugby)<\/p>\n
2. Hooker \u2013 Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Similar to Porter, Sheehan is undroppable when fit and available. The consensus number one hooker in the world, Sheehan\u2019s athletic profile is central to Ireland\u2019s complex attacking game plan. Blessed with elite physicality, pace and vision, Sheehan operates as an extra centre\/backrow for Ireland.<\/p>\n
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby), Gus McCarthy (Leinster Rugby), Tom Stewart (Ulster Rugby), Lee Barron (Munster Rugby)<\/p>\n
3. Tighthead Prop \u2013 Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Similar to the two players listed alongside him in the front row, Furlong is simply world-class. Now 32-years-old and closing in on 100 Test Caps, Furlong\u2019s load management is central to Ireland\u2019s 2027 World Cup campaign. Proving once again his ability to dominate opponents on the recent Lions Tour, Furlong is the anchor the Irish scrum rely on when the pressure comes on.<\/p>\n
2. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby, 3. Thomas Clarkson (Leinster Rugby), 4. Tom O\u2019Toole (Ulster Rugby), 5. Oli Jager (Munster Rugby),<\/p>\n
4. Loosehead Lock \u2013 Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Already a key cog in the Irish pack at 24-years-old \u2018Big Joe\u2019 is a monstrously physical operator that brings a hard edge and punch to the Irish pack. Still not the finished article, McCarthy\u2019s ceiling is exceptionally high and he should be in his prime come the next World Cup.<\/p>\n
2. Iain Henderson (Ulster Rugby), 3. Thomas Ahern (Munster Rugby), 3. Edwin Edogbo (Munster Rugby), 5. Darragh Murray (Connacht Rugby)<\/p>\n
5. Tighthead Lock \u2013 Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby)<\/p>\n
We could nearly copy and paste from fellow Tadhg (Furlong)\u2019s description. Beirne is entering the twilight of his career as one of the game\u2019s elite players. Whilst both Munster and Ireland fans might not want to hear this, he simply cannot play every week and make it to the next World Cup. Managing his minutes will ensure that he hits the ground running down under in what will be a final hurrah.<\/p>\n
2. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby), \u00a03. Evan O\u2019Connell (Munster Rugby), 4. Diarmuid Mangan (Leinster Rugby), 5. Harry Sheridan (Ulster Rugby)<\/p>\n
6. Blindside Flanker \u2013 Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Perhaps our most contentious position, but since Peter O\u2019Mahony retired, the number six shirt has firmly gone up for grabs. Leinster\u2019s Ryan Baird may have been the consensus first choice coming into this season, but he has yet to hit his straps. North of the border, Cormac Izuchukwu has been in irresistible form for Richie Murphy\u2019s Ulster. Sure, he has primarily played lock for his province, but his athleticism in the backrow could add a new dimension to the Irish game. Mix in his line-out jumping ability and you get an all-round package.<\/p>\n
2. Ryan Baird (Leinster Rugby), 3. Cian Prendergast (Connacht Rugby), 4. Alex Soroka (Leinster Rugby), \u00a05. James McNabney (Ulster Rugby)<\/p>\n
7. Openside Flanker \u2013 Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
The former World Rugby Player Of The Year looks as good as he ever has despite edging further into his (early) thirties. Given his ability to stay fit and at the peak of his powers, it is tough to see him not getting through to 2027 in good condition. That being said, Ireland does need to explore their options in this position and manage its minutes.<\/p>\n
2. Nick Timoney (Ulster Rugby), 3. Alex Kendellen (Munster Rugby), 4. John Hodnett (Munster Rugby), 5. Ruadh\u00e1n Quinn (Munster Rugby)<\/p>\n
8. Number Eight \u2013 Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Ireland\u2019s captain is nursing the first serious injury of his career, but there is little doubt he will bounce back to his world-class best. At 27-years-old, he is firmly in the prime of his career and will gather valuable leadership IP over the coming two seasons.<\/p>\n
2. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby), 3. Gavin Coombes (Munster Rugby), 4.Brian Gleeson (Munster Rugby), 5. Dave McCann (Ulster Rugby)<\/p>\n
9. Scumhalf \u2013 Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
A position that we have a feeling will be changing hands by the end of November, Leinster\u2019s Jamison Gibson-Park is still playing at an elite level at 33-years-old. This being said, Munster\u2019s Craig Casey is closing the gap quickly. Given his style of play and cerebral ability, JGP will be a key player for Ireland in 2027, but there are a host of young players breathing down his neck.<\/p>\n
2. Craig Casey (Munster Rugby), 3. Ben Murphy (Connacht Rugby), 4. Nathan Doak (Ulster Rugby), 5. Fintan Gunne (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
10. Outhalf \u2013 Jack Crowley (Munster Rugby)<\/p>\n
On form this position is firmly in the grip of the Munster playmaker, whether Andy Farrell sees things that way remains to be seen. Still just 25-years-old, Crowley\u2019s best days are firmly ahead of him. Given his success in his relatively short time involved with the national side, that is a good omen for Irish Rugby. Physically, Crowley is an elite player with rock-solid defence, a strong carrying game and a wide array of skills. Mentally, he has already proven to be a big-game player who relishes the big moments.<\/p>\n
2. Sam Prendergast (Leinster Rugby), 3. Ciaran Frawley (Leinster Rugby), 4. Harry Byrne (Leinster Rugby), 5. Jack Murphy (Ulster Rugby)<\/p>\n
11. Left Wing \u2013 James Lowe (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Another player who is still performing at an elite level but who has seen the gap between himself and younger players close in recent times. \u00a0Of the key starters, the 33-year-old winger needs a big November to remain in the starting position ahead of the Six Nations.<\/p>\n
2. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster Rugby), 3. Diarmuid Kilgallen (Munster Rugby), 4. Shane Daly (Munster Rugby), 5. Andrew Osborne (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
12. Inside Centre \u2013 Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby)<\/p>\n
Copy and paste above. Bundee Aki is a world-class operator and has been the heartbeat of Irish Rugby\u2019s success in recent years. At 35-years-old and with his ultra-physical style of play, it is tough to see Aki playing in green come 2027. This November, he is still the first choice, but whether Farrell begins to rotate more at 12 is the big question here.<\/p>\n
2. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster Rugby), 3. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster Rugby), 4. Cathal Forde (Connacht Rugby), 5. Dan Kelly (Munster Rugby)<\/p>\n
13. Outside Centre \u2013 Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Firmly installed as the kingpin in the 13 shirt, Ringrose is a silky smooth operator who, at 30-years-old should still be in his prime come the World Cup. Recent injuries are a concern, but if he stays fully fit, he is the first choice outside centre and a key leader, in particular, on defence. Unlike previous seasons, there are several genuine contenders coming up behind him.<\/p>\n
2. Hugh Gavin (Connacht Rugby), 3. Tom Farrell (Munster Rugby) 4. James Hume (Ulster Rugby), 5. Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster Rugby)<\/p>\n
14. Right Wing \u2013 Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby)<\/p>\n
Ireland\u2019s creative spark, we toyed with the idea of slotting Hansen in at fullback in the absence of Hugo Keenan, but opted to keep him nailed in at his regular position. Key to Ireland\u2019s ability to manipulate defences by popping up as first receiver or hitting mazy lines off hard carriers. Hansen would\u2019ve been a test Lion in Australia had it not been for injury, and he is therefore our first choice here.<\/p>\n
2. Calvin Nash (Munster Rugby), 3. Zac Ward (Ulster Rugby), 4. Shayne Bolton (Connacht Rugby), 5. Robert Baloucoune (Ulster Rugby)<\/p>\n
15. Fullback \u2013 Jamie Osborne (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
Given Hugo Keenan\u2019s injury, the number 15 shirt has once again become vacant and at present Jamie Osborne is the clear favourite for the role. Long term, we can see a world where he becomes the first choice inside centre, but given his ability to be world-class at fullback too, he is an easy choice here.<\/p>\n
2. \u00a0Jimmy O\u2019Brien (Leinster Rugby), 3. Mike Haley (Munster Rugby), 4. Michael Lowry (Ulster Rugby), 5. \u00a0Jordan Larmour (Leinster Rugby)<\/p>\n
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby<\/p>\n
Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:\u00a0<\/p>\n
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In little over 24 hours\u2019 time, Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell will name his side for the upcoming…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":212722,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[567],"tags":[64,63,760,85],"class_list":["post-212721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-rugby","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-rugby","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212721","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=212721"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212721\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/212722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=212721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=212721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=212721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}