THE IRELAND WOLFHOUNDS have named their matchday 23 to face the England Saxons tomorrow evening. We’ve taken a look at some of the major talking points.
SOB is back
After a nightmarish 14 months or so that featured two shoulder reconstructions, O’Brien is set for his comeback. His first ball carry is sure to be watched closely at Musgrave Park tomorrow and it seems likely that his motivation will be at a peak.
Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
The Leinster man’s sheer athletic ability marks him out as unique in Irish rugby circles, and O’Brien had developed into the complete openside in recent years. Should Ireland make a push for the World Cup later this year, the Tullow native’s fitness appears key.
In that regard, his return is hugely welcome, even if Ireland will be understandably cautious over the coming weeks. O’Brien himself will push hard for inclusion against Italy, but we may see incremental involvements before his first full 80 minutes.
Madigan’s audition
The Leinster back has been seen as favourite to start at out-half against Italy in Johnny Sexton’s absence for some time now. One of the issues for those arguing against such a decision is that Madigan hasn’t been playing regularly at 10 for his province.
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Leinster’s Madigan will direct play from 10. Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
However, he gets his latest starting chance at out-half for the meeting with the Saxons tomorrow, an opportunity to put his hand up heading into the Six Nations. Wolfhounds coach Dan McFarland mentioned that as a generally key element of this XV.
Ian Keatley is ommitted, although McFarland indicated that the Munster man is fully fit. That makes the absence more difficult to understand, given that he is the other contender to play against Italy. Is he being held back for a start?
Fitzgerald on the wing
Yesterday, Schmidt told us that Luke Fitzgerald was certainly being considered as an option at outside centre, but the Leinster back is selected on the left wing for tomorrow evening’s game.
Luke Fitzgerald is back on the left wing for the Wolfhounds. Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Is that a hint as to Schmidt’s thinking for the Italy game on 7 February? Simon Zebo has been the man in possession of Ireland’s 11 shirt, but would a superb showing from Fitzgerald tomorrow push him ahead of the Munster wide man?