The road to glory: Scotland v Ireland

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Ireland have announced, what would largely be regarded as, an makeshift side for their first match on the road to World Cup glory.

The team to face the Scots at Murrayfield on Saturday afternoon (KO 2:15) sees three Ulster players start with Trimble and Wallace getting the nod in an experimental backline and Court in the front row where he should expect an easy ride alongside scrummaging giants Cronin and Buckley! (God help him – well at least someone help him!)

The match probably only has any real relevance for Wallace, McFadden, O’Leary and Kearney, plus Boss and Jones should they get on, as they all still have something real to prove, fitness wise or competitively, if they are to be on the plane at the end of the month.

These are always difficult games to call and in fairness they are difficult games to select for. While it may be highly unlikely that Ryan, McCartney or Ronan are going to be travelling, a lot of this game will depend on how they perform against their opposite numbers, particularly the guys in the back row where the Scots have a huge advantage, probably enough of an edge to give Scotland . . .

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3 responses to “The road to glory: Scotland v Ireland”

  1. the mote

    I think Ryan has a much better chance of going than some provided he can prove his ability to function in the lineout . This being the first of four games Kidney was never going to select his first choice side on mass ,The games against France and England may see those players get an outing while the game against Connaught could see most of the final 30 get a half .

    The Irish backrow on this occasion looks so deprived of first choice players it would appear as if Kidney wants to find out if those on view have suficient pace to play at International level.
    I haven’t seen enough of McCarty to form an opinion but Leamy Ronan and McLauglin I fear may not be pacey enoung for International Rugby to play against the likes of Australia .

    They perform well at pro 12 level but fear not many sides in the League play with the same pace as the Australian half backs and backs.

    How good Australia are may become evident tomorrow but their ability was never tested by a slow Boks team leaking in the centre and in my opinion the Irish back row to-morrow resembles that of South Africa — big strong but three yards behind the play.

  2. rocky

    That’s a pretty strong Scottish team. I think losing by 7 may be an optimistic forecast, John.
    Rocky.

    1. John

      Ended up less than 7 in the end Rocky but Scotland should have been out of site in the first half!

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