Ireland depart for the Southern Hemisphere today where they will face Australia, Japan and New Zealand in the Nations Championship over 3 weekend’s in July. They face Australia first up then Japan also in Australia before heading for Eden Park to play New Zealand.
Only a small number of uncapped players have made the cut for which Andy Farrell will have to be questioned . A number of players are simply unlucky not to make the squad but while they are on holiday you can be certain they will be told to keep the phone on and will be on standby if they are needed over those weekend’s.
It is another attempt by World Rugby to revitalise the summer tour window by setting up this competition that will be played in July and then completed next November up here. The 12 best sides will face off through the July window.
As I say, only a small number of new players will get the chance to wear a green shirt this summer over the games with Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
It is also the chance for Andy Farrell to start his spell armed with a long term deal with the IRFU and with the news of Leo Cullen’s departure from Leinster at the end of next season, he will have to begin a new working relationship with a new coaching ticket in Leinster. They move back to the Laya Arena from the start of next season.
Here is my 23 to play Australia in the game on July 4th. I am using the squad selected by Andy Farrell.
15 Hugo Keenan
14 Rob Balcounne
13 Jamie Osbourne
12 Stuart Mc Closkey
11 Jimmy O Brien
10 Ciaran Frawley
9 Nathan Doak
8 Sean Jansen
7 Nick Timoney
6 Cian Predergast
5 Darragh Murray
4 Cormac Izuchukwu
3 Thomas Clarkson
2 Ronan Kelleher
1 Billy Bohan
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16 Tom Stewart
17 Jeremy Loughman
18 Sam Illo
19 Joe Mc Carthy
20 Jack Conan
21 Craig Casey
22 Harry Byrne
23 Zac Ward