Over the weekend the Irish provinces completed a clean sweep of victories in Europe, but as the clubs are booming the nation begins to switch to the country’s 6 Nations defence and ask who is our back up at scrum-half?
The worrying sight for the provinces was that out of four only one had their first choice No.9 fully fit by the end of the game.
Ironically, that man is Conor Murray the one scrum-half that was missing during Ireland’s November Series wins.
Leinster fans celebrated a 29-13 win over fellow giants Toulouse with a bitter sweet feeling after seeing Luke McGrath helped off the pitch by medical staff in the second half with a leg injury.
Today, it was confirmed that he has suffered knee ligament damage and could be set to miss up to eight weeks out on the side-line. In other words, the entire 6 Nations.
McGrath’s injury was followed by news that Ulster’s John Cooney had pulled out of their clash with Racing 92 due to back spasms caused in training.
Before all of this, Kieran Marmion, Ireland’s second choice, underwent surgery on his ankle after the 16-9 win over the All-Blacks in November and is expected back soon.
The reality facing joe Schmidt is that one or none will be available for Ireland’s opening game against rivals England on February 2nd.
Names that have been thrown around are Ulster’s David Shanahan, and Munster’s Duncan Williams.
However, the is a shining light is Connacht’s Caolin Blade, who has been covering for Marmion since his surgery, has held his own over his 18 appearances so far this season.
The word on the street is that a man, who only as far back as last month said,
“I haven’t really spoken to anyone about that, more so trying to play well here and try get number one here [Connacht] first of all, that’s my aim” when asked about Ireland duty, will be called up.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise as he has helped Connacht to fourth in their Pro14 conference and within touching distance of a quarter-final place in the Challenge Cup.
Some even wonder if Marmion will find it hard to get back into the Connacht team after Blade’s displays let alone the Irish team.
All of which means, that when Schmidt names his extended squad for the 6 Nations tomorrow don’t be surprised to hear Blade’s name.
In fact, the Galway hopeful could be about to show his abilities on the international stage and make a last gasp bid to claim a stake for a ticket to Japan later this year.
