The depth of talent in Irish rugby is at its best ever. Barring a couple of standouts (Murray, Sexton, Furlong), every position has a player of equal ability ready to step in. This is an Irish XV made of some of
Loosehead Prop: Peter Dooley
The Offaly man was probably the one who benefited most from Andrew Porter’s switch to tighthead. Should have much more opportunities to show his ability and challenge Cian Healy now that Jack Mac’s move north has been finalised.
Hooker: Rhys Marshall
A residency pick; Marshall is Irish qualified in this year. Has all the standard hooker skills, plus a cultured boot and surprising pace. Adam McBurney and Ronan Kelleher are two other young promising players that need more provincial gametime.
Tighthead Prop: Tom O’Toole
Tom O’Toole is a beast. Only 20 years old but is a certain Irish international in the future. A monstrous scrummager for a guy so inexperienced
Second Row: Fineen Wycherley
The man from west Cork is still very young but is making his presence but he doesnt let it hold him back, having already made 6 appearances for Munster
Second Row: Ross Molony
Thought of by many as Leo Cullen 2.0, the Leinster man is already a leader in the pack, and has captained his province several times.
Blindside: Caelan Doris
The latest product of Leinster’s never ending back row supply, the Mayo man is a number 8 by trade,
Openside: Nick Timoney
An all rounder in the back row for Ulster, the former Sevens player is one of the fastest forwards in the country.
Number 8: Max Deegan
An Ireland cap is surely not far away for Max Deegan. Formerly U20 player of the year, Deegan has one of the most complete skill sets of any back row forward in the country, and will soon overtake Jack Conan if he continues on the way he is going.
Scrum-half: Caolin Blade
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The Connacht 9 has a similar style to his teammate Kieran Marmion; both are small, fast, and lively threat around the ruck. Blade has taken more of a leadership role in Connacht this season, captaining the side for the first time in the last few weeks.
Out-Half: Billy Burns
Ulster’s new arrival, Burns hasn’t been setting the world alight like his teammate Will Addison, but he’s keeping Ulster ticking over well, and showing flashes of brilliance as he settled in more, some beautiful cross-kicks against Racing coming to mind. He may not be individually flashy, but he brings his teammates into the game well, and is forming a solid partnership with John Cooney.
Wing: Rob Lyttle
One thing they do well up north is a winger, and Lyttle is the latest example. Quick, decent in the air, and has a good step. Having played under two of Ireland’s greatest ever wingers at Ulster, and having one of the country’s best ever broken-field runners at his club will have done great things for his development. Has had his injury troubles but could be a star for Ulster within a few years.
Inside Centre: JJ Hanrahan
Generally deployed at 10 for Munster, the Kerryman spent a lot of his time at Northampton playing at first centre, and is very capable there, seeming to flourish when given less responsibility than the 10 jersey
Outside Centre: Tom Farrell
Farrell has been outstanding for Connacht ever since he arrived, a constant source of go-forward in the Connacht backline. One of the players most deserving of an Ireland cap, but unlikely to get one barring an injury crisis.
Wing: Barry Daly
Daly got his chance last season and grabbed it with both hands. Great in the air, and stronger than he looks, Daly’s claim to fame is he is the fastest player in the Leinster squad, and indeed in Irish rugby. Daly has not gone unnoticed by Joe Schmidt; he spent time in Ireland camp around the Six Nations ;ast year year
Full-Back: Michael Lowry
Lowry has been given some serious responsibility this season for Ulster. Injuries saw Will Addison move to outside centre, so Lowry got the nod for Ulster’s opening Champion’s Cup games. Lowry looked at home on the biggest stage in club rugby. Ulster’s answer to Jordan Larmour, the 20 year old is a livewire in attack, with dancing feet and speed. For a young player, he’s very composed, and is competent defensively for such an inexperienced player in what is probably the most important defensive position
