Dan Leavy’s horror injury against Ulster means that a World Cup squad spot has opened up. Ireland’s current best openside was a dead cert to travel, so the question is, will that open things up for a bolter?
This would be quite the rise for the 19 year old who is still fresh from St. Michael’s. Penny garnered attention with his barnstorming schools and Leinster A performances before making his debut for the senior team earlier this season, and then winning a Grand Slam with the U20s. One of the few only out and out uncapped sevens available to Joe Schmidt, Penny has proven he has a nose for the tryline, and at 100kg is big enough to compete with the best despite his youth. If you’re big enough, you’re old enough.
The Dub turned Ulsterman could definitely stake a claim to be the fastest backrower in Ireland thanks to his time on the Sevens circuit. Generally switching between openside and number 8 for the northern province, Timoney could be an absolute weapon off the bench. One moment that stands to prove is when Ulster played Connacht in Ravenhill, and Timoney picked off an intercept, and outpaced Connacht wing Niyi Adeolokun to the line, who is no slouch himself.
Former U20 player of the year as a number 8, Deegan has been filling in all across the back row for Leinster this year. You get the impression that Leo Cullen is trying to turn him into a replacement for Mr Versatile Jordi Murphy. Deegan is likely the heir to the throne of CJ Stander at number 8 for Ireland, and his impressive performances this season have given Jack Conan the kick up the arse he needed.
Jack O’Donoghue
The Waterford Wonder had an absolutely cracking first 20 minutes for Munster against Edinburgh at the weekend before being forced off. Another who number 8 who has been forced to become versatile, this may stand to him getting a seat on the plane to Japan. The Munster man is an excellent lineout forward, and loves a jackal. If he can keep up the form he is showing after his return from injury, he may well make that spot his.
