All you ever wanted to know about the Saxons v the Wolfhounds but were afraid to ask

(picture http://bit.ly/1c7v7km)

It’s an interesting and strong looking team that’s been picked for the Irish Wolfhounds match against the English Saxons. Rhys Ruddock captains, and it’s composed of fringe Irish players, up and comers, and a few old stalwarts for the experience.

Of the starters, I’d put Boss, Tuohy and McFadden in the old stalwarts section – good players but who don’t seem to be in Ireland’s immediate plans. Tuohy would be the most aggrieved that he’s not in the ‘big’ squad.  Of the up and comers, Rob Herring, TOD, Copeland, Marmion and Jordi are the ones I’m hoping get some good profile from the match.  I’d say that McGrath, Zebo and Jordi are on the bench because they may feature in the Ireland’s plans for next week.

England also have a strong looking team, and I’m looking forward to the match, they tend to be a bit less polished because the players don’t know each other as well, but none less exciting for that.

The match is at 5.00pm on Saturday at Kingsholme, and will be shown on Sky Sports.

Irish Wolfhounds: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Darren Cave, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Robin Copeland, 7 Tommy O'Donnell, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Martin Moore, 2 Rob Herring, 1 David Kilcoyne.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Robbie Diack, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Ian Keatley, 23 Simon Zebo.

England Saxons: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 Sam Hill, 11 Charlie Sharples, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dave Ewers, 7 Luke Wallace, 6 Calum Clark (c), 5 George Kruis, 4 Charlie Matthews, 3 Tom Mercey, 2 Jamie George, 1 Alex Waller
Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Sam Dickinson, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Rob Miller