Keith Earls (picture http://bit.ly/2fcXerx)
Joe has been tinkering with the Irish team for the Wallabies, some it forced by injuries some by choice. I’m surprised to see Donnacha Ryan drop out of the squad altogether, and also not to see Zebo starting. Ringrose has come a long way quickly, but he’s hardly put a foot wrong so far. Paddy Jackson is out best 10 option, and the rest of the team kind of picks itself these days, especially with Schmidt’s emphasis on continuity. Earls on the wing? – trust Joe! I don’t know what the plan is for this week, more of the same I suppose. The one observation from the AB’s I think we need to take on board, maybe not this weekend, but in time, is that we are deadly from 5m, but containable from 20.
The Wallabies arrive with a bit of insight on board already, in the form of coach Michael Cheika, and former Leinster lock, Kane douglas. I don’t know what that info might be – ‘Tadgh Furlong likes a chocolate digestive before a game’ might not be critical in the final outcome. Anyway, we’ve seen what Australia have done so far on tour, and they’re a team not to be trifled with, even if they have been moving up the Northern hemisphere pecking order this tour. I’d be worried about two things, their speed of play and the running lines of their backline, and their ability to get turnovers with players like Pocock and Hooper. Our defense is going to have to be top drawer – as it normally is – and we are going to have to watch for those turnovers. Still, I reckon we’ll win!
Other good matches to watch for are a pretty desperate affair between Wales and South Africa, both scratching around for form, and a very risky looking selection for the Boks. There’s also France and the All Blacks, which should be enjoyably bonkers.
International Match
Italy 14:00 Tonga
England 14:30 Argentina Sky Sports 2 HD
Scotland 14:30 Georgia
Romania 16:00 Uruguay
Ireland 17:30 Australia Sky Sports 2 HD
Wales 17:30 South Africa
France 20:00 New Zealand
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