Joe Schmidt’s primary goal, upon taking over was to get in at least two top quality players for each position. That was pretty much achieved after the 2014 Six Nations.
Ahead of the World Cup, last year, Schmidt had developed further depth but his squad was irreparably damaged by injuries to four key men and Sean O’Brien’s suspension.
His takings from that chastening experience was that he would need to give Test experience to more players. He told High Performance Director David Nucifora that he wanted four decent players for each position.
Lofty aims but we are dealing with an Irish coach that has genuine, realistic hopes of winning a World Cup.
Last Saturday in Chicago saw some of Schmidt’s long-game come to early fruition. Tadhg Furlong, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane and Joey Carbery all featured in the 40-29 win over the All Blacks. Those five all made their Test debuts in the past year. Uncapped Garry Ringrose and Luke McGrath were on the bench.
This weekend should see Schmidt field a much changed XV against Canada. With further Tests against the All Blacks and Australia on the horizon, Ireland need to hold some of their bigger hitters back.
Looking at an all-change starting team Schmidt could select, however, Ireland have rarely looked in better shape. The Kiwi makes his official announcement on Thursday afternoon.
POSSIBLE IRELAND XV
Back three
Tiernan O’Halloran will be hoping to continue on his fine Connacht form and getting a longer run than his injury-hit debut against South Africa. Keith Earls probably would have started against New Zealand before injury struck and Craig Gilroy was 25th man in Chicago.
Midfield
Garry Ringrose still has the ‘0’ on his jersey but it won’t be for long. He could get his first start alongside Luke Marshall of Ulster, who did well for Schmidt in South Africa.
Half backs
Paddy Jackson will be itching to get involved and we would have no qualms about him starting. However, it would be exciting for Joey Carbery to start alongside Leinster teammate Luke McGrath, who should compete for the No.9 jersey with Kieran Marmion.
Front row
Schmidt has two choices here – or a Plan C involving a mix of A and B. The first option is giving starts to his subs from last Saturday – Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Finlay Bealham. The riskier yet enticing alternative would see Dave Kilcoyne joined by Munster tighthead John Ryan and Leinster hooker James Tracy.
Second row
We initially had Billy Holland and Iain Henderson in together until we realised Ultan Dillane had (surely) done enough to earn a start.
Back row
What a luxury this is. Sean O’Brien and Peter O’Mahony together again for the first time since we beat France at last year’s World Cup. Jack O’Donoghue has been in a few Irish training squads and is ready to be assessed as a serious option at No.8.
Subs: Kilcoyne, Tracy, J Ryan, Holland, Leavy, Marmion, Jackson, Adeolokun.
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