Given the recent elevations of young players to the senior set-up, the current crop of Ireland Under-20s could be earning Test caps sooner rather than later.
Much like Joe Schmidt’s seniors, Ireland U20s final game is against Scotland with little more than pride and a decent, mid-table finish up for grabs.
However, given that there are World Rugby U20 Championship places up for grabs, this evening’s Electric Ireland encounter at Donnybrook Stadium will be keenly contested.
The added boon is the fact that Schmidt and his coaching staff will be in attendance. Josh van der Flier, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane and Stuart McCloskey are all 22 and under and now capped Ireland internationals.
The future is boundless but only to those who give it everything.
Here are the five players who are definitely on Schmidt’s radar after strong U20 campaigns.
James Ryan
The Lansdowne and Leinster lock has stood out from the first minute of his first game as an Under 20.
Ryan has contributed three tries in the championship and prevented at least four. He is averaging 12 tackles a game, two turnovers and 11 carries. They are the bald facts but his sheer inspirational presence cannot be truly tallied.
Looks like making the senior breakthrough with his province very soon.
Shane Daly
The backline player who has stood out the most. The Munster centre has looked dangerous throughout the championship and has been one of the first names on Carolan’s team-sheet.
Has linked up well with Leinster’s Conor O’Brien in recent outings and got the try-scoring rewards his performances have merited. Has the ability to step his man in close quarters, target the weak shoulders and is not afraid to arc out wide and out-pace covering defenders.
Cillian Gallagher
The Connacht flanker has enjoyed a solid championship with glimpses of the spectacular.
While the likes of Will Connors, Max Deegan and Greg Jones have been able to open up, Gallagher revels in pitched battle and feverish breakdown work.
That is not to say that he does not open the throttle up at times. Looked very good against Italy and will be eager to end this campaign on a high.
Peter Claffey
Not starting against the Scots but that is more down to Nigel Carolan looking to give Munster’s Sean O’Connor and outing.
The Connacht lock has formed a solid second row partnership with Ryan and is the ballast to the captain’s marauding ways. Many of his defensive hits force teams onto the back-foot and his carrying has been strong.
Responsible for two vital, try-saving interventions in the championship. Add Claffey to Connacht’s senior ranks in the next year or two and, along with Dillane and Sean O’Brien, the westerners will be in really good shape.
Adam McBurney
The Ulster hooker was not a starter at the beginning of the campaign but grasped his chance firmly when it arose. Excelled in the recent wins over England and Italy.
His throwing is solid enough but his relentless work around the pitch is his biggest contribution. Makes his fair share of tackles and carries but has proved invaluable at the breakdown.
The Electric Ireland Under 20s Six Nation home game against Scotland kicks off tonight, March 18th at 7.35pm in Donnybrook. Tickets are available here.
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