– Baz & Andrew’s House of Rugby, Together with GUINNESS –
Former Ireland international Andrew Trimble has said that he would like to see Munster second-row Tadhg Beirne, Leinster number eight Jack Conan and Ulster scrum-half John Cooney all brought into the Ireland team for this Saturday’s visit of the USA.
After a tough win over New Zealand last weekend, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt is expected to completely reshuffle his side with a host of front-liners expected to be rested for the match.
Trimble said that the USA can still be used as a good examination for those on the fringes of Schmidt’s squad.
“I would think that Tadhg Beirne would be back in,” said Trimble on the latest episode of House of Rugby.
“Jack Conan and maybe someone like John Cooney may get a go at 9. Yeah I think there will be a lot of changes.
“You bring guys in that this is potentially their All Blacks. This is our chance and our opportunity to prove that we are capable of delivering and even though it’s not a massive stage, you still get an opportunity to put on a green jersey.”
With Conor Murray, Robbie Henshaw, Sean O’Brien and Dan Leavy all out injured, there aren’t an awful lot of spots left up for grabs so while the United States match will not do an awful lot to move the needle from a public perspective, those within Carton House this week will realise that this could be a big opportunity to make an impression on Joe Schmidt.
Potential Ireland team to play USA
1. Jack McGrath
2. Sean Cronin
3. Andrew Porter
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. Quinn Roux
6. Rhys Ruddock (C)
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jack Conan
9. John Cooney
10. Joey Carbery
11. Darren Sweetnam
12. Stuart McCloskey
13. Will Addison
14. Andrew Conway
15. Jordan Larmour
Replacements
16. Rob Herring
17. David Kilcoyne
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Iain Henderson
20. Josh van der Flier
21. Luke McGrath
22. Ross Byrne
23. Sam Arnold
