Who are ’13 guys injured’ that Ireland have to do without?
Joe Schmidt was not having it at the Six Nations’ official launch, in London.
Schmidt could just about live with Eddie Jones declaring Ireland as “favourites” to win the upcoming championship, but he had a ready reply to those that told him England and Wales were worse off due to mounting injuries.
“Look,” he responded, “we’ve got 13 guys injured.”
The Ireland head coach went on to name-check Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien and Rhys Ruddock – a pretty decent back row there – as well as Ulster’s Jared Payne. To be fair, Schmidt is not close to a full deck. However, only four of the 13 could realistically press for a place in the starting XV.
Let’s look at the men Ireland have to do without for some, if not all, of the 2018 Six Nations.
Sean O’Brien
This is the worst pill to swallow. Currently battling back from a hip injury that could yet rule him out of the entire championship if it is not corrected, or at least made manageable.
Garry Ringrose
Not long back playing after a return from a shoulder injury, only to damage his ankle in Leinster’s festive win over Ulster. Could return for the latter championship rounds.
Jamie Heaslip
Still no timeline for the No.8’s return. Heaslip is contracted with Leinster and Ireland up until the 2019 World Cup but he has not played a game since March 2017 after a back issue flared up.
Jared Payne
Another who has not played in a long time. Had to withdraw from the Lions Tour after being adversely affected by migraine issues. Ulster’s medics are monitoring him closely but he has yet to feature in a competitive game this season.
Rhys Ruddock
Was having a ripper of a season until he injured his hamstring on Leinster duty. Would have definitely been up for a back-row spot or back-up role otherwise.
James Tracy
Hoping to return for the latter rounds after dislocating his elbow.
Tommy O’Donnell
The Munster flanker is having a bad time of it with a troublesome shoulder that has twice seen him sidelined this season.
Dave Kilcoyne
Rarely ever gets injured but has picked up a knee strain and is definitely out of the opener against France.
Finlay Bealham
Picked up a knee injury in training but may have been doing well to make the squad in the first place, with Tadhg Furlong, John Ryan and now Andrew Porter ahead in the tighthead queue.
Craig Gilroy
Another who would have been a surprise selection, despite decent provincial form, but he busted his cheek on Ulster duty.
Tommy Bowe
Bowe will retire at the season’s end but an Ireland farewell – Brian O’Driscoll-style – looks unlikely after the Monaghan man was ruled out for eight weeks, earlier this year, with a sternum injury.
Tyler Bleyendaal
Such a shame for Bleyendaal as he was Irish qualified and had been called into national camp, to get a feel for it, by Joe Schmidt. A neck injury is hampering him and there has been no firm timeline offered for his return.
Niall Scannell
A red herring on the list of 13 as he has made a return for Munster, in the Champions Cup. However, his recent injuries issues [thumb and ribs] may have prevented Schmidt from calling him up on Ireland duty.
