Are you experienced?
In Ireland’s terms, the answer is yes but you might have to SPEAK UP!
Joe Schmidt has named the 15 players he believes can swat Romania aside, on Sunday, but he has some heavy-hitters in reserve.
The likes of Paul O’Connell, Sean O’Brien and Conor Murray lie in wait for the Eastern Europeans should they put up some staunch resistance at Wembley Stadium.
Schmidt is handing out four World Cup debuts – to Devin Toner, Richardt Strauss, Jordi Murphy and Darren Cave – but only the Leinster back-row would call himself young, and get away with it.
Indeed, the official World Cup Twitter account has bestowed this dubious honour on Joe Schmidt’s latest Ireland side:
#IRE name oldest starting 1⃣5⃣ in RWC history but 4 set for RWC debuts – R. Strauss, D. Toner, J. Murphy & D. Cave pic.twitter.com/huRrcdbMlf
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 25, 2015
At a combined age of 435, Ireland’s starting fifteen can collectively claim to be in their prime. Murphy and Simon Zebo (25) are the two youngest players while Eoin Reddan and Nathan White are both 34.
Ireland’s exact average age is 29 and 245 days but, just 30 minutes later, Romania named their team. They will start on Sunday with the oldest XV, with an average age of 29 and 347 days.
Schmidt was surprised to be asked about his side’s age profile.
After seeking clarification, he commented, “Hopefully they won’t show their age, and will show enough energy and enthusiasm.”
