
Rugby
Share
Published 14:40 4 Mar 2015 GMT
Updated 14:42 4 Mar 2015 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
Jordi Murphy: 13 months and seven caps into his Test career, Murphy is eyeing up his second Six Nations winners' medal. Started at Number 8, and tackled like his life depended on it against Italy. Helped Ireland get over the line against France and had his best game in the green jersey against England.
Jamie Heaslip: Leinster's captain and Ireland's Mr. Reliable has endured a frustrating championship. Missed the Italy game, returned in style against France but a back injury sustained in that match has put his participation in the remainder of the tournament in doubt. Match fitness could be an issue against Bath.
Ian Madigan: Joe Schmidt looks upon the versatile Madigan as Ireland's perfect cover option for out-half and midfield. Got pipped to the starting 10 jersey by Ian Keatley against Italy, but has come off the bench in all three games so far in the tournament.
Sean O'Brien: The Tullow Tank has had an up and down tournament. Tweaked his hamstring in the warm-up and sat out the Italy game. Returned to the starting line-up against France and was a huge part of that winning effort. Played 24 minutes of Ireland's triumph over England but was withdrawn after taking a concussive blow. Ireland supporters will hope he is back to face Wales and clear out rucks like this:
Mike Ross: Has once again confounded those that dared to write him off. Has handled everything the Italians, French and England packs have thrown at him, kept his scrummaging simple yet effective, and won a number of pivotal penalties. Lost his place in the Leinster team, but his resurgence in form for Ireland may sway Matt O'Connor when Bath come to Dublin.
Marty Moore: Schmidt kept faith in Ross but often uses Moore for 20-30 minute shifts. Impressed against a grizzled Italian front row before a more sobering outing against France. Had a shaky start against England, but his final two scrums were perfect, while he also contributed to a huge penalty in the loose.
Sean Cronin: Was pushing Rory Best extremely close for the Number 2 jersey ahead of the championship but forced to settle for being an explosive presence off the bench. A crucial, ball-carrying option for his country and his lineout throwing is now up with the best.
Eoin Reddan: Being named Ireland captain, against Georgia, last November shows how much the coaching staff value Reddan. He returned to the matchday squad for the England game but Conor Murray played the full 80.
Isaac Boss: Schmidt is a big fan of the Tokoroa scrum-half and used him off the bench to close out the Italian and French successes. Likely to play a similar role for Leinster.
Dave Atwood: Atwood and George Kruis have built a decent second row partnership, which has currently forced Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury to look on from the outside. Likes a good air-punch too:
Henry Thomas: Made the bench for the Ireland game but Stuart Lancaster kept Dan Cole on. David Wilson and Kyle Eastmond were both named in Lancaster's original Six Nations squad but have yet to feature. Wilson is out for the remainder of the tournament with a neck injury, and looks unlikely to be back in time for the meeting at the Aviva in four weeks time.

Leinster and Munster fans debate footage of alleged ‘groin grab’ in derby
Big allegations! The big story coming out of yesterday’s match was the allegation made by Munster’s Gavin Coombes. The No 8 alleged that he had been grabbed in the groin by a Leinster player at a ruck. At the time, the TMO and referee had a look at the alleged incident, but could not find […]
Rugby
6 days ago
We picked our Munster – Leinster combined XV of the 21st century
A sensational team! With Leinster welcoming Munster to the Aviva Stadium today, here is our combined XV of the 21st century. Argue amongst yourselves! Loosehead prop – Cian Healy One of the easier selection in the side, without disrespecting the other options. The Leinsterman was really just that good, and was a true trailblazer as […]
Rugby
1 week ago
Rugby
We picked our 34-man Ireland squad for November’s Nations Championship
Rugby