Joe Schmidt is a big fan of players that can show versatility.
Ireland could very well go into the World Cup with just one specialist fullback, in a Test rugby sense.
Rob Kearney is nailed-on to make the 30-man squad but Schmidt will have Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw to call on.
Both Payne and Henshaw began their professional careers, in Ireland, as 15s but are now Schmidt’s midfield starters.
To that end, the Kiwi will need another player that can fill in at fullback as well as their primary role. Ian Madigan will cover outhalf and centre, most likely from the bench.
That leaves Simon Zebo.
A popular train of thought exists that Zebo is an all-or-nothing selection call for Schmidt. Either the Kiwi will pick Zebo to start on the left wing or he will leave him at home.
He says, ‘[I need to] play the way I am capable of playing and do things on the pitch that I am able to do. It will just come down to form I think.
‘There are four Test games coming up to the World Cup. Whoever’s form is best will go on the plane. It’s down to each individual.
‘It’s great because the competition is very high in training. Obviously there is going to be class international standard players who are not going to travel. That’s just the way it is, that’s sport. If you are lucky enough to get picked.’
Zebo in Munster’s 2015/16 home jersey.Zebo played fullback for Ireland during 2012’s November internationals but ceded the jersey for the ill-fated 2013 Six Nations campaign.
‘I think the [coaches] know I can do a job at full back,’ he says. ‘I don’t need to plead my case.
‘I’ve played internationally at full back, I’ve played full back for Munster and I really enjoy playing there.
‘I get more of the ball , it’s a position I love playing – I played there in the Champions Cup against Sale and got man of the match, I love playing there, when I get my hands on the ball that’s when I’m at my best.
‘I think the coaching staff know the attributes and pros and cons of each player so it’s just going to be about playing the best you can in the warm-up games and doing as best you can.’
