Joe Schmidt has given Irish rugby a boost by committing to the team until the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
He could deliver an even bigger boost by ending 111 years of hurt against New Zealand in Chicago next month.
After Ireland’s tour of South Africa, in June, we took a whirl at predicting the Irish XV that should start against the all conquering Kiwis. Looking back on that team now, our opinions have not changed all that much.
There could yet be a few surprises in Schmidt’s selection, though, and the form of a few players in the interprovincial and Champions Cup games, this month, could yet be a deciding.
Here are three players we feel have made strong cases to start against world champions New Zealand at Soldier Field on November 5.
Josh van der Flier
Looked far and away a star in his first two Tests for Ireland before he was dropped for the final Six Nations outing against Italy. Picked up an injury for Leinster soon after and missed the summer tour to South Africa.
Jordi Murphy looked back to his best on that summer tour and there is increasing back row competition now that Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien [just about] are nearing full fitness. Van der Flier has looked impressive in his recent outings with his province.
Tremendous defence by @leinsterrugby as Josh Van der Flier smothers maul and earns defensive srcum, 17-6, 58 mins #MONvLEI
— Dermot O'Mahony (@Dermotom) October 23, 2016
He missed out on the Munster game entirely but was excellent in the home win over Castres and fought his ass off on an absolute dog of a day against Montpellier. Could find himself up against Murphy and O’Brien for that starting openside role.
Paddy Jackson
Johnny Sexton is nowhere near 100% but he often peaks for Ireland duty. The Leinster outhalf lasted only 40 minutes and has compiled just 259 minutes of game-time this season.
Up at Ulster, Paddy Jackson is flying it. Six appearances in total this season and he has taken over the goal-kicking duties from Ruan Pienaar on each of his starts. Proved an Ulster hero against Exeter on Saturday night.
The 24-year-old stood up well to the Springbok challenge and has shown Schmidt he can bring verve and tactical thinking to the No.10 role. Still, we’ll be watching from behind both hands the first time someone like Kieran Read or Malakai Fekitoa charges down his channel.
Garry Ringrose
The time is now for Garry Ringrose. Each game he has played this season has provided further proof that he is ready for a Test chance.
He has now played three times with Robbie Henshaw so should be able to into the Irish midfield with ease. Joe Schmidt looks set to stick with Jared Payne at fullback so the midfield pairings for Henshaw appear to be between Ringrose and Luke Marshall, although Stuart Olding will be hoping to tour.
Ringrose was sensational against Munster and next to untouchable against Castres. Even on the Montpellier bog, on Sunday, he produced a swerving clean break that should have led to a try had Leinster kept their heads.
He is a demon for defensive work and has the attacking abilities to worry a handy yet new-look All Blacks midfield.
That being said, here is how we feel Schmidt will line up in Chicago:
OUR IRELAND XV
15. Jared Payne
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
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