The medical reports will be stacking up on Joe Schmidt’s desk this afternoon.
In the mixed zone after Ireland’s 21-9 defeat to New Zealand, a reporter asked an IRFU official which players we would be getting to interview.
Devin Toner, Garry Ringrose, Josh van der Flier and Andrew Trimble, we were told.
“Probably the only ones that are able to walk,” quipped one pessimistic soul. As it turned out, Trimble didn’t make it.
Ringrose was there with a massive welt on the side of his face. Van der Flier looked shook but was smiling and genial, all the same. Toner appeared fresh as a daisy.
"They didn't get me with any high shots. I'm too tall." – Devin Toner
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) November 19, 2016
The official medical bulletin will be delivered by Mick Kearney at Carton House later today but it does not look good for Robbie Henshaw [concussion] and Johnny Sexton [right hamstring]. Rob Kearney should be okay to face Australia if he gets through his Return to Play protocols without any hitches. CJ Stander [another concussion] is more of a wait and see.
Schmidt was always likely to make tweaks but he would not have liked to mess with his half-back or midfield pairings. Australia may have had a middling Rugby Championship but they are on a roll in Europe, knocking over Wales, Scotland and now France.
While Ireland may keep their cards close to their chest today, it looks like we will have fresh faces in the number 10 and 12 jerseys. Well in advance of the Thursday team announcement, we look at the two big decisions facing Schmidt.
Outhalf
Paddy Jackson appears to be the man in possession. His immediate pros are good form with Ulster, his performances in South Africa over the summer and being that perceived safe pair of hands. The cons are that he did merely okay against the All Blacks, lacks a cutting, driving edge with ball in hand and his poor kick, on Saturday, which eventually led to Malakai Fekitoa’s second try.
There has been a growing clamour for Joey Carbery after his excellent start to the season with Leinster and a daring style of play that has transferred handily enough to the international stage. He stood up well to the physicality of New Zealand and Canada too. His major issues are two-fold – kicking from hand [aimless punts up-field] and from the tee [his current record is 1/4].
Inside centre
Luke Marshall picked up an injury just before the autumn internationals and, when he was fully fit again, found Robbie Henshaw back at 12 and having a blinder. He is another man trusted by Schmidt to carry out the specific tasks he sets, and he would be very cosy in a 10-12-13 combination with Jackson and Jared Payne. He did not set the world alight against Canada and the mere suggestion he should play this weekend has upset our Facebook followers.
The people’s champion is Garry Ringrose and few care that he has played only two 70-minute stints at inside centre [Leinster U20s in 2014 and against the All Blacks on Saturday]. Grew into Saturday’s contest well and, along with Simon Zebo, seriously tested the Kiwi defence. Australia would test his mettle but many will feel he has done enough to merit his second Test start.
Whomever Schmidt selects in those key areas, they will have their work cut out for them against an Australian team looking to finish 2016 on the highest note possible.
And, with vital world rankings points up for grabs and World Cup seedings decided in Spring 2017, Schmidt knows how vital these selections could prove.
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he’s doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.
