Nobody is kidding themselves any more that the national team can help solve Germany’s problems. Maybe its days as a metaphor are coming to an end. It still at least has the power to provide an ephemeral moment of happiness. Germany could use one of those.
The decision to play Izuchukwu as a blindside flanker of late is very much on trend in the modern game, where players who might previously be considered for the secondrow alone, like Ryan Baird, Tom Ahern, Evan O’Connell, Joe Hopes and Diarmuid Mangan to highlight a quintet, have the athleticism and speed to thrive in the backrow.Some last minute pre match reading as we wait for the teams.
There is no specialist lock on the bench. Instead Greg Jones and Dave Ewers, backrow by nature, will likely be expected to fill in. Will Addison is at 13 alongside Stuart McCloskey with James Hume still injured, while Stewart Moore is given a run at fullback. Ethan McIlroy and Jacob Stockdale join him in the backthree.
Hugo Keenan remains unavailable as he continues to play with the Ireland Sevens side in a bit to make the Olympic squad. Jimmy O’Brien is given first crack at replacing him in the 15 shirt. He’s joined by Jordan Larmour and James Lowe in the backthree. Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne continue in midfield - despite the return to fitness of Garry Ringrose - while, interestingly enough given criticism of his performance in the defeat to Toulouse, Ross Byrne remains the trusted option at 10.
Ulster-Rugby United-Rugby-Championship
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Time and TV channel info for Leinster v Ulster today in URC quarter-finalThe winners will march on to the last four and could be staring at a quick-fire trip to South Africa
Read more »
Leinster v Ulster date, TV info, betting odds and more for URC quarter-finalThe sides clash in the URC quarter-final this weekend.
Read more »
URC quarter-final clash with Leinster no 'free hit' for UlsterUlster coach Dan Soper is confident his side will produce a performance of substance this weekend.
Read more »
Garry Ringrose set for Leinster return for URC quarter-final against UlsterCentre has missed significant parts of 2024 with a shoulder injury
Read more »
Robbie Henshaw: 'I think everyone is keen to just move on from what happened in London'Leinster face Ulster in the URC quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday.
Read more »
Depleted Ulster face tough task as Leinster look to launch URC title chargeThe two provinces go head-to-head at Aviva Stadium today.
Read more »