Balanced selection offers plenty of experience along with 18 World Cup debutants
Furthermore, unlike the last two World Cups, Farrell hasn’t rolled the dice, which Joe Schmidt felt compelled to do, the 31-player maximum leading him to pick just two scrumhalves and ask Ian Madigan and Joey Carbery to act as additional cover at 9.
“It’s obvious that there’s quality, talented players missing out. It’s a dream of theirs to play in a World Cup, so it’s tough but at the same time we’ve got to do the right thing by the squad and pick a squad of 33, and make sure we get the right balance. Despite losing Cian Healy to injury, Ireland will be able to draw on plenty of experience at the World Cup. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Then again, the Springboks have the most settled side in the top tier of world rugby, and it did not look especially weary whenDespite losing Healy, there is a strong core of experience in the Irish squad, and there’s certainly been an infusion of new blood in the latter half of this World Cup cycle.
But Farrell and his assistants are generally vindicated when they back a hunch against the provincial pecking order – witness the key promotion of Jamison Gibson-Park – and likeMcCarthy, Crowley has also climbed the outhalf ladder fairly swiftly. Perhaps too, the make-up and approach of this Irish side better reflects the country’s sporting abilities. For there’s also plenty of football smarts in this Irish team, and as a better fit for the nuanced attack, Farrell and co want their wingers to be multi-skilled, almost third centres.
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