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Ireland’s Squad Selections for the South Africa Tour Reveal Winners and Losers
Ahead of their highly anticipated tour to South Africa, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has unveiled his 35-man squad, sparking discussions around the winners and losers of the selection process.
As the two-time defending Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks will host Ireland, the current second-ranked team in the world rankings, in what is shaping up to be a modern-day rivalry showcased on South African soil.
With Farrell’s squad announcement, our rugby union experts have identified the key players who have emerged as winners and those who may have missed out on the opportunity to shine in the upcoming matches.
Winners:
- Sam Prendergast: The Leinster fly-half debate has been a point of discussion, and Farrell’s decision to include the uncapped Prendergast over the Byrne brothers has raised eyebrows. This is a significant call, as the 21-year-old playmaker may have a chance to impress the selectors during the tour, even if he’s relegated to carrying tackle bags.
- Jamie Osborne: The young Leinster center has been rewarded for his stellar season, which included filling in for the injured Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose. Osborne’s cannon boot and versatility to play on the wing could make him a valuable addition to the squad.
- Cormac Izuchukwu: The Ulster lock/blindside flanker has earned his spot in the Ireland team, thanks to his impressive performances, particularly in the quarter-final against Leinster. His physicality and skill set make him a suitable challenge to the Springboks’ formidable pack.
- Jacob Stockdale: After missing out on the Six Nations, the experienced winger has worked his way back into the squad through consistent displays for his province, offering Farrell an experienced option in the backline.
Losers:
- Jamison Gibson-Park: The influential scrum-half’s absence due to a hamstring injury is a significant blow for Ireland, as his importance to the team’s tempo and overall play is immense.
- Mack Hansen: The winger’s inability to recover from injury in time for the tour means Ireland will be without another key backline option, further depleting their depth in the back three.
- Byrne brothers: The non-selection of Harry and Ross Byrne, who have been criticized for their recent Leinster performances, is a surprise, with Farrell opting for the young Sam Prendergast instead.
- Munster back-rowers: The likes of Gavin Coombes, John Hodnett, and Alex Kendellen have all been overlooked, despite their impressive club form, leaving some Munster fans disappointed.
- Jeremy Loughman: The exclusion of the Munster prop, who has been a standout performer at scrum time, is another unexpected omission from Farrell’s squad.
As Ireland prepare to take on the formidable Springboks, the selected squad will have the opportunity to prove their worth and solidify their positions in the team, while those who missed out will be eager to make a strong case for future selection.
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