The UAFC

Ireland team to play Samoa

Jimmy O'Brien; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey, Keith Earls; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Tom Stewart, Finlay Bealham; Iain Henderson (c), Tadhg Beirne; Ryan Baird, Josh vd Flier, Caelan Doris

Bench: Rob Herring, Jeremy Loughman, Tom O'Toole, James Ryan, Peter O'Mahony, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne, Garry Ringrose

Earls playing is probably Jacob’s best chance of making the plane.

I would hope that the match officials will enforce the forward pass rule now that it isn’t his 100th cap anymore!

I'd say Stewart starting to reduce risk of Herring getting injured. May even play 80 mins.

Stockdale, Frawley and Prendergrast look like missing out.

Don't think Baird has been used as a lock yet which may mean that Hendy will make the bench for the big games.

Bart S wrote:Stockdale, Frawley and Prendergrast look like missing out.

Don't think Baird has been used as a lock yet which may mean that Hendy will make the bench for the big games.

Still think that hendo should start against SA with POM on the bench and beirne at 6. Pom coming on with 25 to go will cause mayham at the breakdown and defensive lineout steals at that time are so precious.

Bart S wrote: ↑Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:53 pm Stockdale, Frawley and Prendergrast look like missing out.

Don't think Baird has been used as a lock yet which may mean that Hendy will make the bench for the big games.

From all the hype over Earls winning his 100 th cap he is being pushed on a tide of emotion into the World Cup squad. If he doesn't go and Jacob does, Jacob every move will be scrutinised.

Jetstream wrote: ↑Thu Aug 24, 2023 9:03 pm

Bart S wrote: ↑Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:53 pm Stockdale, Frawley and Prendergrast look like missing out.

Don't think Baird has been used as a lock yet which may mean that Hendy will make the bench for the big games.

From all the hype over Earls winning his 100 th cap he is being pushed on a tide of emotion into the World Cup squad. If he doesn't go and Jacob does, Jacob every move will be scrutinised.

Probably a risk he’d take at the minute.

The World Cup themed interviews on the Rugby Pod are worth a listen.

Beaver and Andrew Sheridan so far.

Henderson gave excellent thoughtful and animated replies in his press conference. Impressive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcXR1ESvDOk

Utterly ridiculous that All Blacks v South Africa starting shortly isn't on Amazon with all the other pre World Cup matches, world rugby doesn't give a toss about the average fan.

Lurgan Lad wrote:Utterly ridiculous that All Blacks v South Africa starting shortly isn't on Amazon with all the other pre World Cup matches, world rugby doesn't give a toss about the average fan.

Free on sky sports mix.

jean valjean wrote: ↑Fri Aug 25, 2023 8:18 pm

Lurgan Lad wrote:Utterly ridiculous that All Blacks v South Africa starting shortly isn't on Amazon with all the other pre World Cup matches, world rugby doesn't give a toss about the average fan.

Free on sky sports mix.

Thanks Jean, completely missed this! Sounds like South Africa were dominant, a 7-1 bench certainly foretold their gameplan!

SA looked far more up for it than NZ who will be missing 2 front line 2nd rows for the opening game against France. France will have seen this game and reckon they can beat the AB up front.

Earls out of tonight’s game with what is described as a ‘minor niggle’. Stockdale in to the 11 jersey so fingers crossed for a big performance.

I think it confirms JS misses the cut. I hope I'm wrong.

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