Ireland Rugby World Cup 30 Man Squad
Forwards: Best, Buckley, Court, Cronin, Cullen, Ferris, Flannery, Healy, Heaslip, Leamy, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, O'Brien, Ross, Ryan, D. Wallace
Backs: Boss, Bowe, D'Arcy, Earls, Kearney, McFadden, Murray, Murphy, O'Gara, O'Driscoll, Reddan, Sexton, Trimble, P.Wallace
After Ireland's loss to France at the weekend many rumours were flying around that Tomas O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald had been dropped from the squad especially O'Leary after his poor performance vs France, of course as seen today it's true both have been dropped.
It will be a great chance for Conor Murray to gain some valuable experience soaking up the game atmosphere and who knows with injury dictating he could also get game time as I assume Eoin Reddan will be first choice with Issac Boss on the bench. I was shocked to see that Luke Fitzgerald had been dropped due to his reputation of a great footballer and runner also previously touring with the Lions where he was first choice in the 2nd test. He may have been off form but he is a class player who seems to play on confidence but a great solo performance in a game in the Rugby World Cup could of reignited his form.
Not many fans were pleased with Tony Buckley in the last few games he has played but personally i'm glad to see him go as I think John Hayes has past it and we need a solid team with the legs to put in a good shift. It's testament to the great backrow that Ireland have to see that Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin didn't make it, with return of Stephen Ferris at the weekend and his first touch of the ball being him storming over an French forward. Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip will lead the line with Wallace or Ferris a debate many fans will have during the course of the World Cup of course with fitness playing a factor for both players.
The fight for the Hooker position will be an interesting battle with Rory Best winning at the moment, but a fit Jerry Flannery will prove a test for the Ulsterman. Having two top class hookers isn't a bad thing of course as if one player is having an off day Kidney will simply swap and both players are experienced in the testing atmosphere in which they will be playing in. It will be good for Ireland's future having Sean Cronin there with Rory and Jerry as he will train with them plus learn alot while he is out there with long tours and the test atmosphere which he hasn't experienced much.
All in all, this is the team that has been chosen to go out and win the World Cup. Happy or not we can't change it so let's get behind the team.
That's my thoughts, let me know what you think?
