I'd imagine, like Sheehan when he came back, he'll start on the bench against France.
Furlong in full training according to socials.
Rather start him, so that if he can't continue, we can replace him
You can replace him anyway, right. Front row players can come back on as injury cover.
It appears according to insiders that France are going 7-1 for the Ireland game like we suspected, next we just need to see how actually plays.
Alldritt is a serious doubt for this weekends game. He's not quite as good as he was a few years ago, but he's still a very good player.
If we can get Doris in the team we'd have a definite advantage in the backrow.
Jelonch is a fantastic player, there isn't a big drop-off if Aldritt is missing.
One of the best 8's in the world vs a player who hasn't played 8 against a tier 1 nation since 2021….
Needless to say there IS a big drop off if Aldritt isn't there. Yes, Jelonch is fantastic player but he's a fantastic 6/7…
If Aldritt is out I don't actually think Jelonch coming in is the big issue for France, as Jelonch is a great player, its the makeup of the bench that become an issue. If you look at the rumoured bench for France at 19, 20, 21, 22 the amount caps they have are 7, 3, 4 & 10 or an average of 6 caps per player…while there is quality there, especially with Meafou, Its very green for such a big game. If you are France you'd probably want an experienced head like Jelonch coming on to help steady the ship if needed.
Furlong playing / starting seems like a high risk move. You'd want to be really confident that he's fully healed..
Would be a little harsh on Bealham as well given that he's gone well this six nations.
Although I'd guess he's just happy to still be in the squad.
No way Clarkson starting against Wales wasn't a way to try and move him ahead of Bealham.
Clarkson getting an opportunity is for the future. Nobody is getting past Furlong and Bealham so long as they are healthy. And it's Furlong that's most likely to miss time.
Why would it be to try move him ahead of Bealham and not just giving time to another prop option given Furlong's obvious injury concerns?
Nah Bealham was on the bench v Wales so to give Clarkson some exposure and so that there'd be some experience coming on alongside Gus McCarthy and Jack Boyle later in the game.
where did you see the probable bench named?
Teams
Osborne or Hansen a big worry it has to be said. Think Osborne starts then Keenan shifts to 14 jersey.
Delighted Doris is back but disappointed Coombes won't get his chance - would've been a great chance to either silence or confirm his doubters.
By not getting picked kinda confirms it though?
I mean he would've more than likely started if Doris and Conan were both injured. Don't see them starting Timoney or Prendergast Sr at 8.
(Now, even if Doris pulled out late, I presume they'd back Conan to play 80 and put on the above on the bench)
Do appreciate the attempt though, Niall.
Does Osborne have the pace for wing at this level?
I'd fear Bielle-Barrie and Penaud would have a field day against us if a guy who doesn't play wing is selected there. Has Calvin Nash been consigned to the scrapheap? Osborne seems like a better fit for the 23 jersey for this game.
Rumours are Nash is injured
Is it a 9AM announcement tomorrow or back to the 2PM?
I'd rather they start TOB there if Hansen and Nash are out. Love Osborne, but I think struggled on the wing for Leinster. Just hasn't had the time playing there. Don't know if he's appreciatably slower than Lowe or Hansen, but his positioning is what would concern me.
Would probably be Keenan on the wing and Osbourne 15
I would assume 1400 given they are not travelling.
I'm not convinced on Osborne on the wing, assume it is mostly due to his boot but he has struggled a little of late and moving position isn't going to help that.
He's completely unproven at this level & a laugh if he started.
at Least Osbourne has played & done well at test level.
Either way Keenan goes to the wing I'd say.
Everyone is unproven until they aren't. Osborne made his debut in SA. I think he's more than talented enough for international rugby and more importantly, he's more experienced as a winger than Osborne or Keenan. We're facing arguably 2 of the best wingers in the world, I'd rather someone who's comfortable in their position personally.
A grandslam & championship decider ain't the place to try out. Different story on summer tour.
Has TOB even got meaningful minutes v higher end CC opposition?
If someone is good enough, they're good enough.
The starting team I'm happy enough with. Would prefer is Hansen was available but of the back 3 players we have he's the most replaceable imo, plus Osborne is an unbelievable player so we shouldn't be weakened too much with him coming in. Like others have said, I would prefer him at FB with Keenan on the right wing.
The bench I'm less enthused by. I'm happy with the 6/2 split, would have picked it myself, but the injuries to Furlong & in particular Kelleher will limit the impact of our bench. I hope Gus McCarthy & Tom O'Toole get the nod in the 16 & 18 shirt, will add plenty of umph off the bench with those 2.
