Ireland Classic XV

I wouldn't have Clohessy near that time. Leaving aside that he was never a great player, the way he played the game was despicable.

I'd have popplewell in the team.

Also think it's far too early to have O'Brien in the team.

Full-back Hugo McNeil.

A lot of people missing some critical elements of a classic Ireland team here.
Essential selections are :

- an Ulster player getting a cap for having been a long time servant to Ulster rugby, but never really making the international grade. He might have had his last previous cap about a decade earlier
- a one cap wonder. Tearing it up for some club, is 20-23, and 'a great propect'. Is never seen again
- a legend of yesteryear who was of international level, but is now about 5 years past it. The 'easier to play yourself onto the team than off it' syndrome will be strong in this one.
- a 'surprise' return for someone people had forgotten about, thought retired, and hasnt even played for his province for about 5 years. But selectors minds go into a time warp when discussing that position and rate his form as it had been 5-10 years previously and that somehow it must still be the same
- a 'balancing' player for provincial carve up where a know tight call between two or three players goes to which ever of the three provinces needs to increase their quota
- no Connaght player
- some bright young thing playing for one of the universities. Usually a speedy back, preferably also setting some national athletics records, but really cant play rugby for nuts
- some Munster player, most typically a scrum half or wing forward, who the rest of the country can see is patently useless (Jaysus, not another scrum half whose best attribute is that he is an 'extra wing forward'), but Munster brethren think is the best thing since sliced bread
- if stuck for a back and in any doubt where to turn, pick a Leinster player from one of the usual five schools, who looks the part, shone in some schools final, but really is more interested in his developing career as a stock broker or solicitor, and is picked to even his own great surprise.