Ireland's rugby squad is reeling from injuries as they approach their Six Nations opener against France, with a significantly adjusted lineup announced by head coach Andy Farrell. The squad sees a trio of relatively green props stepping into the breach, and notable absences including James Lowe, who is sidelined due to minimal recent playtime.
Behind the scrum, Hugo Keenan's absence allows Jamie Osborne to claim the full-back position. Despite the challenges, the backline still boasts considerable talent with Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Sam Prendergast, and Jamison Gibson-Park making up a formidable team. McCloskey and Stockdale, in particular, get their chance to shine after impressive performances last November.
The front-row tells a different story, with Jeremy Loughman and Thomas Clarkson stepping in for the injured Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong. Sandwiched between them is the top-tier hooker Dan Sheehan. The second-row features a solid pairing of Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne, while the loose forwards include Josh van der Flier, captain Caelan Doris, and Connacht's Cian Prendergast. The strategic choice of a 6/2 bench split, including Jack Conan among the forwards, is Farrell's tactic to counter the robust French pack.
"I've been pleased with the application of the squad since we linked up last week and we've a good body of work under our belts from our training camp in Portugal as we face into an exciting test match against France,"
The bench also includes Ronan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Nick Timoney, with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley as backline reserves. Farrell emphasized the importance of the Irish support, noting the motivating factor of their presence.
"The Six Nations is an amazing tournament to compete in and it brings out the best in players. We have played at the Stade de France many times and it's a terrific stadium with an incredible atmosphere. We know from our experiences on the road how proud and vocal the travelling Irish support can be and it's a huge motivator for the squad knowing that we have so many Irish supporters behind us," Farrell added.
The much-anticipated match is set for Thursday, February 5 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, with kickoff at 21:10 local time. Refereeing the game will be Karl Dickson, flanked by assistant referees Angus Gardner and Jordan Way, while Ian Tempest serves as the TMO.
Ireland team to face France:
Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris (captain), Josh van der Flier, Cian Prendergast, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson, Dan Sheehan, Jeremy Loughman. Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley.
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Ireland's rugby squad is reeling from injuries as they approach their Six Nations opener against France, with a significantly adjusted lineup announced by head coach Andy Farrell. The squad sees a trio of relatively green props stepping into the breach, and notable absences including James Lowe, who is sidelined due to minimal recent playtime.
Behind the scrum, Hugo Keenan's absence allows Jamie Osborne to claim the full-back position. Despite the challenges, the backline still boasts considerable talent with Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Sam Prendergast, and Jamison Gibson-Park making up a formidable team. McCloskey and Stockdale, in particular, get their chance to shine after impressive performances last November.
The front-row tells a different story, with Jeremy Loughman and Thomas Clarkson stepping in for the injured Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong. Sandwiched between them is the top-tier hooker Dan Sheehan. The second-row features a solid pairing of Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne, while the loose forwards include Josh van der Flier, captain Caelan Doris, and Connacht's Cian Prendergast. The strategic choice of a 6/2 bench split, including Jack Conan among the forwards, is Farrell's tactic to counter the robust French pack.
"I've been pleased with the application of the squad since we linked up last week and we've a good body of work under our belts from our training camp in Portugal as we face into an exciting test match against France,"
The bench also includes Ronan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Nick Timoney, with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley as backline reserves. Farrell emphasized the importance of the Irish support, noting the motivating factor of their presence.
"The Six Nations is an amazing tournament to compete in and it brings out the best in players. We have played at the Stade de France many times and it's a terrific stadium with an incredible atmosphere. We know from our experiences on the road how proud and vocal the travelling Irish support can be and it's a huge motivator for the squad knowing that we have so many Irish supporters behind us," Farrell added.
The much-anticipated match is set for Thursday, February 5 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, with kickoff at 21:10 local time. Refereeing the game will be Karl Dickson, flanked by assistant referees Angus Gardner and Jordan Way, while Ian Tempest serves as the TMO.
Ireland team to face France:
Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris (captain), Josh van der Flier, Cian Prendergast, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson, Dan Sheehan, Jeremy Loughman. Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley.