Ireland’s November tests have been a mixed bag by their lofty standards, but a win over Joe Schmidt’s Australia on Saturday might convert a good month into a great one. Last Saturday’s comprehensive victory against Fiji demonstrated which players are finding form; with that in mind, here is our “form fifteen” of players vying for starts this weekend.
Tadhg Furlong, Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale, and Ryan Baird were all ruled out of Saturday’s match against the Wallabies by Andy Farrell.
1. Andy Porter
An uninteresting place to begin, but Leinster’s Andrew Porter is the best loosehead in Ireland. Cian Healy and Tom O’Toole’s brief cameos aside, it’s Porter’s jersey because of how crucial he is to Farrell’s scheme.
2. Gus McCarthy.
It takes an impressive debut to break into a form squad, and Gus McCarthy met that standard against Fiji. The 21-year-old hooker had a try, three assists, and was a force to be reckoned with carrying the ball, and he’ll be looking for another opportunity on Saturday.
3. Tom Clarkson
With Tadhg Furlong unavailable, there was room for a fresh player to step up in green, if permitted. That man’s name was Tom Clarkson. The kid appeared at ease in all of his tests, calling into doubt Leinster’s decision to sign Rabah Slimani during the offseason.
4) James Ryan
Lock was a coin toss between two more Leinster players, but this writer has chosen James Ryan over Joe McCarthy following fantastic defensive efforts in games one and two.
5. Tadhg Beirne.
Despite deputising at flanker in the initial rounds, Munster captain Tadhg Beirne is a world-class lock who has improved game by game.
6) Cormac Izuchukwu
Izuchukwu, an Offaly history maker, joins the back row as another newcomer. The Ulster blindside made a great debut in green and would be a valuable starter.
7. Joshua van der Flier.
Josh van der Flier, arguably Ireland’s best player this month, has been outstanding. The Wicklow guy is a top carrier and tackler, as well as Ireland’s best (and only) seven-man lineup.
8. Caelan Doris (Capt)
Caelan Doris, captain of Leinster and Ireland, rounds up the pack. He has started every game, but, like Tadhg Beirne, has improved with each minute.
9. Craig Casey
The most recent Munster player leads the backline. Craig Casey’s leading role versus Fiji was one of his greatest in green, surpassing Jamison Gibson-Park’s efforts.
10. Jack Crowley
In a month when all three 10s have shown promise, we’ve leaned toward Jack Crowley. Crowley’s performance against Argentina was near-perfect under the limelight, while against a challenging opponent.
11. James Lowe
Jacob Stockdale looked like his usual self, racking up 10 carries for 70 metres in just 50 minutes of action, but his hamstring injury ensures James Lowe will start for Ireland against the Wallabies.
12. Bundee Aki.
Bundee Aki, who was left out of the Argentine visit, was in excellent form against a tough Fijian midfield. When he finds top gear, he is difficult to stop.
13. Robbie Henshaw
Robbie Henshaw, a former Connacht colleague, will join Aki in the centre. Henshaw is the man in form ahead of selection, despite the fact that Garry Ringrose also performed admirably against Argentina and Fiji.
14. Mack Hansen
Hansen, a Connacht favourite, has scored three tries in the last two games and is developing as the season progresses. He has quickly reintegrated into Ireland’s offensive system, serving as a major component of the multi-playmaking role.
15. Hugo Keenan
Jamie Osborne’s brief but impressive appearance against Fiji makes him Ireland’s most intriguing fullback option based on form. Hugo Keenan, on the other hand, is almost certain to start on Saturday due to his abductor injury.
Andy Farrell is unlikely to choose this fifteen at the weekend, with Kelleher, McCarthy, Gibson-Park, Lowe, and Keenan all expected to start; but, he should be delighted with his team’s improved form following a sluggish start.
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