AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS:DECLAN KIDNEY will announce a squad this afternoon of up 37 to combat what promises to be Ireland's busiest ever November international schedule.
With Test matches against Australia, Fiji (at the RDS) and South Africa, along with A matches against Tonga and the Argentina Jaguars (in the unique rugby setting of Tallaght Stadium) you can be sure more than 37 players will be required.
Add on some inevitable call-ups for the Barbarians match against New Zealand in Twickenham on December 5th and it’s anyone’s guess what state the provincial sides will be in for a return to do-or-die Heineken Cup games a week later. From a spectator point of view, it should make for some great viewing.
Kidney also confirmed the captaincy issue, just like last season, will not be settled until closer to Australia’s visit to Croke Park on Sunday, November 15th.
That means the Grand Slam captain and most recent Lions leader must await the coach’s final call. Not that it really matters, though, when one views how Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell have worked in tandem over recent campaigns.
The November squad will include plenty of familiar faces, although the winning Churchill Cup squad, allied to Ulster’s positive start to the season and several individuals stepping up to the mark, should ensure some first caps during the next month.
As usual, the frontrow, outhalf and centre are where most of the focus will be, but, unlike other years, there are some genuine alternatives. Cian Healy, a certainty if Marcus Horan remains injured, and Jonathan Sexton, in light of Ronan O’Gara’s current form, are at the front of the queue.
John Hayes is expected to be included in the squad and, despite his recent suspension and rustiness, looks set to be retained at tighthead prop just days after his 36th birthday.
The squad meets up at the University of Limerick on Monday for training before dispersing on the Friday. They then come back together on Monday, November 2nd for a three-week camp based in Killiney Castle in Dublin. Training takes place in Donnybrook with University College Dublin’s all-weather facilities available if necessary.
Connacht’s embattled coach Michael Bradley returns to his role in charge of the A team, with Joey Miles as manager. A forwards coach has yet to be confirmed.
The streamlining of the A team and senior squad will become more evident this season as two games, prior to the Six Nations, against the England Saxons (January 29th) and Scotland A (February 5th) should ensure any replacements required for the senior squad will be suitably battled hardened.
Due to International Rugby Board pressure on European clubs to release players in the November Test window, the Tongans are said to be near full strength ahead of the Ravenhill fixture, with the IRFU picking up the tab as well as some “direct capital investment” into Tongan coffers to the tune of a figure just shy of €100,000.
The Jaguars will receive similar treatment with their Friday night fixture at the 6,000 all-seater Tallaght Stadium expected to receive a substantial marketing drive to get the traditional rugby supporters out of their comfort zone the night before the Springboks renew acquaintances with a host of bitter Lions at Croke Park on November 28th.
Winter arrived late last Saturday night, the core of the rugby season is not far behind it.
Fasten your seat belts.
