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Ireland Squad 2017/18
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<blockquote data-quote="snoopy snoopy dog dog" data-source="post: 875219" data-attributes="member: 13611"><p>Best is injured but due back shortly. </p><p></p><p>This summer seemed like the natural time for Rory Best to retire. Captained Ireland to first wins over the AIG Blacks and away to South Africa. Also toured with the Lions. That he hasn't retired at this point indicates to me that he's going to give it two more years to get to a World Cup. By and large, he's playing as well as ever so if he's managed correctly (like Keith Wood in the lead up to 2003), he can easily keep going.</p><p></p><p>Having said all that, I prefer Niall Scannell as a starting option and Sean Cronin as an impact sub. Scannell is fast becoming a terrific hooker and Cronin offers carrying ability unlike every other hooker available to Ireland. I don't see James Tracy as much more than a good Leinster player, Richardt Strauss and Rob Herring aren't more than provincial players at this point and nobody else is stepping up. Best, Cronin and Scannell will go to Japan barring injury.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Jack Conan started the season exceptionally well but has been a little quiet the last couple of games in terms of ball carrying. He's worth persevering with.</p><p></p><p>Not sure if Sean O'Brien was picked as 8 with a view to playing there for Ireland or because it was the best way to get him back into the Leinster team. I'd assume it's a bit of both. Should CJ Stander be selected as Ireland's Number 8, O'Brien could be the backup option at 8 if Stander has to leave the field as I doubt Conan will be a bench option.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="snoopy snoopy dog dog, post: 875219, member: 13611"] Best is injured but due back shortly. This summer seemed like the natural time for Rory Best to retire. Captained Ireland to first wins over the AIG Blacks and away to South Africa. Also toured with the Lions. That he hasn't retired at this point indicates to me that he's going to give it two more years to get to a World Cup. By and large, he's playing as well as ever so if he's managed correctly (like Keith Wood in the lead up to 2003), he can easily keep going. Having said all that, I prefer Niall Scannell as a starting option and Sean Cronin as an impact sub. Scannell is fast becoming a terrific hooker and Cronin offers carrying ability unlike every other hooker available to Ireland. I don't see James Tracy as much more than a good Leinster player, Richardt Strauss and Rob Herring aren't more than provincial players at this point and nobody else is stepping up. Best, Cronin and Scannell will go to Japan barring injury. Jack Conan started the season exceptionally well but has been a little quiet the last couple of games in terms of ball carrying. He's worth persevering with. Not sure if Sean O'Brien was picked as 8 with a view to playing there for Ireland or because it was the best way to get him back into the Leinster team. I'd assume it's a bit of both. Should CJ Stander be selected as Ireland's Number 8, O'Brien could be the backup option at 8 if Stander has to leave the field as I doubt Conan will be a bench option. [/QUOTE]
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