The starting pair for Joe Schmidt since taking the reigns in 2013 has generally been Paul O’Connell and Devin Toner, but recent months have seen calls for the destructive and versatile Iain Henderson to be given a chance in big games.
That trio are joined by another versatile forward in Donnacha Ryan, and Ulster’s Dan Tuohy, but one, or possibly both may miss out on selection.
Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster)
Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
Your choice will likely be dictated by the number of front rows you bring along, which we’ll open discussion on tomorrow.
Toner and O'Connell have been the first choice locks for Schmidt. Colm O'Neill / INPHO
Colm O'Neill / INPHO / INPHO
Should you take the sensible approach of bringing nine front rows along, it leaves you with probably three second row spots available, bad news for Tuohy and Ryan.
However, with three second rows seeming one too few for a major tournament, Ryan’s versatility may stand to him over one of the flankers.
It’s your call though. Give us your thoughts on the second rows that should make the final 31-man squad.
Pick the Irish second rows you want to see play at the 2015 Rugby World Cup
PLACES IN THE second row are becoming limited.
The starting pair for Joe Schmidt since taking the reigns in 2013 has generally been Paul O’Connell and Devin Toner, but recent months have seen calls for the destructive and versatile Iain Henderson to be given a chance in big games.
That trio are joined by another versatile forward in Donnacha Ryan, and Ulster’s Dan Tuohy, but one, or possibly both may miss out on selection.
Your choice will likely be dictated by the number of front rows you bring along, which we’ll open discussion on tomorrow.
Should you take the sensible approach of bringing nine front rows along, it leaves you with probably three second row spots available, bad news for Tuohy and Ryan.
However, with three second rows seeming one too few for a major tournament, Ryan’s versatility may stand to him over one of the flankers.
It’s your call though. Give us your thoughts on the second rows that should make the final 31-man squad.
Which backrow forwards would you bring to the Rugby World Cup?
Open thread: Pick your half-backs to travel to the Rugby World Cup
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Dan Tuohy Donnacha Ryan Iain Henderson Irish Rugby locked in Rugby World Cup 2015