Andy Farrell has revealed the 23 players he has selected for the trip to Marseille on Friday evening (9pm) to face France. Surprise in the group: There is no Gary Ringrose in the middle of the field or even in the group. Without the newly retired Jonathan Sexton for the first time, it is Jack Crowley who will take over the number 10 and his responsibilities.
Shock must keep all its promises! In any case, a very strong XV drafted by Andy Farrell to face the Blues on Friday evening at the Orange Velodrome gives us hope. After the composition announced by Fabian Galthie, the boss of the Irish game, in turn, has revealed his fifteen. And it has some surprises in store.
Ringrose was hit in the shoulder
First, there is the conspicuous absence of Leinster’s talented and regular three-quarter center Gary Ringrose (56 caps). Due to a shoulder injury, one of the best players in the world in his position will not step onto the pitch at Vale to the delight of the French back line. But no luck, his replacement isn’t really a novice in the field, nor a real gift for the Dainty-Ficou pair. Indeed, it is veteran Robbie Henshaw (30 years old) and his 67 selections that will take him to 13th and join Connacht bulldozer Bundy Aki. While Mack Henson is also unfit, Munster winger Calvin Nash will take his place. At 26, the Munsterman has just one cap against Italy on the summer tour.
O’Mahony Captain
Still in the Limerick boys side, here’s another Munster player who takes his place in the XV. Jack Crowley (24 years old) therefore wears the number 10 and replaces newly retired legend Jonny Sexton, who departs after the World Cup. Andy Farrell’s selection moves the young flyhalf into a starting position for the first time in a Six Nations tournament match. He will be involved with the usual Gibson-Park while Conor Murray, soon to be 35, will be on the bench.
Up front, second row Joe McCarthy will start the match, with James Ryan on the bench. Otherwise, Andy Farrell prefers his Porter, Sheehan, classic with furlong frames. The third row is also very impressive with captain Peter O’Mahony (101 caps).
XV of Ireland
15. Keenan; 14. Lowe, 13. Henshaw, 12. Aki, 11. Nash; 10. Crowley; 9. Gibson-Park; 8. Doris; 7. Van der Flier; 6. O’Mahony (Cape); 5. Beirne, 4. McCarthy; 3. Furlong; 2. Sheehan; 1. Wear
substitute: 16. Kelleher, 17. Haley, 18. Bealham, 19. Ryan, 20. Baird, 21. Conan, 22. Murray, 23. Frawley.
The referee of the match will be Mr Dixon.
