Irish RWC Squad Depth Chart- Locks

With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching and Joe Schmidt’s squad announcement imminent, each day we will look at a different part of the squad to try and decipher who will make the final 31-man squad for the tournament in Japan.

Schmidt is likely to opt for a split in favour of forwards with 17/14 a possible outcome.

As such he may choose, 5 props, 3 hookers, 4 locks and 5 back rows

Today we will look at Locks in the third part of the series.

2019 RWC Potential Irish Props.

2019 RWC Potential Irish Hookers.

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On the Plane

The battle between the Locks will see six trying to fit into four. In his 44-man-squad Joe Schmidt chose James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Devin Toner, Tadgh Beirne, Ultan Dillane and Jean Kleyn.

There are a number of ways Joe Schmidt can go with a number of those capable of filling in in the Back Row.

However, there is one certainty and that is Leinster’s James Ryan, who in the space of two years has firmly established himself as one of the world’s best Locks.

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Likely to Travel

It would be incredible if Devin Toner didn’t travel, with his expertise at the lineout often going unnoticed. His experience will prove crucial in Japan.

On his day Iain Henderson is virtually unplayable, but injuries have plagued the Ulster lock. Regardless, Henderson is highly likely to travel but could also be named in the back-row with his ability to play on the blindside.

Tadhg Beirne is in a great position to make the final cut with his performances for club and country over the past 12 months of the highest order. Another who could be named in the back row

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Missing Out

If Beirne or Henderson are selected among the back rows, then Jean Kleyn is in pole position to take the final place on the plane. After making his debut earlier this summer, Kleyn has done well and may be included as he offers something different to the rest of the locks with his sheer physicality.

Although Ultan Dillane has more caps than both Beirne and Kleyn, he is highly likely to miss out.

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Potential Irish RWC Locks

Tadhg Beirne (6 Caps)

Iain Henderson (45)

James Ryan (17)

Devin Toner (65)