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.
With that in mind, Schmidt may opt for a split of 2 Scrum-halves, 3 Out-halves and 9 between the Back five positions.
Today we will look at Scrum-Halves in the fifth part of the series.
2019 RWC Potential Irish Props.
2019 RWC Potential Irish Hookers.
2019 RWC Potential Irish Locks.
2019 RWC Potential Irish Back Rows
On the Plane
On his day Conor Murray is the best scrum-half in the World and the Limerick man will be pivotal if Ireland are to have any chance to progress in the World Cup.
Likely to Travel
There appeared to be a three-way shootout to be Conor Murray’s back up with Kieran Marmion, Luke McGrath and John Cooney.
However, Schmidt’s decision to cut the Ulster man from the 41-man squad seems to indicate that McGrath and Marmion will go.
However in 2015 Schmidt only brought 2 scrum-halves and with plenty of competition for places between 11-15, he may only bring two with his favoured Marmion in pole position to travel with Murray.
Missing Out
If Scmidt does decide to go with three scrum-halves then McGrath will travel. However, should he opt for a surprise then the Leinster man may be the man to miss out.
Despite his ability to play at 10, John Cooney looks like missing out on the World Cup.
Potential Irish 2019 RWC Scrum Halves
Kieran Marmion (29 Caps)
Conor Murray (72)
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