Development players can help future-proof Ireland squad as Farrell faces tight calls

Cian Tracey

Andy Farrell has some interesting squad decisions to make with the World Cup in mind. Photo: Sportsfile

October 20 2021 02:30 AM

When Andy Farrell first gathered an extended Ireland squad shortly after he took over as head coach at the end of 2019, he included eight uncapped players for what was described as a ‘24-hour mid-season stocktake’.

A month later, naming his first official squad for the 2020 Six Nations, the uncapped representation had dropped to five, but, significantly, Farrell decided to name four development players.

Although it wasn’t exactly a unique idea, under the previous regime Joe Schmidt kept his cards close to his chest and regularly had younger players dip in and out of training, preferably without anyone on the outside noticing.

Farrell’s shift in approach was refreshing in that it not only allowed Ryan Baird, Robert Baloucoune, Harry Byrne and Will Connors to feel part of the wider plan, but, crucially, they were given a taste of what life in camp is like.

By the conclusion of the elongated Six Nations in October, Connors was a regular in the Ireland team, while Baird made his international debut the following February, before Baloucoune and Byrne followed suit during the summer.

The point is, none of the four players, who each have strong aspirations of featuring at the 2023 World Cup, were dropped into the deep end.

Restrictions and issues around drafting players in and out of the strict bio-secure bubble has since made that task far more difficult, but as Farrell gets set to name the Ireland squad today for the upcoming November Tests, it will be interesting to see if development players are back in the equation.

Farrell’s squad is expected to have a largely familiar look to it, with veteran trio Johnny Sexton, Keith Earls and Cian Healy set to return following their summer off.

The third out-half spot is up for grabs, with Billy Burns, Jack Carty, Ben Healy and the Byrne brothers, Ross and Harry, in the mix.

Scrum-half is also fiercely contested, with Jamison Gibson-Park, Luke McGrath, Craig Casey, Caolin Blade, Kieran Marmion and 19-year-old Nathan Doak battling it out for two spots behind Conor Murray.

The forwards selection is likely to be settled, with all eyes on how Andrew Porter fares at loosehead at Test level.

With the World Cup now less than two years away, Farrell will have one eye on what is coming down the line, as he looks to widen his depth chart as much as possible.

The postponed game against USA in Las Vegas would have offered a chance to blood further fresh faces, and while Ireland don’t have another such handy fixture next month, it is important not to lose sight of the bigger picture.

With New Zealand, Argentina and Japan due to arrive in Dublin, Ireland face three stern tests, but there is no shortage of emerging talent putting their hands up for selection.

After handing out eight new caps during the summer wins over Japan and USA, Farrell dug a little deeper into the talent pool, and since the start of the season, there are even more guys knocking on the door.

With Leinster, Munster and Ulster enjoying unbeaten starts to the United Rugby Championship, several younger players have been to the fore, including the likes of Doak, Healy (22) and Dan Sheehan (23).

Connacht have endured a tougher time and but for an untimely ankle injury during last weekend’s defeat to Munster, Cian Prendergast (21) could have pushed for inclusion.

Ulster’s young guns have really caught the eye, as Doak has made the most of his opportunities at scrum-half, while David McCann (21) continues to improve in the back-row, as does Ethan McIlroy (21) in the back-three.

In Leinster, Sheehan and Ciarán Frawley have impressed. Frawley couldn’t have done much more to earn inclusion in the full squad, yet even if Farrell decides against the Skerries man, he would certainly benefit from spending time in camp.

Like Frawley, Healy may feel as if his claims are strong enough to earn a first full call-up, yet the fact that the Tipperary native remains behind Joey Carbery may mean that Farrell sticks with the Munster man, captain Sexton and either Burns or Carty. Munster duo Thomas Ahern (21) and Alex Kendellen (20)
have shown glimpses of their undoubted potential, and could really push on.

For all that Farrell has enough on his plate with three tough Tests looming large, the bigger picture is also worth considering.

Having successfully integrated development players since taking over, the Ireland head coach will be hoping more can emerge from the pack and stake their claim from now until the World Cup.

Farrell’s potential development players

Ciarán Frawley (out-half/centre): There is a strong argument for the versatile Leinster back to be included in the full squad, but he would certainly benefit from time in camp either way.

Dan Sheehan (hooker): An explosive ball carrier with soft hands, the 23-year-old is a future international lying in wait.

Ben Healy (out-half): Could have done with featuring last weekend to push his claims, but the Munster 10 has closed the gap on Joey Carbery.

Thomas Ahern (lock): Superb athletic profile and while he is still developing, the Waterford man has a vast skill-set that could be enhanced by inclusion.

Nathan Doak (scrum-half): The 19-year-old has been excellent for Ulster this season and although time is on his side, he could be a World Cup bolter.

David McCann (back-row): The former Ireland U-20s captain has showcased his potential for Ulster, with the promise of much more to come.