Advertisement
Six Nations Opener.....In Dublin......Against England.....Your first game as Head Coach.
It doesn't get much bigger than this for Simon Easterby and he has started off with some big calls in the starting XV.
Jonny Sextons name may still be stitched in the label of the Green 10 Jersey - but the battle of the Irish Fly-Half still reigns on in the Irish Rugby World- Sam Predergast winning Round 1.
The 21 Year-Old Leinstermen takes the starting spot ahead of Jack Crowley with Ciaran Frawley taking his place in the stands.
Another shock announcement is the absence of Leinster Lock/Back Row Big Joe Mccarthy who has been dropped from the squad.
Leinster teammate James Ryan starts at lock alongsdie Tadgh Beirne with Ryan Baird on the bench - Ulster stalwart Iain Henderson providing back up from the bench.
A naturally Leinster-Filled squad but with their league dominance of late it is hard to argue with Easterby's selections.
With Lions selection just around the corner I am hoping for an injury free run for Outside-Centre Gary Ringrose who depsite a quick spell on the wing for his club I feel has a big point to prove to get a hand on a plane ticket to Australia.
An also welcome return to the back three for Connacht flyer Mack Hansen who comes directly back in to the wing spot after a very vocal return to domestic rugby.
The ever classy Hugo Keenan also is back at 15 after a brief 7's sabbatical a la Antoine Dupont.
A big day in the Irish Capital.
