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The “Super Saturday” Six Nations showdown might be seven weeks away, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t winners and losers in January.
The “Super Saturday” Six Nations showdown might be seven weeks away, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t winners and losers in January.
As the coaches dot the i’s and cross the t’s on the respective squad lists, there has to be fall guys to go alongside the beneficiaries. With that in mind, we’ve assembled our biggest winners and losers from the latest Irish selection.
Harry Byrne - Winner
A former prodigal son of the Leinster rugby dynasty, the return of Harry Byrne is as welcomed as it is deserved. His last minute heroics against La Rochelle was an exclamation mark on a terrific season of form in blue, since returning from a loan spell at Bristol last season.
Robert Baloucoune - W
The big cat is back. After three years in the international wilderness, the Ulster speedster is back in the reckoning this spring, and will be hoping to add to his limited gametime under Andy Farrell, and provide serious competition to incumbent rival Tommy O’Brien.
Edwin Edogbo & Nathan Doak - W
Another word for Ireland’s two debutants selected; Edwin Edogbo and Nathan Doak look primed to stake a claim in green. Both players have been in excellent form for their respective provinces, with the former likely to be in the frame to feature against France on opening night.
Gus McCarthy - Loser
Arguably the unluckiest “senior player” of the lot, the Leinster hooker is the only player to go from full squad to ‘XV’ squad. Now he must focus on having a big night in Thomond Park against the travelling English squad, and hopefully get a recall during the championship.
Zac Ward - L
A person many had starting in Paris, former Ireland 7s star Zac Ward was also a harsh one to see left out. He too will line out in that representative game, but fans will be hoping for a full callup as just reward for 12 months of fine form.
JJ Kenny - L
Keeping with the tramline runners from a short form background, Leinster project Kenny is another who could have snuck in. Given injury concerns both with his province and with Ireland, the young academy player has taken his chances so far, and probably would have done so in green too.