The upcoming tour match between Pumas and Emerging Ireland is scheduled at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein on Wednesday, with broadcasting on IrishRugby+. Simon Easterby, alongside the senior coaching team, hand-picked a roster of potential stand-out performers, essentially structuring an Emerging Ireland squad. The team was put together considering previous successful tactics from two years ago, which helped elevate six players to future Ireland Test positions, although the average age of this squad is lower.
Two members of the team, Sam Prendergast and Cormac Izuchukwu, have spent time with Andy Farrell’s Irish squad touring South Africa in the earlier months, though they remain uncapped. Now, they are to play vital roles in the upcoming tour. All team members are mindful of the convert rates from the earlier Emerging Ireland journey.
Easterby has communicated routinely concerning the specificities of these roles, with Izuchukwu given the responsibility of managing the lineout, among other tasks, supplementing with support from Connacht’s Darragh Murray.
Izuchukwu is named in a versatile backrow that includes tour captain Alex Kendellen and openside flanker, along with number eight James Culhane, the only other player returning from the 2022 team.
Kendellen has discussed the essence of what the tour signifies for the team. He indicated that the tour presents a chance for athletes to display their talents to the senior coaches since everyone’s under the watchful eye, whilst emphasizing teamwork and collective effort.
Prendergast has been given the responsibility of ‘leading the training week’, an essential part of being the primary outhalf. Success in this role could influence his position when decisions are made regarding the November Test series debut.
The Leinster fly-half seems well-equipped with the potential to play at Test level. However, the key will be his ability to transform this potential into tangible performance. His goal-kicking figures certainly need some improvement. Though being exceedingly courageous and possessing excellent passing and kicking range, he must also prove his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Only the best performance from him will be adequate.
Counted among the rising centres of Connacht, the Grand Slam victor Hugh Gavin follows the likes of Cathal Forde, Shane Jennings, and John Devine, Matthew’s younger brother and today’s scrum-half. Gavin, with his six-foot-four-inch height and 16-stone weight, is an authoritative figure on the field. His powerful physicality is complemented by a collection of polished skills.
Sean O’Brien, despite being 26, is a veteran but one whose versatility and quality secured him a spot. Zac Ward had an exceptional season with the Ireland Sevens team; it will be intriguing to observe his performance on the wing, a change from his usual position in the forwards.
Rob Russell, 25, from Leinster is a well-established try scorer, speedy, nimble, and a delight to watch. However, he needs to prove his defensive strength to advance his career further. It’s encouraging to see Matthew Devine back on his feet, a scrum-half renowned for his try-scoring ability. We also look forward to seeing Ben O’Connor’s football talent in action.
Tommy O’Brien and Shayne Bolton could have used this opportunity to vie for selection for a Test match in November, possibly against Fiji, but injuries have robbed them of this chance. Charlie Tector and the hopeful Chay Mullins, fresh from the Sevens, may not be in the matchday 23 but they are sure to get some action in the upcoming two games.
Jack Boyle’s injury means that Mark Donnelly makes not only the squad but also the starting team, and 19-year-old Clontarf and Irish U20 prop, Alex Usanov, get a sudden call-up. Stephen Smyth from Old Wesley, another member of the last season’s Irish U20s, will be hooking for the first time, while 25-year-old Jack Aungier has already accumulated 68 matches for Connacht.
Harry Sheridan, a respected figure during his tenure at Trinity College and now making his mark at Ulster, is a formidable presence on the rugby field, revered for his physical play and ball-carrying abilities. He is as proficient playing as a blindside flanker as he is elsewhere.
Gus McCarthy has been exhibiting glimpses of his prowess in Leinster’s URC encounters this season, with one onset and a game off the bench. Ronan Foxe of Tullamore is currently honing his skills at the Munster academy after his contribution to the Irish 20s’ path to the 2023 World Cup final. Evan O’Connell’s leadership saw him skipper the same aged squad in the previous season.
Sean Jansen, a flanker of New-Zealand descent but qualified to play for Ireland, is one player the nation’s coaches are keen to examine further. Meanwhile, Ethan Coughlan, Jack Murphy, and Jude Postlethwaite are lined up as backline coverage.
Despite suffering heavy losses in their recent Currie Cup campaign, the Pumas have also enjoyed numerous victories. The team is expected to put up a strong physical resistance in the set piece and contact zones, complemented by a high-tempo playing style on the wings.
This particular Irish team might struggle to deliver a flawless performance and survive the scrum but is expected to function smoothly even under pressure. If they can do so, there is significant talent that can leverage this foundation. Spectators await with anticipation as managing this challenge poses an exciting aspect of the match.
The Pumas squad comprises T Swanepoel; L Msenge, T Pretorius, C Swart, D Adonis; D Visagie, R Gora; E Janeke, J-Henning Campher, S Swiegers; H Theunisson, D Slabbert; N Fisanti, A Fouche, K Dimaza with D Osuagwu, D Maritz, E Swart, T de Klerk, M Mashimbyi, R Fredericks, W van Niekerk, P Sobahle as replacements.
The evolving Irish team consists of representatives like UCC/Munster’s Ben O’Connor and Dublin University/Leinster’s Rob Russell. Further, members include Clontarf/Munster’s Seán O’Brien, Galwegians/Connacht’s Hugh Gavin, and Zac Ward from Ballynahinch/Ulster/Ireland Sevens. Other key players are Sam Prendergast from Lansdowne/Leinster and Corinthian/Connacht’s Matthew Devine.
The team also has players like Mark Donnelly from Cork Constitution/ Munster, Stephen Smyth of Old Wesley/Leinster, and Clontarf/Connacht’s Jack Aungier. Harry Sheridan, who plays for Dublin University/Ulster, and Darragh Murray from Buccaneers/Connacht, are part of this formation, along with Cormac Izuchukwu of Ballynahinch/Ulster, Alex Kendellen from UCC/Munster, and UCD/Leinster’s James Culhane.
The alternate team includes players such as UCD/Leinster’s Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov representing Clontarf/Leinster, and Garryowen/Munster’s Ronan Foxe. Also included in the roster are Evan O’Connell from UL Bohemian/Munster, Sean Jansen representing Connacht, as well as Shannon/Munster’s Ethan Coughlan, Jack Murphy playing for Clontarf/Ulster, and Jude Postlethwaite from City of Armagh/Ulster.