In Durban at Northwood School, Simon Easterby delivered encouraging updates this Wednesday, indicating that Ireland’s extended injury roster had shrunk, leaving only hooker Dan Sheehan and scrumhalf Craig Casey sidelined for the upcoming second Test against South Africa at Kings Park (4pm Irish time) this Saturday.
Following a strenuous loss to the Springboks in Pretoria, scoring 27-20, Ireland is set for a resounding recovery, given that Jamie Osborne (leg), Bundee Aki (shoulder), James Lowe (thigh), and Robbie Henshaw (concussion) are all fit to perform. Ahead of Thursday’s team announcement at 2pm, the players actively participated in the Wednesday training session.
The Irish team’s defence coach, Easterby, certified the players’ readiness: “Yes, everyone took part in the training today.” He added that “Except for Dan [Sheehan] and Craig [Casey], everyone was fit and partook in training,” mentioning that “Heff [Dave Heffernan] and Doaky [Nathan Doak] joined in the session.”
Despite Rassie Erasmus maintaining the same team and replacements, Ireland may see substantial changes beyond the hooker and scrumhalf positions, with the expected promotion of Rónan Kelleher and Conor Murray from the reserves. In case this happens, Rob Herring and Caolin Blade are expected to join the bench.
Easterby noted, “Choosing the team always requires balancing players’ prior performances with their potential for growth. The team selection to be announced this week will reflect that.”
Easterby also acknowledged the difficulty in making the final choice of the playing 15 due to the strong competition within the squad. He said that every player getting a chance should understand the opportunity and compete for each other.
Speculations suggest potential changes, such as Jimmy O’Brien possibly joining the back three, Garry Ringrose being expected to kick-off at 13, while head coach Andy Farrell could rearrange the back five in the pack. James Ryan and Ryan Baird are likely to force their way into the main team, and Nick Timoney might be considered for replacements.
When asked about Ireland’s feedback on several controversial decisions from officials during the first Test match, Easterby’s reply was clear and unambiguous. He confirmed that they did receive feedback and followed the correct channels to convey their thoughts. He noted that South Africa had done the same.
Easterby expressed confidence that things would be clearer in the upcoming weekend match and there would be no uncertainty. He accepted that controversial decisions are inevitable in a sport as complex as rugby, particularly in breakdown plays. His expectation, however, is that the clear and palpable penalties will be acknowledged.
While it may appear harsh to concede between 15 to 20 penalties, he explained that these cases are blatant. If a team concedes only five, that means they exhibited self-discipline. Easterby also emphasised that rugby teams expect clear communication and unambiguous decisions.
Easterby was entirely satisfied with how new captain Caelan Doris handled himself, even though referee Luke Pearce occasionally took offence. He believed Doris was within his rights to ask certain questions, as long as it was done at appropriate timings, and also allowed the referee the necessary space to arrive at the decisions.
For the forthcoming match, he hoped that there would be open communication lines between the captains, referee Karl Dickson, the TMOs, and the assistants to ensure fair and correct decisions are made.
Possible Ireland lineup: J Osborne; J O’Brien, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, C Murray; A Porter, R Kelleher, T Furlong; J McCarthy, J Ryan; T Beirne, J van der Flier, C Doris (captain).
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