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Keith Earls
Tomás O' Leary
November 30, 2008
VOL 25 NO 48
Stephen Ferris
Keith Earls
Games played: Can, NZ sub, Arg sub (not used)
Only got the one meaningful opportunity against Canada, and even though the opposition was pitiful, Earls confirmed the promise he had shown in the early part of the season. The only worry looking forward to the Six Nations is that he might pay for his versatility, so Declan Kidney should decide where, not if, he wants to play him.
Luke Fitzgerald
Can, NZ, Arg
Sharp and incisive at times against New Zealand, but more subdued in the win over Argentina when the gameplan was clearly to kick, and then to kick again. Defence remains an issue, but given that the physicality and the subtlety necessary to thrive in the centre are not absorbed overnight, Fitzgerald's occasional errors were understandable. The future is bright.
Tomás O'Leary
NZ, Arg
Like Earls and Fitzgerald, still very much learning the ropes at both Heineken Cup and international level. Currently lacks Peter Stringer's speed of pass and Eoin Reddan's tactical nous, but is on the right track to develop into a better all-round number nine than both of his rivals. With so few dominant scrum-halves at the moment, could be a surprise contender for the Lions.
Paul O'Connell
Can, NZ, Arg
Made up for the disappointment of the New Zealand result when injury forced him out midway through the second half with a typically aggressive, unyielding performance against Argentina. David Wallace and Stephen Ferris might have gained more kudos for different reasons, but O'Connell was Ireland's galvanising force. A Lion in waiting, and very much in the frame for the captaincy.
Donnacha Ryan
Arg sub
Reaped the benefit from Munster's heroic display against the All Blacks with a place on the bench for the Argentina game. No meaningful game time, but Ryan has emerged from the shadows in the past couple of weeks as someone who can cover both the back row and second row. Rugged promise.
Stephen Ferris
Can, NZ sub, Arg
The curve continues upward for the sort of athletic 17-stone specimen which is all too rare in the Irish game. Although much can change between now and the start of the Six Nations, the explosive Ferris has clearly stolen a march on Quinlan and could find himself in a back row alongside Denis Leamy and Wallace.
David Wallace
Can sub, NZ, Arg
Given that the groundhog role of the openside is now much less relevant with the current premium on players staying on their feet at the breakdown, Wallace won't be asking for a review of the ELVs any time soon. At 32 with 50 notches on the international belt and a fine autumn series behind him, he remains as dynamic as ever.
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