Ireland coach Declan Kidney is looking for significant improvement from his side when they face Argentina on Saturday, hoping to maintain their top 8 ranking. If Ireland lose to Argentina, who are ranked one place above them, then Scotland can finish above them and claim the second-tier World Cup ranking. Kidney remains in confident mood [...]
O’Leary in for New Zealand clash
Ireland have drafted in Tomas O’Leary for the match against New Zealand this weekend. The Munster scrum-half comes in for Eoin Reddan and is one of six changes that has been made to the side that secured a convincing 55-0 victory over Canada. Rory Best, John Hayes, Alan Quinlan, David Wallace and Girvan Dempsey are [...]
O’Driscoll set to be axed as skipper
New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has dropped the first hint that he might axe Brian O’Driscoll as captain. O’Driscoll has experienced mixed fortunes since taking the captaincy in 2004. winning three triple crowns but failing to lead the side to any success in the World Cup. Kidney believes that O’Driscoll could benefit from dropping the [...]
New Ireland squad announced
New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named his first squad for a training meet-up and the 45 players named are all familiar faces. Every player that traveled to New Zealand and Australia for the recent tour is included, as are those that played in the Churchill Cup. The full squad reads: Neil Best, Rory Best, [...]
Stringer set for return
Peter Stringer will start against Australia for Ireland on Saturday as they look to change their fortunes following the defeat to New Zealand. Stringer came on against New Zealand along with Rory Best and both players are set to be promoted off the bench for the Wallabies clash. Coach Michael Bradley commented, “Rory deserves a [...]
Wallace in for injured Fitzgerald
Ireland centre Paddy Wallace has been promoted off the bench and will start against New Zealand in Saturday’s Test match. Leinster rising star Luke Fitzgerald had to withdraw because of an ankle injury paving the way for Wallace to play. “You never want to benefit from somebody else’s misfortune, but playing against the All Blacks [...]