5 Talking Points As Ireland Squad Named For Australia Tour

No rest for the wicked.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has resisted resting any of his top stars for next mont’s three-Test series against the Wallabies in Australia.

He has however, called up two players for the first time in Munster-bound Scarlets utility forward Tadhg Beirne and exciting young Leinster outhalf Ross Byrne.

John Cooney has also been rewarded for his fine form in an Ulster shirt, but there’s no room for Leinster’s Luke McGrath, with Kieran Marmion and Conor Murray the other two nines.

Here are five talking points.

Tadhg Beirne is in.
As expected Tadhg Beirne earns his first call-up after an incredible season. He’s been one of the forwards in European rugby this season and can play at lock or in the second-row. Really looking forward to seeing this man in green.

Ross Byrne gets the nod.
It’s pretty clear to see now why the IRFU want him or Carbery to move to another province with this selection. Having all three Irish tens at Leinster will cause problems down the line, and to be fair – Byrne deserves his call-up.

No Sammy Arnold.
Perhaps not a huge surprise, but many thought the young Munster centre would get a call-up after an excellent run of form. He’s still young though and will get his chance. Perhaps in November.

Quinn Roux is in again.
Another big call here. The Connacht second-row has failed to impress and there are perhaps better options. But Schmidt clearly sees something in him.

The injuries concerns all make it.
There were a few doubts hanging over the fitness of Iain Henderson and Robbie Henshaw, and even Bundee Aki. But Schmidt is clearly confident all three will be fit and ready come next month.

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