Joe Schmidt Hints At Exciting Reason Jordan Larmour Makes Bench For Scotland Game
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The prodigy.
Jordan Larmour is in line to earn his second cap for Ireland this weekend, with the Leinster sensation named on the bench for the visit of Scotland.
Larmour came off the bench in the win over Italy, and while he looked a bit shaky in defence at times, he looked really exciting in attack with a magnificent break towards the end of the game. But it appears there’s more to his selection, besides the obvious threat he brings in attack.
Joe Schmidt was asked today about Garry Ringrose perhaps not lasting the 80 minutes, given how little game time he has. While the Ireland coach is hoping that won’t be the case, he has not ruled it out.
“There’s always concerns about players for different reasons.” Schmidt said
“I think Garry (Ringrose) has only had six games this entire season.”
“That’s something you calculate in, at the same time sometimes you don’t have the luxury of a plethora of options.”
“I think Garry Ringrose has been extraordinary when he has played for us and done an incredible job.”
“The last time he played for us in Japan he was absolutely outstanding, along with Keith Earls. They were two of the real stand outs.”
“So we’re hoping he can hit the ground running and break back into that form. He’s a smart player, hopefully that allows him to kind of keep a balance between when he has to work hard, and when he can just regenerate a little bit on the pitch.
“And that will allow him to extend his match minutes to 80.”
Schmidt was also asked about his options in midfield should Ringrose be unable to finish. Ireland are currently stretched in the centre, with Joey Carberry touted as an option at 12. But Schmidt interestingly hinted at Larmour slotting in at 13, along with Keith Earls potentially filling in there again.
“No probably our cover is a mix between Jordan Larmour being able to play 13 and Keith Earls being able to shift in at 13.” Schmidt added
“Joey (Carbery) maybe a 12, or Garry Ringrose shifting into 12 if Bundee (Aki) went out, and one of the other two moving in.”
“That would be the matrix at the moment.”
