Jack Crowley

Jack Crowley, a 23-year-old representing Munster, is an emerging talent in Irish rugby. Despite limited international exposure with nine caps for Ireland, Crowley has showcased promising growth. He stepped in as Johnny Sexton’s backup during the recent World Cup, gaining valuable experience by coming off the bench three times, notably in a crucial pool-stage match against South Africa. Although he was unused in the quarter-final defeat to New Zealand, his trajectory suggests a future as a significant figure in Irish rugby. Crowley’s contribution to Munster, with 35 appearances and a pivotal role in their URC glory, highlights his potential. Known for his instinctive play, sharp footwork, and a physical presence reminiscent of Sexton, Crowley is considered a prime candidate to fill the void left by the retired legend.

Ross Byrne

At 28 years old, Ross Byrne from Leinster embodies patience and perseverance. Despite playing second fiddle to the legendary Sexton, Byrne has amassed a considerable 148 appearances, showcasing his commitment and dedication to his craft. His recent performances for Ireland depict a player eager to seize opportunities, albeit overshadowed by the rising talent of Jack Crowley. His injury ridden season has not helped his cause. Byrne’s consistency in stepping up for big games and his contributions during the Grand Slam campaign under Andy Farrell’s Ireland speak volumes about his potential to make a significant impact given the chance.

Ciarán Frawley

Ciarán Frawley, a versatile 24-year-old representing Leinster, stands out for his adaptability across multiple positions, including out-half, center, and fullback. Although he impressed Irish coaches during the New Zealand tour and secured his first cap at number 10 against Italy, Frawley faces limited opportunities in his preferred position at Leinster. His potential as an out-half is evident, but the challenge lies in securing regular playing time in the position to fully capitalize on his talent and convince the national selectors.

Joey Carbery

With 37 caps for Munster, 28-year-old Joey Carbery remains one of the most experienced out-halves available to Andy Farrell. Having previously featured prominently in Ireland’s victories, Carbery faced setbacks in 2023, missing out on the World Cup training squad and losing his place in Munster’s lineup. Determined to regain his former status, Carbery moves to France next season with a point to prove. His previous success and contributions to Ireland’s victories position him as a strong contender, aiming to reclaim his status as Sexton’s heir apparent.

Harry Byrne

Harry Byrne, 24, represents Leinster and was once earmarked as a promising talent by the Ireland setup under Andy Farrell. Despite showcasing potential during international debuts in 2021, injuries hindered his subsequent appearances for the national team. His recent focus has been on overcoming these setbacks and asserting himself within the competitive Leinster squad, where he contends with his older brother Ross Byrne. Harry aims to fulfill the potential Farrell identified, striving to secure a consistent spot in both his club and national teams.

Jack Carty

Jack Carty, the 31-year-old Connacht captain, possesses valuable experience despite recent exclusion from Farrell’s training squads. He previously earned ten caps under Joe Schmidt, including appearances in the 2019 World Cup. Known for his creativity and tactical acumen, Carty’s leadership skills have been instrumental in Connacht’s growth. Despite recent omissions, Carty’s determination to prove his worth remains unwavering, especially with the addition of JJ Hanrahan to the Connacht squad. His 200th cap for Connacht signifies his extensive experience and desire to demonstrate his quality on the field.

Sam Prendergast

At just 20 years old, Sam Prendergast is viewed as a long-term prospect with immense potential at Leinster. He showcased his abilities prominently with the Ireland U20s, contributing to their Grand Slam victory and reaching the World Cup final. Although his focus currently lies on establishing himself at Leinster, Prendergast’s maturity and talent for his age make him an intriguing prospect for the national team. As he navigates his path at Leinster among competitors like the Byrne brothers, his development and potential could earn him a closer look from Farrell’s coaching staff.

Billy Burns

Ulster’s 29-year-old out-half, Billy Burns, previously featured in the early days of Andy Farrell’s tenure, securing seven Ireland caps. Despite starting a Six Nations game against France and displaying promise, his last appearance dates back to a summer Test against Japan in 2021. With the emergence of 24-year-old Jake Flannery at Ulster, Burns faces the challenge of reigniting his form while contending with rising competition. His focus remains on delivering consistent performances and catching the eye of the Ireland coaching staff amid a pool of talented out-halves vying for national selection.

JJ Hanrahan and Jake Flannery look highly unlikely to feature but would be 9/10 on the list

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Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park has been ruled out of the final game of the Autumns Nations Series against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium this coming Sunday.

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After Ireland’s mauling of Japan, Sexton was up to 941 points. The skipper of the national team looks set to surpass O’Gara in 2022 or 2023, as long as he stays injury free. The 36-year-old celebrated his 100th cap for the national team during that 60-5 victory over Japan in the Autumn international.

Sexton has no plans to retire from international rugby any time soon. He signed a one-year extension to his contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union earlier this year. This means he is signed up to play until the end of the 2021/22 season.

Following the fixtures in November, attention will turn to the 2022 Six Nations which begins in February. Ireland are third best in the rugby union outright betting for the trophy at 4/1. They have not prevailed in that competition since 2018, the year they won the Grand Slam.

Sexton has scored 496 points during the Six Nations. He is fourth on the all-time list behind O’Gara (557), Jonny Wilkinson (546) and Owen Farrell (500). The Irishman looks set to be involved in a great battle with Farrell for the top spot in the standings in 2022 as they chase down O’Gara’s record.

2023 World Cup A Goal For Sexton

The next World Cup in international rugby will come in 2023 in France and Sexton has expressed his desire to play in that tournament. That is sure to be his last appearance at a World Cup if he does represent Ireland.

Playing until the 2023 World Cup also increases Sexton’s chance of breaking O’Gara’s points tally, it could also see him go a long way clear of the current record. By the time the tournament comes around, Sexton will be 38 years old.

Ireland, with Sexton in their squad, have been eliminated at the quarter final stage at the last three World Cup tournaments. They were beaten by New Zealand in 2019 in a one-sided game which finished 46-14.

Since they first appeared at the World Cup in 1989, Ireland have yet to advance past the last eight. They will be hoping to put that right in 2023. With the tournament set to be held in Europe, it gives them advantage over the southern hemisphere teams.

The 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year captained Ireland at the 2019 World Cup which would have been a huge honour for him. If he can help Ireland have their best ever performance at the tournament in 2023, it will be some way to bow out.

Ireland are 14/1 in the outright betting for the 2023 World Cup. Head coach Andy Farrell has just under two years to prepare for that event. There is a lot of rugby to be played before then so plenty of opportunities for players to impress Farrell.

Sexton is already a legend of Irish rugby. He looks set to break numerous records before he retires and with O’Gara’s points tally in his sight, that may be the next to go his way.

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Cullen has made a number of changes from the team that faced Harlequins in the Bank of Ireland pre-season friendly two weeks ago and there are a number of positional changes as well.

Hugo Keenan, Rory O’Loughlin and James Lowe are the back three selected by Cullen with Keenan and O’Loughlin seeing action for the first time this autumn against the Bulls.

In the centre, Ciarán Frawley will also get his first taste of Leinster action since last season as will Garry Ringrose beside him, with both players now fully recovered from shoulder injuries.

In the half-backs, Cullen has chosen the same pair that started against Quins with the experienced duo of Luke McGrath and captain Johnny Sexton teaming up.

In the pack, Andrew Porter has recovered from a foot injury and will start in the number one jersey for Leinster for the first time since November 2016. Dan Sheehan starts at hooker with Michael Ala’alatoa making his competitive debut at tighthead prop.

Ross Molony and James Ryan will form an all-St Michael’s College second row unit when they line out tomorrow evening.

Finally, in the back row, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris complete the starting XV for Cullen. Neither van der Flier nor Doris were involved at the Aviva two weeks ago.

On the bench, Cian Healy will wear the number 18 jersey, while Max Deegan will make his first competitive appearance for the club since October 2020 if he is introduced.

The game is being run at 75 per cent of Aviva Stadium capacity and tickets for the game between the reigning URC champions and the reigning Currie Cup champions are still on sale HERE.

The match will be shown live on TG4, Premier Sports and URC TV with kick-off slated for 5:15 pm.

Leinster Squad v Bulls

15. Hugo Keenan (30)
14. Rory O’Loughlin (87)
13. Garry Ringrose (86)
12. Ciarán Frawley (35)
11. James Lowe (52)
10. Johnny Sexton (173) CAPTAIN
9. Luke McGrath (151)
1. Andrew Porter (77)
2. Dan Sheehan (13)
3. Michael Ala’alatoa (0)
4. Ross Molony (116)
5. James Ryan (50)
6. Rhys Ruddock (188)
7. Josh van der Flier (98)
8. Caelan Doris (40)

Replacements:

16. James Tracy (129)
17. Ed Byrne (70)
18. Cian Healy (231)
19. Ryan Baird (27)
20. Max Deegan (65)
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (101)
22. Ross Byrne (104)
23. Jamie Osborne (6)

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)

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Robbie Henshaw will also miss out on Saturday, after sustaining an abductor injury in the Wales game. The return date for both players is yet to be confirmed by the IRFU. Another name of the injury list from Friday’s game is Billy Burns who suffered a head injury. Burns was taken off in accordance with HIA protocol and will follow the ‘return to play’ guidelines. Jacob Stockdale, Iain Henderson and Shane Daly are all expected to return to training this week.

Ireland play England at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 3pm. You can watch the match on RTE One.

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