The contenders to exchange Hugo Keenan at full-back for Eire

Hugo Keenan has been an ever-present within the Irish again line since making his debut within the 2020 Six Nations as a winger in opposition to Italy. Nonetheless, the Leinster man has cemented his significance to Eire at full-back, with the 27-year-old seemingly irreplaceable since grabbing the 15 jersey in opposition to Wales in February 2021.

Keenan sustained a heavy blow to his left knee throughout Eire’s complete 36-0 victory over Italy within the second spherical of this 12 months’s Six Nations. Assistant Paul O’Connell confirmed that he has not been dominated out for the go to of Wales to the Aviva this weekend, however the state of affairs might be monitored.

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Solely two different gamers have been used at full-back since Keenan’s first begin within the place on the finish of 2020: Jimmy O’Brien within the warm-up video games to the 2023 World Cup and Michael Lowry in opposition to Italy within the 2022 Six Nations. Nonetheless, with O’Brien injured and Lowry not within the squad, who might begin for Eire v Wales on Saturday?

Ciarán Frawley

The Swiss military knife throughout the Eire and Leinster squads, Ciarán Frawley can play a handful of positions on the prime stage, together with full-back, centre, and fly-half. As a result of stage of fly-halves obtainable at Leinster since his debut for the four-time European Champion Cup winners, Frawley has honed his craft throughout the backline, together with No 15.

Frawley has by no means had a constant run at full-back for his membership as a result of supreme capability and consistency of Keenan, however the Australia-born again has proved his adept capability to play there.

But, it’s unlikely that Farrell will choose the 26-year-old to begin right here in opposition to Wales. Frawley’s lack of tempo could also be a difficulty on this place, whereas the energy of getting a top-quality possibility off the bench to exchange world-class expertise might be engaging for the Irish coaches on this fixture.

Jordan Larmour

A lot was stated in regards to the brilliant future for this Leinster man when he burst onto the scene in 2017, however Jordan Larmour has failed to achieve the heights that have been anticipated of him. The winger has nonetheless had a glittering profession, notably at membership stage, however at worldwide stage, he has did not shine.

Keenan’s damage would be the excellent alternative to reintroduce himself on the largest stage. Larmour is one in every of solely 5 gamers to play full-back beneath Farrell. The 26-year-old might not have the ability set that Farrell wishes at full-back when it comes to his capability off the boot or beneath the excessive ball, however his positional consciousness and tempo make him a contender to begin in opposition to Wales.

Larmour is probably not the favorite to begin at full-back, and it could come up that he’s chosen at wing with Calvin Nash transferring to fifteen to accommodate him, however the livewire can be a wonderful choice to trigger havoc in opposition to Warren Gatland’s males this weekend.

Jacob Stockdale

The 2018 Six Nations Participant of the Championship is an alternative choice to exchange Keenan at full-back. Jacob Stockdale has did not kick on for Eire since Farrell took over from Joe Schmidt as head coach. The Ulster winger was rapidly changed on the wing by James Lowe when he turned Irish-qualified after which by Keenan at full-back.

Regardless of Stockdale’s kind falling off a cliff for Eire and changing into extra error-prone for Ulster, Farrell likes the 27-year-old with the fixed call-ups and odd begins when backs are injured.

Stockdale was the first-choice full-back earlier than Keenan stripped him of that honour, so the Ulsterman could also be in line to be given the nod this weekend.

Who do you assume ought to play full-back for Eire? Tell us on social media or e-mail rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com

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