IRELAND SQUAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA? | Which New Faces Make the Plane?

South Africa versus Ireland is the showpiece international series this summer. The Kings of the North against the Kings of the World. Which players could force their way onto the plane for Ireland?

[@inamortz2372]

Mack Hansen is with a team of specialists, creating a never before seen hairstyle. They can rebuild him.

[@cdevine1970]

😂😂😂😂... 👏🏻

[@benvandermerwe4934]

😂

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

I hope comedy isn’t how you earn your living, you’d starve! 🤣😂🤣

[@user-lw2ng1jb1m]

@@lizzyhanahoe4197 Actually he'd have my money

[@neilblunt1926]

Neil from SA. This test series is going to be a hell of a series. We better not take it for granted because of home ground advantage that we think the Boks will pitch up and win. Ireland are a great side and we are going to have to play out of our socks to win. We should do so as we have the motivation of the WC loss, which we could have won. Also to say I love your anthem. It gives me goose bumps. Maybe because I have a bit of Irish Blood in me. My father's mother was Irish and died long before I met her. Also my late dad fought in WW2 for our South African Irish regiment. Can't wait for this to happen.

[@Cpchurch87]

As an Irish fan, i almost dont really care about the outcome of this series. I want us to build towards 2027 and trying to get over the line. As a rugby nation, we are still young. When SA were winning World cups, we were struggling to win full stop. Id say 2015 was the first year we were actually starting to build towards being a competitive side. 2023 wasnt a failure, it was a 4 point loss in an incredible game. But importantly, it was the first knock out WC game we actually looked like we belonged. That gives me hope. Use this tour to keep building towards 2027

[@Natedawg38]

Yeah I don't think it's the end of the world we lost johney sexton. I think everyone put a lot of pressure on that game because it was potentially his last, lets face it he was getting on. Are Ireland finally ready to stand on their own 2 feet without a star player calling the shots? Yeah I guess.

[@Cpchurch87]

@Natedawg38 yeah, I mean Johnny should have been taken off after 60. He looked dead on his feet. But even at that, you look at how close it was. Jordie held up ball, if that doesn't happen, we most likely win. In the 38 phase finish we had, there was actually a huge overlap on the left where if Ringrose popped to Lowe, he was away in the corner, and it's a win. We are close, but we won't get there until we have a full squad who can be used to win a WC. I've liked Crowley, I think he will be good for this team. But we need more players who can step into those roles. And we need to realise we have to have a few ways of playing. Lovely attacking rugby is great, but it didn't win a WC in 2019 and it didn't win one in 2023 either.... in fact, I'd say NZ 2015 have been the only team to win a WC with that style. All the rest have been straight up cup rugby

[@neilmontgomery3470]

I'd agree. I would like to win a test but I wouldn't be too upset if we lose both tests so long as we don't get spanked.

[@Natedawg38]

@@Cpchurch87 what do you mean by cup rugby?

[@Cpchurch87]

@Natedawg38 low risk, use your set piece as a platform to win a penalty, take your points, kick the ball long, contest. I suppose the best example is what England did (or nearly did) to SA in the semis. It's not pretty, but it's effective. You don't need to score 50 points in a knockout game, you only need to win by 1. Ireland play a lovely attacking game, but we need to be able to just shut up shop and grind down teams. I just don't think we have that in our locker right now.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Will Connors was ahead of Van der Flier both at Leinster and Ireland before he got injured. Incredible player!

[@daithipol]

2 years ago his blue hat earned 2 motm awards for Beirne. Beirne even said it while receiving the award. And taking nothing away from Tadhg Beirne btw

[@byZorxn]

Just no

[@eoinh3816]

Jamie Osborne certainly looks the most talented youngster in the country at the moment. Performing like that against La Rochelle shows he's test ready. Will Connors would be really effective starting or off the bench against the Boks.

[@PDKFitness]

Hmmm I disagree. I think Cathal Forde has been better this season.

[@liamwilliams6651]

Ireland squads are always going to be similar because they don't have an outrageous amount of players to choose from like some other countries.

[@johncahalane7327]

The story from what I heard is Mac Hansen is back for the Munster vs Connacht game in early May and any URC knock out games if they get there, both Ringrose and O Brien are both fit for The Saints at Croker, Keenan too won't miss Croke Park you seldom get that chance, Croke Park is the Holy Grail for any Irish player in any code .I could see John Hodnet and Shane Daly both going from Munster and yes Cian Prendergas maybe,I think Will Conners is nailed on to go ,Harry Byrne no,his brother yes,Prendergas backup No 10 he has gone back playing in South Africa the last two weeks ,I might take JJ Hanrahan as backup currently, the old dog for the hard Road he can play 12 too...sorry but Stockdale is gone way back .Balacoune has a better chance, Jimmy O Brien can cover 15,14,13 ,12 and even 10 ...the plan will be similar to Munster the last two weeks in the two same stadiums they had a bonus point win at the Munster blueprint is how you go here.....

[@jackgartland9201]

Tim, will you be coming to Croke park for Leinster v Saints? Should be some occasion with 82,300 sell out and first rugby there in 14 years!

[@RazorMouth]

I tried to get a ticket and failed :(

[@kerrylass2]

@@RazorMouth So did I but resale tickets are popping up all the time so if you are willing to sit on your computer and pull the trigger you will get one. I just sold a spare a few hours ago...my sister-in-law couldnt go.

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

SA here. Is Croke park used for Gaelic football? Huge capacity. Is Gaelic football similar to rugby?

[@jameslynskey496]

Gaa is the number one sport in ireland there is a club in every village and town in ireland nothing like rugby it's a amateur sport don't get paid extremely fit athletes

[@patrickhorgan8389]

​@Wolf-hh4rv it's used for a number of different Gaelic games under the overarching banner of GAA . Gaelic Athletic Association . GAA and rugby are nothing like each other. GAA has enormous support throughout Ireland. Rugby is growing but nowhere near GAA in support terms.

[@Natedawg38]

Just send over Joe Mccarthy on his own.

[@neillscannell9278]

Tim I love the sparkle in your eyes when you speak about Ireland's team. Good on ya me ould flower.

[@daveh2344]

Good video Tim. Can't wait for the series

[@IAMMURAGE]

I think you make a really good point about Will Connors and his superior tackle technique. Tommy Reffell on the Wales tour of 2022 and Tom Curry on the England tour in 2018 stood out for me coz they were both aggressive fearless chop tacklers. To play vs the Springboks in SA, you need your openside to be that type of player.

[@martingavin3147]

I suppect that after the World Cup and long season some of the "oldies" may not travel. BTW see you're close to 80K subscribers hope it happens soon a great channel

[@anthonymurray9350]

Really appreciate your channel and educated opinion, you have one of the best insights and unbiased takes on the 6N teams. Love to see prendegast getting a few more high level games as I see him challenging crowley for the 10 jersey in the future, like the Irish outhalf position always, ward/campell humpherys/ogara ogara/sexton.

[@tommielyons1973]

Great show

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Ireland have got firm fast tracks to demonstrate an attacking masterclass. We will have to have our A game to win. Hopefully no injuries, can’t wait.

[@pityfool23]

Adhern, Scott Wilson, Michael Milne, John hornet, Gleason, connors....would like to see some of them in

[@philipmcauley3710]

I'll also be at both games, can't wait ☘️

[@richard-king-]

Not sure the squad still be as big as the NZ tour. No midweek games and only 2 tests.

[@newchannelname3395]

You're right - especially if it is only 2 tests. I know there are only 2 tests vs SA but I assumed there would also be a warmup fixture?

[@crusa5]

Is Stockdale still playing ? There is no way this player should be anywhere near any Irish squad. He has been playing very badly in a very poor Ulster side

[@wlk2408]

A three game series would have been nice. Ireland is very settled. Very good squad and good coaching. It is going to be massive.

[@gregchristos8954]

Yes!!!

[@siviwenjajula5844]

I wish SA Rugby could add a few unofficial matches like Nzl did when Ireland toured. Maybe a local based selected team and a SA-A which includes overseas based players. I think it would help develop depth for both nations

[@paulsebeikin]

Hey Tim, love the channel ❤Have you heard anything about the Irish Rugby team creating their own rugby documentary? I heard it’s going to be called CHASING THE SEMI-FINALS 😂

[@gregchristos8954]

Yeah okay. No longer funny. I will remind you of our "outright favorites" Proteas team and Cricket World Cup semis.

[@kev63inuk]

As an Englishman I’ll be cheering Ireland over the Boks . And do feel Irish will play there strongest team for the next twelve months at least because of the pride in being number 1 or 2 in the world . But these last four years will take its toll on these players in the next couple of years . Leinster have to win everything now then the Lions tour , And I’m not sure the back up players are going to be good enough . Was surprised Murray was JGP back up for the six nations . It’s going to be a heavy load for these Irish players now they have a target on their back. Just my thoughts after watching a good England team implode after 2019 , when the majority of players looked good for another 4 years.

[@godotsilke4135]

Agree. Could happen easily

[@itistrue101]

Should be a great series... should be 3 games however. Paddy will be up for it, Boks more likely to blood.

[@garytaylor6408]

Stop, you're getting me all excited. Totally agree re Shane Daly he's been immensely impressive this season but especially since the new year on.

[@shanemoloney2141]

Terrible player! I've seen all of his Munster matches since his debut! Total liability. Way behind his teammate Nash! There's much better players in Ireland!

[@Bkh0498]

@@shanemoloney2141jaysis lad that’s extremely harsh he was fantastic at 15 for months when Haley was injured playing out of position he’s playing very well

[@ladybugm6872]

Consistency makes it easy for opponents to familarise themselves with their play.

[@andrewbrennan4423]

"Don't fear the reaper..." The slim reaper cometh (probably tag along). None of the remaining old guard should go (Healy, Herring, Kilkoyne, O'Mahony, Murray). Sheehan, Kelleher, Stewart. Porter, O'Toole, Loughman Furlong, Bealham, Jager Beirne, Ryan, McCarthy, Iain with Ahearn extra. Doris, Baird, vdF, Conan, and either Kendellen, Hodnett/Coombes/Prendergast/Connors JGP, Casey, Doak/Matthew Devine Crowley/Frawley/one of the Byrnes and Prendergast Ringrose, Bundee, Henshaw, MCCloskey, and Osborne Lowe, Hansen, Nash, O'Brien, Keenan, Larmour, and either Daly, Haley, Rob Russell. And another Connacht wildcard

[@user-ov1jg9en4i]

Speaking in terms of guys I'd like to see: Ulster - Timoney, Balacoune, Lowry Munster - Ahern, Hodnett, Daly Leinster - Milne, O'Brien, Connors Connacht - Prendergast, Blade, Forde Some are already capped but if it's about rotation then sure, we can look at them and others. Kind of wanted to pick evenly from all provinces too even though I don't keep close track...so "pick 3 from each province" challenge 🏉 Training panelists would be some of the newer guys; Hodnett, Daly, Connors, Milne, Forde etc. If a few of these guys could push on to the internationals later in the year, great. I don't know much about Rassie but my guess is he'd be looking to shake things up on his side too. SA can afford to do that and still be formidable I think. Something we need to learn in Ireland. I think France does rotation too on their summer tours. I wouldn't be surprised if NZ does it too, or England. Basically all the great teams do it and it's another step for Ireland's development. The youth is there methinks. Some problem positions exist but such is life.

[@davidross1481]

as long as they are not tired

[@kellybone827]

😂😂😂😂

[@user-is9of]

Tbh id like to see backrowers: Will connors and Tom Ahern and Back three: Haley and Osborne and Imo prendergast should go ahead of Byrne

[@martijnvermolen8894]

Long past time that time that john Hodnett and Mike Haley get a game. Coombes also deserves another chance. Munster record in SA should surely be recognised.

[@derekobeirnes482]

Good shout

[@Uwe-gb6nt]

Why was this not a 3 test series.

[@RazorMouth]

well at least SA will only lose 2-0 rather than 3-0 . . . hahaha, just joking

[@jadenphilander8799]

​@@RazorMouthYou wish. SA are not NZ that lise a gome series...because springboks policy...Rassie would then get fired.

[@Sineadhawk]

Because then their would be an actual winner

[@wlk2408]

It is unfortunate. We play Portugal between the Irish series and the start of the Rugby Championship. They should have made it a three match series. Once again rugby administrators missing an opportunity. Atleast we are spoiled here in South Africa. Two games against Ireland and then a few weeks later two games against the All Blacks. Some very good rugby teams heading our way. A lot of opportunities to have a braai. Unfortunately a 2.2 pound t-bone steak is now selling for €7 at the butcher and a pint of Guiness €2.8. A good bottel of red wine for €6. It is a hard live in South Africa. As the saying goes in South Africa:" rugby sunshine and braai."😂

[@_alienblood]

@@RazorMouth Ireland have won the last 4 times against SA

[@cianmaher945]

Mac hansen is due to be back for Connacht this weekend

[@kieranhanrahan2883]

no he aint

[@ruairiosullivan3763]

Love Hansen, has that x-factor and is a hard worker . . Tough thing in that he will not have the playing time under his belt and I think they need to wrap him up a bit and allow him to come back to form for the 6N

[@johngarveyire]

How does SA look at his tour, as someone said their players are scattered all over the world, what will they look to do with it, development or dominance?

[@kevinanderson6360]

Do the Sumer Tours and Autumn internationals count towards the JB Cup?

[@Sineadhawk]

I absolutely doubt it

[@annaheverin40]

Mack Hansen expected back ahead of schedule so he could have a few games under belt

[@briancorr9255]

The one reason I agree with no reset is they have been trying for years to stop the messing and resets and they just have not managed it. Scrums weee originally meant to restart the game quickly

[@AnBreadanFeasa]

There were five games in NZ in 2002 but only two in SA next July. He may not take more than 35-36 as a result.

[@deesmiles4500]

No mention of Calvin Nash who played all of the 6 Nations games?

[@peadarr]

Ireland don’t need as big a squad as they had for NZ. They had three tests and 2 midweek matches on that tour.

[@ConorOLeary-rl4bs]

I think the squad will depend on if it’s going there to win or to build

[@Zion66666]

Has anyone ever beaten the Boks at Loftus?

[@brianhealy1323]

Not sure Farrell will look to do too much squad rotation for the South African tour. With 4 games in the November series, that offers a better opportunity to blood new players.

[@emfairclough]

You are Tim, you are 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Far more difficult to pick the Bok squad, they're scattered all over the world. Ireland has all their options in a tight little bundle at arms length.

[@Zion66666]

No worries. The scatterlings of Africa will come together when they must.

[@johntroy-bh5ho]

But Tim when Ireland went on the summer tour in 2022 they played 5 games ,3 tests and 2 Ireland A matches v emerging AB’s. That’s why he brought 40 players . Bear in mind that we will be only playing 2 matches (both test matches) in SA . I believe he will only bring about 34 or 35 players.

[@neil216]

😂 It might also imply that you have a coach who knows what his best 23 out of a core 45 is? Age profiles are all fine with a few exceptions. Ireland have no issue with bringing players through at Provincial level and involving them in the extended international squad and in time they slot in as if they’ve been in the squad for years. There’ll be no drastic changes just evolution. Farrell doesn’t see it as rebuilding.

[@FloatLikeABee]

Just a small technical correction. Its not the best in the north vs the best in the south. Its the best of the north vs the best in the world.

[@melthenning9140]

Yes, they are very consistent 👏 Of course, no one cared in the past 20 years.

[@garethscott9051]

Let's get this man to 100k subscribers people .... like and share

[@neebo898]

We have about 120 professional players. Of course we've a lack of depth.

[@wlk2408]

😂 If you only had 120 professional players, you wouldn't have four teams in the URC.

[@Nieljoyceniel]

@@wlk2408a lot of Irish squads are academy players, not pros.

[@wlk2408]

@@Nieljoyceniel Yes as far as I can see you have 180 professional players in Ireland and then others that play abroad all though not many. You also have to consider that we have racial quotas on our teams. At Springbok level it is not a problem but at club level it is, especially if one team hordes non white players. I will say this, the quota problem will be a thing of the past very soon as we are starting to produce some very strong schoolboy rugby teams that are predominantly made up of non white players. Last season was the first time in our history that two schools with predominantly non white players made our top twenty schoolboy rugby rankings. This season so far there are two in the top twenty and one in the top ten. If this trend continues, which I pray will be the case, we will soon have a tsunami of non white talent comming into our professional system. The day that happens you will have reason to worry. We have still to unlock all our talent but it is happening.

[@williem1710]

Ireland will have to come up with something new. Many teams were cracking their winning formula in the 6N. Given Irelands coaching team this is very likely.

[@David_MacM]

Hansen is meant to be back in two weeks

[@user-cz7yw1oz1f]

Mack is back sooner than you were saying 👍 . Also the side maybe settled as you say but Ireland is not Leinster and other players DO deserve chances

[@patrickkeane2067]

Didn't seem so settled, last few games of 6 nations unfortunately.

[@michaelharrison5564]

apparently hansen will be back for Munster game

[@derekhughes7955]

Mack is due back for Connacht in 2 weeks

[@user-xj5ks9yj8n]

Can't help thinking that the similarities between all these Irish squads ( NZ, WC, 6N, up coming trip to SA ) are really down to a lack of depth. Perhaps they just don't have that many options when it comes to world class players. I mean Scrum half, inside centre and both wings are'nt even Irish. Only a few incoming faces. Compare to Rassienaber chopping and changing Bok teams between WCs Irish team look cemented in.....if they really are serious about building towards making it out of the QF in 27 perhaps these are the years they should be experimenting /blooding younger IRISH players ..if they have them.

[@marknelson8918]

Not sure if Crrowley is quite as good as people think he is. Think he's been getting an easy ride as he is taking over from Sexton and other players are stepping up now to take more responsibility such as the back row and scrumhalf

[@orlandosadie6283]

This will be POM swansong

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

Id love to see us develop our loose head stock by bringing milne or jack boyle as 3rd choice loosehead.

[@user-pg5jo4cs2f]

Dont disagree on the squad but need to give more minutes to players like Casey. Some players are starting to get on a bit and they wont be there in 2027. Need to start looking ahead. England will be a big challenge in 2025 6N.

[@dhirshg]

Near impossible to win a test series on SA shores...but they could sneak a draw.

[@harryocallaghan8082]

Will Connors will most likely take Nick Timoneys place. Cian Prendergast definitely deserves a shot again. Likewise Jamie Osborne. I could see Michael Milne be given a shot too as we’re slightly weak at loosehead and he’s been immense this season.

[@Hedgehog952]

Think that would be incredibly harsh on Timoney who has played well all season in a poor Ulster side. Connors is a great player but has only played like 130 mins of european rugby against la Rochelle. He didn't make the Leinster squad for the other 3 european games they've played and played against lesser opposition like Zebre. He won't be in the squad this weekend or for the final if they get there. I personally think it would send the wrong message picking players who don't consistently play regularly over those who do elsewhere. I personally think Connors would be wise to move to try and further his Irish starting chances

[@harryocallaghan8082]

@@Hedgehog952 Before his injuries and head concussions Connors was ahead of JVDF. Not that long ago. He has regained his previous form as he has shown against La Rochelle (Best team in Europe) not once but twice this season. As soon as they dropped JVDF, Leinster won on both occasions. Timoney is a good player but he really hasn’t pushed on whatsoever. He’s been good this season but not exceptional. Personally I’d have Connors in there for his tackle technique ability which is probably the best in the world and for his lineout ability. He’s also 6ft 5 so he doesn’t go unnoticed like I fee Timoney does. Connors also plays for the best team in Ireland & Europe so the standards he has to set is a lot higher than what Timoney does.

[@Hedgehog952]

@@harryocallaghan8082 I guess we will soon see. Farrell only takes one out and out 7 per squad usually and can't see him dropping VdF anytime soon

[@EnlightenedCoaching]

Hansen not going to Paris for the 7's?

[@diarmconnolly23]

Didn't we play 5 games down in NZ? Not sure he'll feel it's necessary to bring 40 players to play 2 games.

[@dublin7]

Ireland will go out with a pretty much unchanged side to the past which is a mistake. They need to use their depth and bleed in young players. They ideally should bring a squad of 41 and rotate from game one and game two. Apart from a quality back up loosehead prop which if they switch Tom O'Toole to the loose, Leinster could field a really strong side. They won't do that but they should. Props (6) Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Tom O'Toole (LH), Finley Bealham, Jack Boyle & Oli Jager Hookers (3): Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher & Tom Stewart. Locks (5): Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Edwin Edogbo Back Row (8): Ryan Baird, Josh Van Der Flier, Caelan Doris, Peter O'Mahony, Nick Timoney, Jack Conan, Tom Ahearn & Cian Prendergast Scrum Halves (3) Jamison Gibson-Park, Craig Casey, Conor Murray Fly Halves (4): Jack Crowley, Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne, Sam Prendergast (for the experience) Centres (5): Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCluskey, Robbie Henshaw & Jamie Osborne Wingers (5): James Lowe, Mack Hansen, Jimmy O'Brien, Calvin Nash, & Jordan Larmour Full Backs (2): Hugo Keenan, Ciaran Frawley

[@timslade5808]

Completely agree with Will Connors. Could be exactly what Ireland need to stop the SA pack in their tracks

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Don't forget about James Ryan who has been sidelined with a bicep injury for some months now. IMO though, I would keep Ryan, Hansen, Furlong, Keenan, Henderson, Ringrose out of this tour - Hansen is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, an injury that has a disproportionately high recurrence rate; Keenan has been struggling with this hip injury for the last 6 months; Furlong has had to deal with a recurring calf problem; Ryan has that bicep tear issue; Henderson has had a number of different injuries in the last 18 months; Ringrose has also had a lengthy issue with his shoulder. They have all missed substantial game time and should just take the summer off and complete the healing process. That opens up 6 places for the tour for Andy Farrell to evaluate some new players at the highest level. Our 2023 World Cup performances, while very credible (thank you the 2022 New Zealand Tour), clearly demonstrated the need to further deepen the quality of the squad. We can still have the backbone of the back-to-back 6 Nations Champions squad for the SA tour to call on, plus some talented new blood needing big match experience.

[@RoyBattyLives]

Would like to see Hodnett getting a go. He’s been playing out of his skin.

[@derekobeirnes482]

Having a blinder

[@cheesecake6696]

On the fly half q, I'd imagine the most sensible thing to do is bring prendergast as an additional 'development ' player. If they name him outright in the squad I'd take crowley and boring Byrne and I'd leave broken Byrne at home.

[@fionnmcguinness3268]

We played 5 games in NZ back in 2022. We’re only playing 2 games this tour. So we won’t need a whole 40 I don’t think. I think he’ll only take 2 flyhalfs - And Frawley will be the utility/ 3rd choice 10. I want to see Connors, Osborne and Hume in SA. It was a big shame that neither of the 2 centres I named could get a look in during the 2024 6N

[@mikegormally6107]

Have to disagree with the Cian Prendergast not kicking on comment, he is on the shortlist for Connacht player of the year as he has been immense for us this season.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Sorry, I meant... Kicked on with Ireland. I was expecting him to be involved in 6N. I'm a big fan of his

[@Ollyk1]

I wouldn’t bring Healy, Murray or POM to SA personally. A very long season for those lads and a lot of rugby played and time for a few new faces to get a look in. Not sure who would be my third choice scrum half though. I don’t think Coombes goes but I’d be bringing Hodnett for sure. That guy deserves a real chance imo. I wouldn’t bring SamP on this trip either. Let him have a summer off and hit the gym and bring him along for the autumn internationals to get a feel for things. I’d bring Crowley and the two Byrne’s and I might even start Ross in one of the tests and rotate with Crowley.

[@marknelson8918]

you're right Sam Prendigast either, has the skill, but just looks really light at this level. Who would you bring in place of Healy?

[@Ollyk1]

I’m torn and there is no standout up and coming option. I like michael Milne but he got roasted a bit by LAR but for a two match tour where he’s third choice loose head prop id probably go with him.

[@ciaranbrk]

Stockdale isn't going on that tour his time in an Irish jersey is gone.

[@SMacCuUladh]

i think you're right

[@mariannugent3179]

Stocktake produced some magic moments in his time.

[@AD-zcvnt]

I don't agree. I saw something in him last Friday I haven't seen since 2018. He took a hia, unfortunately. I, too, had written him off, but he had real desire & impact in that game. Hope I'm right & he finds form. He was special.

[@bryanellis459]

Unless there are to be announced midweek games, I can't see very big squad for 3 games. Hansen may be available for the last 3 games, which is another 2/3 weeks away. Given the job Will Connors did for Leinster vs La Rochelle, they may be tempted to bring him in for a similar job.

[@gerryrafferty7500]

Connor’s is defo coming as the locks are starting to evolve Ryan falling down the pecking order McCarthy and Connor’s would scare Me

[@gtanz8475]

Nearly 80k following. Come on folks....lets get Tim to 100k

[@claff88]

I'd leave most over 30's behind

[@user-gi2rl7wv2w]

Stockdale will drop out. Probably too early for Mack. Ahern will come in and Henderson will drop out. Out halves will be Crowley R Byrne and H Byrne. Would love to see Hodnett Daly go

[@DrivingSA-ot8ds]

It will be great to see a full strength Ireland side in SA, unlike previous series where they sent B sides

[@wlk2408]

Yes that is the unfortunate thing about traveling. The last two times we visited Ireland we also played with very weakend teams.

[@Nieljoyceniel]

@@wlk2408bs at its finest. You just got beat

[@StaalBurgher0]

​@@Nieljoyceniel feet in the ruck, collapsed mauls... 😂

[@TaydoS]

​@@Nieljoyceniel and y'all choke in every QF like Zombies 🤡 absolutely no clue how to win a WC knockout game.

[@groMMit1981]

SA should win, so I predict Ireland winning 2-0 easy.

[@darrynnefdt8933]

So after failing to win the Worldcup, they want to continue doing the same thing…

[@markshields5883]

No old guard players should go

[@patrickcoote8441]

Farrell introduces a few players in each block. Crowley, Nash and McCarty last six nations and I suspect Baird, Osbourne and Oli Jager could come in over this tour. Ahern and Will Conners?

[@skellator4848]

Settled squads and not rotating players was the Irish down fall. Too many minutes in key legs resulting in lethargic players in final 20 against NZ.

[@x-latetv-x6816]

Putting out the best team against romania was insanity, i knew we were screwed then

[@Graham159871]

These tests cant come soon enough!! Go Bokke🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@daithipol]

Have a good look at our (hopefully) ex captain numbers before putting him on that plane. He is coc* blocking for club and country. Baird conan Ahearn prendergast hodnet Conors hugely more effective rows

[@derekhughes7955]

Ciaran Frawley great option at 10

[@CutieSenussi]

Not this top again :( TIM PLEASE

[@Gorilladome4664]

BOkS will have zero games played before Ireland shows up in SA. Whales game doesnt count as it's a B team, if that....not Ireland's fault, but come on, they have just come off an entire Six Nations etc...SA no test matches since world cup, brand new attacking coach...it could be a bit ugly for the boks and unfortunate to play a team like Ireland right out the gates since world cup. Pretty unfair but isnt that the course for the BOKS...always up against the wall, everyone against them.

[@KekeHimona]

Nothing unfair at all. It’s Boks planning and others shouldn’t be responsible for that

[@Gorilladome4664]

@@KekeHimona If you think it's simply poor planning re Boks you would be mistaken. Come on dude....

[@KekeHimona]

@@Gorilladome4664 It seems you are looking for excuses prior to the test. South African players are game fit as have been playing URC. Ireland also have new back coach. South African pundits are saying Ireland will be tired for the test against South Africa. There are excuses everywhere and statements of “giving Ireland a reality check”. .. You are world champions with home ground advantage. Nothing unfair about this at all

[@gordondarker4073]

It's Wales.....and will you get that giant chip off yer shoulder FFS

[@golly2k]

Would like to see Connors/Hodnett both go. Hodnett ceiling is higher than Coombes, Prendergast or even Timoney imo.

[@KekeHimona]

Ireland have beaten the “world champions”. Unsure why any are putting Ireland down

[@johnmellitchey6625]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3iwimBjeLCdqtU Ireland are already making excuses forgetting that for virtually ALL of their major the Boks have to travel around the world, which using that as an excuse

[@rowansps]

It's the best in the North against the best in the World, not just the South.

[@KekeHimona]

Which is why we all expect to see South Africa win every test

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

😂 blah blah blah, nobody knows how the ball will roll. It's all conjecture and so forth. Let the games begin.

[@cianhalley9266]

Was excited before 6 nations for squad and was disappointed Farrelll is awful conservative at the best of times, nash deserved his spot but it took multiple injuries to get it, anyway for me beirne pom furlong and keenan and 1 of the big 3 in centres stay behind, simply too much rugby played want to see tom o toole come off the bench at loosehead if he's comfortable, unfortunately I'm hearing bad things about coombes as a person and thats why he can't get in, really hope it's not true seemed a gent when i met him.

[@aaronreid116]

What did you hear about Coombes? Genuine question, big fan of his as a Leinster fan

[@cianhalley9266]

​@@aaronreid116 probably just rumours started because he's not getting in and he should be but I've heard he's kind of nasty to younger players in particular, just kind of overly aggressive in training and that kind of thing, like I said though I've met him twice and he seemed bang on so I'll stick with that opinion, it is a bit odd that he hasn't been given a shot though

[@aaronreid116]

@cianhalley9266 ah that's a shame if it's true but he's a quality player👌

[@geoffhogan4831]

Get rid of all the non irish born players and it opens another 10 starting positions....