Following the 42-10 win over Italy last Saturday, Kidney might well have had his hand forced to change his side. The influence that substitutes Donnacha Ryan, Eoin Reddan and Peter O’Mahony had on the game cannot be ignored, but it seems alas, they have been.
Ireland were lucky to lead 17-10 at half time against an Italian side, who, if they had packed a goal kicker, might have even lead at the break.
The frustrating thing for Ireland fans is that the starting XV seems to be harder to get out of, than in to. Players such as Donncha O’Callaghan, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien have all been struggling for form. Yet they remain in situ.
Kidney said this week that an amount of “thought” had gone into the side and that is was not just “another unchanged side for the French game”. He has fooled everyone there it seems.
Going to Paris, Ireland need to be assured of their own possession. The forward momentum that Ryan and O’Mahony offered was immense and should have earned the duo a starting role. Should Ireland play for 50 minutes this weekend, like they did against Italy, the cavalry will only be needed to pick up the remains of the wounded starters.
The puzzlement from rugby fans is just. This French team are beatable and the IRFU currently possesses the players to win in France.
For some reason however, they are not being picked to play. Wales have secured a Triple Crown and are a shoe in for Grand Slam success, with a squad filled with youthful exuberance. Managed by a coaching set up unafraid of change.
Looking ahead to this weekend. The old stagers need to keep the crowd quiet and make sure there is still some hope for the young guns
