Irish selectors turn to the tried and trusted

CIRCUMSTANCES alter cases and also the perception of Ireland selectors

CIRCUMSTANCES alter cases and also the perception of Ireland selectors. Against his own expectations but taking account of recent events, the Ireland selectors have recalled Eric Elwood to the national side for the international championship match against France at Lansdowne Road next Saturday.

Ten days ago the Ireland manager Pat Whelan had stated that Elwood was not a contender for the team against Italy and had some way to go before getting back to the summit. A bad result and a very poor performance impose their own necessities and induce change of hearts - and acceptance of reality can motivate even the most obdurate.

The return of Elwood, who last played for Ireland against Scotland in the opening match of the championship last season, was not by any means the only concession to the defeat by Italy, a performance that Whelan admitted concentrated minds and induced alteration of personnel in five instances and also a change in approach. "Circumstances have changed considerably," said the manager.

"He is a known quantity and excellent defender" said Whelan of Elwood. That indeed he is. "We must batten down the hatches now," added the manager. "This team was chosen with one match in mind, to do a specific job. That was our only consideration."

READ MORE

Five and half hours of deliberation on Friday night produced a team that sees the return of Maurice Field in the centre for McCall, Elwood for Paul Burke at outside half and the return of the former captain Niall Hogan at scrum half for Stephen McIvor. In the pack, Paddy Johns is recalled in the second row for Gabriel Fulcher and Eric Miller is moved from open side flanker to number eight, to the exclusion of Anthony Foley, with Denis McBride recalled on the open side.

Burke thus has the unique experience of having scored 24 points against the Italians, the highest individual score by an Ireland player in an international, but still loses out to the qualities that Ireland now sees as necessary at outside half. Unfortunate for Burke but recognition of the need for the astute qualities that Elwood will bring to a key area. Jonathan Bell is moved from right to left centre and Hogan's return was expected. His partnership with Elwood brings experience to the half back area.

Whelan was frank in explaining the reasons behind the retention of Nick Popplewell at loose head prop. That was looked at in depth and if Popplewell is not now the force of yore, the belief is he represents the best option. Nor can one argue with the return of Johns. Fulcher has been way below his best of late and Johns's mobility and current form correctly get him due recognition. He replaced Fulcher during the closing stages of the match against Italy.

Whelan spoke of Miller's qualities, his pace, and skill and the feeling is they can best be used in the middle of the back row. McBride came on as a replacement for Miller in the 32nd minute against Italy and was among the best of the Irish forwards. Brave, wholehearted and good at getting the ball on the ground, the reasoning behind the composition of back row, with David Corkery on the blind side, can readily be understood.

That a few are fortunate to survive is beyond doubt, Bell for instance. The selectors did not see a viable alternative as Whelan intimated. Kurt McQuilkin was a candidate against Bell, but memories are sharp of his problems against the French in Paris. Whelan made that very point.

The forwards coach Mike Brewer was present for most of the selection meeting and had an input. The new coaching adviser Brian Ashton was not present, but Whelan said he had discussed matters with him at length. "He had as much input as he wanted," said Whelan.

Whelan stressed that the concession of easy tries has been costly. "The match starts at nil nil," said Whelan. So the philosophy will be to defend well, pressure the opposition and get scores by whatever means. "It is a huge task and extremely difficult. We went back to players who have been through the mill," said the manager.

While it was to some of the old brigade that the selectors turned in constructing the senior side, some of the young ones get their chances in the A team to meet the French at Donnybrook on Friday. There are first A caps for Den is Hickie, on the right wing, for Brian Carey and Killian Keane in the centre and for Mark McDermott at hooker and for Brian Cusack in the second row. There is a return to the fold for Eddie Halvey on the flank after his recent fitness difficulties and Foley is at number eight.

David Humphreys and young Brian O'Meara form an exciting looking half back combination and old hands Richard Wallace, on the left wing, and Jim Staples, at full back, are both chosen. New Zealander Ross Nesdale is named as reserve hooker on the A side, as he was against South Africa A, but there is no place even on the A team bench for squad members Shane Byrne and Niall Woods.

The A team shows no fewer than 10 changes from the side that defeated South Africa. There are seven full caps in the team, Staples, Wallace, Humphreys, Mick Galwey, Foley, Ben Cronin and Halvey, with Galwey named as captain.

The squad will start their preparations in Limerick this afternoon and return to Dublin on Thursday. Ashton flew to Dublin yesterday from his home in England and then on to Limerick. It will be a case of "getting to know you, for him and the players today, but getting to know all about them will take some time.