IT WOULD be stretching things to say that the Ireland [Development side's pivotal match of their seven match tour against Thames Valley tomorrow in Paeroa (kickoff 2.0 p.m. local time, 3.0 a.m. Irish time) is a make or break affair. But it is undoubtedly their best chance of a victory.
After the initial double wham my of Northland and the NZ Academy, another double looms imposingly at the end of the tour - the test match against the New Zealand Maoris on June 10th, followed by Western Samoa four days later. Thus, the Irish need the psychological buffer of at least a win here and probably one against King Country next Friday as well.
The Maoris have assembled 44 players for a trial next week. Twenty three of these players have appeared in the Super 12 this season and this does not include the 15 players involved in the All Black trial two days later, or the couple of players who will be turning out for King Country next Friday.
The Samoans, who will meet the Maoris twice later in June, have brought back several of their big guns, including Va'aiaga Tuigamala, Junior Paramore and a reformed Darren Kellett, plus seven Super 12 players. All told, the 26 man squad contains 12 of the 16 players who played in Western Samoa's victory over Ireland at Lansdowne Road.
This end of tour double also loomed large in the Irish management's thinking over the team to play Thames Valley. Key men such as Rob Henderson, Conor O'Shea and Dave Erskine have been rested, any or all of whom may have to play the final three games. The selectors have even gambled on leaving Henderson and another of Thursday's major, players, Stephen McIvor, off the bench this time.
Just in Bishop has been given another chance, by being moved to the right wing, as has Anthony Foley at number eight and Alan McGrath has been afforded his first appearance alongside Michael Lynch (who may give out half Richard Governey respite at some stage) in midfield.
Gabriel Fulcher, deservedly, has the honour of captaining the side in the absence of Gary Halpin. "This should be the easiest match of the tour and it may be the last match for some players," said Pat Whelan.
A few ingredients are required to ensure the expected victory. A better organised defence with more players being prepared to put themselves on the line from the outset would be a start. Adapting to the different interpretation of the ruck laws, whereby any ball off the ground can be played with the hands, is also something the forwards should now be aware of. If so, then Thames Valley should be there for the taking.
Using previous opponents as a yardstick, last season Thames Valley lost 33-0 to Northland and 53-15 to Bay of Plenty, only preserving their second division NCP status with wins in their final two games.
Much lighter than previous opponents, the only danger from an Irish viewpoint is if it rains heavily. The Paeroa pitch is not sandbased and if churned up, the Valley tend to dig in and dirty. They're not called the swamp foxes for nothing. But this should be an Irish win.
. England's newlook team today step out for the first Test against Argentina at the Ferrocarril Oeste Stadium the Spanish translates as `Western Railway' to find out if they are on the right track.
Nigel Redman finds himself winning an unexpected 19th cap three years after his last one. But only he and Ben Clarke among the forwards are in double figures.
The majority of players, however, have a wealth of experience at A level, although the unknown quantity is how well the likes of Jim Mallinder, Nick Greenstock and Tony Diprose will handle the step up in class.
