O’Brien gets chance to claim regular spot

PETER O’BRIEN has been given the chance to push for a regular place on the Irish U-21 World Cup squad after being named in the team to take on Scotland at Newbury today (5 pm).

O’Brien of UCC comes in for Tommy Bowe at full back but his inclusion is no reflection on the Queens University player he replaces following Ireland’s opening loss to South Africa on Friday.

Team manager Dave Haslett said: “It’s horses for courses. We had to give some players a rest and others the opportunity. It’s more about balance in the back division than anything else.”

Ireland lost the opening match of the IRB tournament to champions South Africa but Haslett reckons the mood in the camp is still very good.

“We lost by nine points after conceding a try in the dying moments of the match. We should have got a bonus point at least. It wasn’t to be, but we deserved better.

“I am satisfied, however, that we have a good enough side to challenge right to the end of this competition.

“We have already beaten Scotland this season and I figure we can beat them a second time. If we go on to win against Argentina, then anything can happen.

“This is a fairly handy side, certainly up there with the best two or three U21 sides Ireland has produced in the last decade. We came close to winning the Six Nations Championship - as close as a one point defeat away to Wales - and I don’t think we should be afraid of anyone.”

Haslett said defeat in the opening game did not rule them out of progressing: “It’s a bit more difficult but we can put ourselves right back in the hunt by winning our next two.”

Irish coach Michael Bradley agreed: “Maybe over the last couple of years Irish sides might have found it tough going from a physical point of view against the Southern Hemisphere teams.

“That does not appear to be the case this season anyway. Our guys competed well against South Africa on Friday. They also played pretty good rugby.

“Unfortunately they made too many mistakes. Now the main thing will be to ensure we cut down on those mistakes. If we do, I have no doubt that this team has the ability to take on the best around.”

Ireland U21 team captain Stephen Keogh makes a move from number eight to the blind side of the scrum, while Kevin Potts switches to number eight.

Neil Ronan of Lansdowne replaces Galwegians’ John Muldoon in the back row. The only other change in personnel takes place at full back with O’Brien taking over from Bowe.