Reddan stakes claim for Ireland spot

THE smile on Eoin Reddan’s face said it all as the London Wasps scrum half and two-try hero knew his contribution to the Heineken Cup victory over Leinster had moved him up the Ireland pecking order.

With Leinster and Munster dumped out of the Heineken Cup, national coach Eddie O’Sullivan now has the burden lifted off the bulk of his squad in this demanding World Cup year and the added bonus of a five-star display from his third choice number nine on Saturday. Reddan will be in the World Cup squad and probably one of just two scrum halves to travel to Argentina next month.

O’Sullivan has to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks, working out which of his front-line players he will bring on a daunting trip to Argentina. Given the coach’s desire to protect Peter Stringer, Reddan could be given the nod alongside Isaac Boss.