Bradley expecting bruising battle against Tonga

IRELAND A coach Michael Bradley has named an experienced side for Friday night’s international against Tonga (Ravenhill, 7.35pm).

Though little is known about the visitors, Bradley is erring on the side of caution by selecting a team which includes Shane Horgan, Peter Stringer and Neil Best, who was the captain of the Ireland team which lifted the Churchill Cup in North America over the summer.

The Connacht coach is certain of one thing – a physical encounter.

He reasoned: “You expect that in every one of the Pacific Islands teams. But we have a good side for the game and we are confident we can continue where we left off from the summer.”

Backrow, Best, will be no stranger to Ravenhill having played several seasons with Ulster before moving to Franklin Gardens two seasons ago. He is named in the same backrow which won the Churchill Cup and includes Chris Henry and Sean O’Brien.

Henry said: “A lot of the guys have played together before and we are all looking forward to getting together again for our first session this afternoon. I have never played against Tonga before and everyone is looking forward to it.”Skipper, Horgan, said he was honoured to be captaining the side and admitted it was an opportunity not just for him, but for others to impress Declan Kidney and his senior management.

The Meath man said: “Everyone wants to play for the Irish senior side, but the ‘A’ team provides representatives honours which are important.

“For those who are making the first step up to the international stage, the ‘A’ team provides a perfect introduction and allows players to get used to the environment and what is expected at the next level up from playing with the Provinces. This will be a big test for us, but we just have to worry about us and do what we have to.”

Ireland ‘A’ have left the hooker position open until after today’s Ireland senior team announcement ahead of the game against Australia at Croke Park on Sunday.