Horgan: shadow Irish side will give coaches food for thought

IRELAND A skipper Shane Horgan believes tonight’s game at Ravenhill, Belfast (7pm) against Tonga provides the opportunity for players to ask some questions of the senior coaches.

The Leinster winger is one of a number of experienced senior internationals on the team to face the South Sea Islanders, and certainly he has not hidden the fact that it offers the chance to get back into the senior set-up.

“Some people will be disappointed at not making the cut on the senior side for the November tours, but I think everyone who is playing on the A team also realises there is a good base there and a real opportunity to put the hand up and lay down a marker to the coaches.

“Ireland A have come into this match on the back of a tremendous summer tour when they won the Churchill Cup, and it is really exciting to be playing with many of the players.

“I am delighted to be captaining it because there are so many good players in there.

“Guys have been rewarded for the form they have shown with their provinces and clubs in England.

“The A team is important as there is always the motivation to want to lift yourself to the next level, whether it is for the first time or simply getting back in again.

“It is nice to be involved in a team with that ambition, and that will hold us in good stead against Tonga.”

Meanwhile, Tonga named their side yesterday to face the shadow Irish. Assistant coach, Brian Melrose, said: “The game will be a massive challenge, Irish rugby is on a high, and the provincial teams are all playing well.

“We are expecting a very tough game, but are really looking forward to the experience.”

IRELAND A: G Duffy; S Horgan, D Cave, F McFadden, A Trimble; I Humphreys, P Stringer; B Wilkinson, J Fogarty, M Ross; D Toner, D Ryan; S O’Brien, N Best, C Henry.

Replacements: D Fogarty, B Young, D Tuohy, K McLaughlin, I Boss, I Keatley, J Murphy.

TONGA: V Filimone Lilo; L Nagashima Alipate Fatafehi, S Hufanga, J Vaka, P Vakaloa; K Morath, K Fangupo; TToke, S Telefoni, M Moala, K Paino Hehea, E Kauhenga, S Filo, U Fono, S Vahafolau.

Replacements: W Mosaati Hafu, P Taula, P Fakalelu, L Faaoso, R Mahe, M Fangupo, R Pierre Hola, M ‘Ahota’e’iloa.