Tallaght calling for Ireland A’s Argie bargy

IN a far-sighted new initiative, the IRFU are bringing the international game to Tallaght for the first time tonight when Michael Bradley’s Ireland A team take on their Argentine counterparts, known as the Jaguares, at the recently opened stadium, better known as the home of Shamrock Rovers.

The Union see the move as beneficial to the development of the game in this thickly populated area of Dublin and it will be interesting to note the public response. 8,000 squeezed into the stadium for the recent FAI Cup final, although a little more than half that number this evening would be seen as a positive response.

“We are particularly excited about holding the first ever international game in Tallaght, something that we were conscious of when we selected the venue in terms of game development,” said IRFU director of rugby Eddie Wigglesworth.

“The Tallaght Project, which began in 2001, has exposed over 6,000 children and adults to the game in the area to the point where Tallaght Rugby Club has become a focal point in the local community.”

For coach Michael Bradley and his players, however, it’s all about turning in a good, solid performance. Although the team contains 10 changes from that which recently hammered Tonga at Ravenhill, it still seems to be a very strong combination as national coach Declan Kidney continues his campaign to build a large but cohesive squad.

As always when Argentina are providing the opposition, the most serious questions will be asked up front, and most especially in the set scrums. So there will be a big onus on the front-row trio of Brett Wilkinson, John Fogarty and Mike Ross to provide stability with Ross’s credentials under special scrutiny. The Cork-born tight head has featured prominently with Harlequins and Leinster in recent times, and will see this game as the ideal opportunity to press his claims for further recognition in the new year.

There is plenty of experience in the Irish forward pack which will be led by Mick O’Driscoll. His second-row partner is Ulster’s well-respected Ryan Caldwell while John Muldoon is rewarded for a series of fine displays with Connacht and packs down alongside Munster pair Niall Ronan and Donnacha Ryan.

Bradley’s back division carries plenty of pace with Felix Jones given a significant chance at full-back and his Munster team mate Ian Dowling and Leicester’s Johne Murphy providing plenty of punch on the wings. Kidney regards Fergus McFadden as a big prospect for the future and he lines out in the centre with Keith Matthews of Connacht.

Ulster half-backs Ian Humphreys and Isaac Boss have developed well together this season and they should prove the ideal link between forwards and backs.

The Jaguares won their recent match against Portugal a week ago by 24-13 and represent the future of Argentine rugby, with several individuals hoping to push their claims for further honours. The Irish can expect a testing time in the forward exchanges although it is safe to assume that Bradley’s side will have forged a comfortable lead by the final whistle.