Kidney hoping for strength in depth

Declan Kidney hopes Ireland are now beginning to benefit from their attempts at building a squad with genuine depth.

Ireland head to Rome for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy in the midst of an injury crisis that has claimed nine players capable of making the matchday 22.

Yet they have selected just one uncapped player, Leinster winger Fergus McFadden, for their trip to the Stadio Flaminio.

Kidney insists that since completing the Grand Slam in Cardiff in 2009, Ireland have embarked on a mission to increase their pool of players.

“When we beat Wales two seasons ago we always felt it was great, but we were the first to acknowledge we had an awful lot of luck with injuries,” said the head coach.

“When you’ve been in the game for a few years you know that you need to build a squad.

“We’re very fortunate that we have 19 or 20 of the players who played two years ago still with us.

“Now we have another crop of 20 guys to come through and we’re starting to see the advantage of competing in the Churchill Cup.

“You never like to see fellas injured but other players have picked up experience and hopefully we’re starting to benefit.”

Ireland have been left with no option but to select a raw back three comprising debutant McFadden, full-back Luke Fitzgerald and winger Keith Earls.

But Kidney takes heart from their attacking ability.

“With the way the laws have gone you want a back three who are willing to take on the opposition,” he said.

“What you’re hoping is that they have the wisdom to pick the right moment to attack.

“I’m backing them as footballers to do that. I think they have that in them.”

McFadden, who was named player of the tournament at the 2009 Churchill Cup, sees his long-term future at centre but appreciates the opportunity a change in jersey has presented.

“Playing on the wing has added another string to my bow,” he said.

“There’s a World Cup around the corner and you’ve got to have that in the back of your mind. It’s a competitive squad at the best of times.

“Down the line I’d like to think I’m a centre but at the moment I’m enjoying it on the wing.”