Irelands’ Head Coach has called upon the
services of two uncapped Ulstermen to cover for injuries sustained against
England.
This weekend’s clash against Scotland in
Edinburgh will see both Paddy Jackson and Luke Marshall earning not only their
first cap for Ireland, but also their first start for the side.
Simon Zebo and Gordon D’Arcy have been ruled out
of the remainder of the tournament while star man Jonny Sexton may see the ‘10
shirt’ again before the end of Irelands’ Six Nations campaign.
The playmaker to be called on is not Irelands
highest point scorer, Ronan O’Gara, but Belfast man Jackson
The Ulster out-half captained the Ireland U20
squad last year and has been praised for his recent form for his province.
Declan Kidney said, “Its Paddy’s turn to have a
go for a number of reasons and he’s really looking forward to it. We’ve had
guys chomping for positions that have always been hard to fill.”
Ronan O’Gara took the news “Like the man he is.”
Declan said, “He came to training like it was his first session.”
Declan said the decision was “very difficult,
but it’s the best compliment I can give to Paddy that he’s got ahead of him.”
Jackson was “filled with butterflies at first
but, after a minuet or two, calmed down and realised I had to get on with it,
and just feel the excitement.”
Luke Marshall will play in Gordon D’Arcy’s
absence at Inside Centre. Marshall also took part in the elusive Wolfhounds
victory over Fiji in November. With Brian O’Driscoll outside him, he’ll have
plenty of encouragement in his quest to secure himself the ’12 shirt. “Brian
has been good this week helping me to adjust.”
“I’ve been watching Brian play since I was about
9 and I never thought this day would come so it will be nice playing with him
outside me.”
Captain Jamie Heaslip praised the youngsters for
their professionalism shown in training during the Autumn Internationals and
conveys his trust in their abilities.
“Ill try and give them advise regarding the
nerves for the first game and the best advice is just go out and play your
game, you’ve got 14 other guys with you willing to die for you basically.”
Tom Court will take the field, replacing Cian
Healy throughout his ban, joining provincial partner Rory Best in the front
row.
With Scotland playing impressively of late, not
most their remarkable display against the All Blacks in November, it would be
foolish for any Irish fans to take a win for granted.
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