| Byrne fails to make cut for Eddie’s
opening game  Inconsistent
form and lack of first team appearances for Saracens may have cost hooker
Shane Byrne his place in the possible starting line-up against Italy.
The former Lions hooker was a major casualty when the Ireland coach trimmed
his panel for the opening game at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Having already made 41 appearances for his country, Byrne has been overlooked
favour of the in-form Celtic League duo Rory Best and Jerry Flannery —
sparking yet more scrutiny regarding Eddie O’Sullivan’s selection
policy.
O’Sullivan has come under criticism for ignoring the claims of foreign-based
players including London Irish lock Bob Casey in favour of players who
are plying their trade in the home provinces.
However, O’Sullivan in-sists his decisions are purely based on
form.
He said: “There were some hard calls made to reduce the squad to
our match 22 but as always we have gone with the players in form at this
time.
“We have a lot of players performing at the top of their game which
has made selection very difficult. But that’s a great problem to
have at this time of year.
“Some young players have broken into the squad who weren’t
known this time last year — guys like Andrew Trimble, Jerry Flannery,
Eoin Reddan and Rory Best. That’s positive as well.
“Their inclusion has come at the expense of the experienced players.
I haven’t picked these guys because they’re young, they’re
in because they’ve forced their way in.
“Going into the Six Nations you want to pick your strongest squad.
It’s encouraging that some of the younger guys have caused these
casualties to the more experienced players.”
Byrne has certainly struggled since his confidence-shaking tour of New
Zealand with the British and Irish Lions and his move from Leinster at
the end of last season.
Other encouraging squad news includes the selection of Munster back-row
David Wallace who has been rewarded for his form.
Scorer of the all-important fourth try against Sale in the Heineken Cup
game at Thomond Park Wallace will be a welcome inclusion to the squad.
Johnny O’Connor’s Wasps’ teammate Eoin Reddan could
also be one of Eddie O’Sullivan’s latest discoveries.
The uncapped Limerickman’s recent club form has earned him a de-served
call-up to the squad as an understudy to scrum-half Peter Stringer.
|
