From RTÉ about props.
"The lack of depth in the position was exposed at Croke Park yesterday when John Hayes was forced to play the entire match despite having just served a five-week suspension."

It was not a lack of depth but a lack of faith from the coach in his options or the conservative nature of the coach in not using his bench.
Kidney made two changes on Sunday, one injury forced, the other Munster's Leamy on for Ulster's Ferris. This harkens back to the bad old days of O'Sullivan in persisting in playing a 16 man version of rugby in the 22 man modern international game, when he would only haul O'Kelly off the pitch for O'Callaghan.

It is easy to look at Ireland's squad selection this week and believe that the standout player from Sunday, Cian Healy, would not have started or even been on the bench if players were not injured. Horan has been the starting choice for a long time, and for some reason, Munster's backup, Buckley, has also been Ireland's backup ahead of starters from other provinces.

RTÉ say that "there is a lack of depth at prop" and "given the lack of alternatives at tighthead with Tony Buckley injured", sorry Mike Ross starts for Leinster at tighthead this season, and for the last two seasons was the starting tighthead for Harlequins, where he was rated as one of the best scrumagers in the Guinness Premiership. But Ireland lack depth with Buckley & Horan injured!

Sorry this is rubbish, Munster lack depth and have just signed a Saffa to fill the gap. Ireland do not and it is long past time that Irish coaches look at other options than Munster when it comes to picking forwards to wear the green.

The conservative nature of the coach in his use of the bench was perfectly evident on Sunday. When late in the game, Ireland trailed by 7 pts and the bench sat idle, whilst several Irish players were visibly puffing for breath and Ireland were not able to convert pressure into points.
Any other international coach knows that you need to change things up, and that the front row shouldn't play 80 minutes of international rugby.
Why with, the scrum being dismantled were Court & Cronin left on the bench?
Why with, the backs not really sparking were Reddan & Sexton left on the bench?

Why with, the locks not driving the scrum nor dominating the lineout in the second half and flaying arms in the tackle repeatedly throughout the game was Leo Cullen left on the bench?

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