The news coming out of the Ireland camp this morning is that Tadhg Beirne is in line to make his Six Nations debut against Wales on Saturday.
That is according to Murray Kinsella of the 42.ie, who claims that Iain Henderson is struggling with another injury meaning Beirne is in line to step up to the plate.
Could the Munster man be the key to stopping Warren Gatland’s side in their tracks this weekend as they look to secure a Grand Slam title?
Yesterday, scrum coach Greg Feek, claimed that Beirne had been training well and was indeed in contention to play in this weekend’s Cardiff clash.
“Tadhg Beirne, he’s looking pretty good as well, so he’s put his hand up for selection and he’ll train again today.”
Given his highly successful two-year spell with Scarlets, it is difficult to see him not playing some part in this weekend’s fixture and such is his knowledge of the Welsh players, you would assume he is itching to play some part.
According to Feek, however, Beirne has shown the same drive that he has in every Ireland camp he’s been involved in.
“I think he’s been doing that every week he’s been in camp to be honest, he’s a pretty driven young man, he has a lot to offer and the lock position is getting pretty competitive at the moment.”
There is, however, concern around the lack of competitive game time that Beirne has got since returning to the Emerald Isle.
“It’s taken into account. We just have to deal with what’s in front of us at the moment and if he gets through today and gets his detail right, they’ve all got their hands up.” said Feek.
“He’s definitely available. There are some good headaches there. Last week he was a little bit stiff from the Ospreys game. I enjoy watching him train. You need someone who can test you with a bib on and he certainly does that.”
With Josh van der Flier ruled out because of a groin strain, it is also thought that Sean O’Brien will get the nod at openside flanker ahead of the returning Dan Leavy.
O’Brien was absent from the squad against France after an uncharacteristically quiet game against Italy, however, Feek yesterday claimed that he was back in contention for this weekend.
“He has been training, he has been working really hard. I suppose it does put him in contention but those sort of things are a natural progression.
“That’s why Dan is there as well so we’ll make our minds up and obviously Pete covered there at the weekend and did alright too. There are a few options there but at this stage, we’ll see how that group fits together this afternoon and go from there.”
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