With the announcement of the Irish squad headed to Japan for the Rugby World Cup, this is the second of a two part series looking at the squad. To be honest, there is a lot of surprises made here in the selections, but it goes to show how much depth there is in Irish rugby. Backs usually are the ones who get the ball moving and do most of the scoring. The importance for backs with them calling the offensive plays and their speed is what helps wins matches. Joe Schmidt has picked some world class and underrated players in the backs as there is so much talent here. There is also a lot of experience here and that could be key to whether Ireland wins the World Cup. With that being said, lets take a look at the backs that Schmidt is bringing with him to Japan.
Scrumhalves
Conor Murray
Murray is arguably the best player in the world to put on a 9 jersey, but in the last year there is some questions as to whether he is healthy as his kicking game was off and he wasn't sharp when distributing the ball. However, when he's healthy, he can control a match with precision as he can control the tempo and is incredibly smart. Also, his kicking is superb. The question of whether he is back to himself will be answered soon.
Luke McGrath
The Leinster scrumhalf managed to steal the backup role from Kieran Marmion. His partnership with Jonathan Sexton might have factored into the decision, but his game management and kicking ability certainly helped as well. It will be interesting if McGrath becomes the backup in the near future or not.
Flyhalves
Jonathan Sexton
There is question as to whether Sexton should be considered as the best flyhalf in the world, and for good reason, but he is the most important player on the pitch when he is playing. His play calling and his kicking ability is incredible and needed if Ireland wants to win the World Cup. At 34 years old, Sexton's time is coming to a close soon, but his experience and his propensity of coming through in the clutch will be influential.
Joey Carbery
Carbery seems like the guy who will replace Sexton as the future starting 10 once Sexton retires from international rugby. For now, he will be the backup and he is a very capable player once Sexton is replaced or an injury occurs and can give Sexton a relief of pressure. His kicking is great and is awesome when it comes to his vision of the pitch. He might not ever become the same player as Sexton, but Ireland is very lucky to have a player like Carbery
Jack Carty
Carty just goes to show the depth and the talent of the flyhalf position as Carty easily could start too if it wasn't for Sexton and Carbery ahead of him. However, he has a chance to show he is at least good enough to be the backup of the future. He jumped Ross Byrne as the third choice as he has proven to be excellent in form. What helps is his ability at goal kicking and if Sexton goes down, he will be able to show what he is capable of.
Centers
Bundee Aki
Aki's rise is unprecedented as he has seemingly come out of nowhere to become a first choice center for Schmidt. He is a durable player, but he is also very physical. Aki is an excellent offensive player too whose offloading helps move the ball well. He also can score a try with a bruising run to the try line. Not having him the lineup would be a blow to Ireland.
Chris Farrell
Injury problems have plagued Farrell, but he is a talented center that is finally get his chance to shine on the big stage. Farrell could play either at the 12 or the 13, so he does have some versatility, and he is physical. While it was shocking to see him get the nod over Will Addison, Schmidt clearly sees something in Farrell that made him a better option.
Robbie Henshaw
Henshaw has been dealing with some injuries the last couple of years, but when healthy he is a great center. His pairing with Aki will be key in the midfield as he plays great defense and runs the ball hard as they both have key assets in their game that compliment one another. The question though is whether he is fit to be in the starting lineup.
Garry Ringrose
A very talented center who has also dealt with injury problems in his career, but he is fully fit and might have to compete with Henshaw for a starting role. He does have the edge because of the question of Henshaw being fit enough to start or not, but he is a more talented player. He is also a two way player as he excellent with the ball, but also plays stout defense. Ringrose is one fun player to watch.
Wings/Fullbacks
Keith Earls
It's amazing to think that Earls is now a grizzled veteran for Ireland, but here we are and his experience will play a key role in the backline. He is a fast player who can blaze past the defense seemingly effortlessly, but he also is great defensively. He also is a versatile player as he can play multiple positions.
Jordan Larmour
Larmour came into the scene last year and is a talented winger. He isn't quite up to his potential yet, but he is still dynamic. He can also play as a fullback and if Rob Kearney goes down with an injury, he's a great fallback option. Larmour is still very young and unpolished, but once he reaches his full potential, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Jacob Stockdale
Like Larmour, Stockdale hasn't yet reached his potential, but unlike Larmour, Stockdale's potential is superstar level. If he isn't one of the five best wingers in rugby right now, he is certainly going to be very, very soon. Stockdale is a great talent who has scored tries left and right as he has 16 in just 21 caps. His kick and chase ability with the ball is really a sight to behold. Stockdale is the real deal and is the best winger on the team.
Andrew Conway
Conway is blocked from playing in the starting lineup because of Stockdale and Earls, but he is a quality winger and will be a great backup. Conway has the ability to be a solid winger on the international stage, but he is also a versatile player which might have given him more of an upper hand in Schmidt's decision to include him in the squad.
Rob Kearney
Kearney has been a very underrated player for Ireland as he has been a mainstay at the 15 jersey, but when he isn't the lineup, for whatever reason it might be, the backfield is not the same. His experience will be needed, but he is also a dynamic player. He is the definition of stability, something the Irish would need in their backline.
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