Thursday, March 10, 2016

Joe Schmidt’s team selection for the Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday has garnered a lot of attention - and not the good sort.

The initial, and most eye-catching decision was to omit centre Stuart McCloskey from the matchday squad.

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Stuart McCloskey out, Zebo at fullback and Payne back in the centre.https://t.co/QlmKyTm7xC pic.twitter.com/pLz4P6QZo4

— RugbyLAD (@RugbyLAD7) March 10, 2016

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McCloskey gave an impressive performance against England in place of the injured Jared Payne, forming a strong centre partnership with Robbie Henshaw.

Payne has now returned to fitness but an injury to Rob Kearney meant there was an opening at 15 - and many fans hoped that Schmidt would start Payne there instead and give McCloskey another run out.

But instead, not only was he dropped from the starting XV, he didn't even make the bench.

Instead utility back Fergus McFadden was preferred as cover, with Schmidt citing versatility as the deciding factor.

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Just saw the irish team. McCloskey not even on the bench & Mc Fadden is.The mind boggles.

sick of hearing that phrase #injoewetrust

— Sean mahon (@munster4ever) March 10, 2016

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Schmidt had a similar logic for choosing Ian Madigan for the bench rather than the in-form Paddy Jackson, with the former’s ability to also cover 12 judged by Schmidt as more important.

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Joe Schmidt drops mccloskey ,no paddy jackson what a joke .

— it's me (@osullik79) March 10, 2016

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There are also complaints about Ultan Dillane, another impressive debutant, being left on the bench.

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Really thought we'd see a few youngsters in the team for #IREvITA. Stu Mcloskey for one is very, very hard done by. Dillane should start too

— Conor Flynn (@conf101) March 10, 2016

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Schmidt would no doubt argue that a win against Italy is vital and this is the selection to deliver that, but many Ireland fans are very frustrated with what they see as conservative choices with no eye for the future.

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Starting to lose faith in Joe Schmidt, McCloskey omitted for Madigan who's off to France, 35y/o Ross still starting and Payne at 13?? #why

— Simon Watters (@watters_95) March 10, 2016

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Would much prefer to see @Ultan_Dillane & @Stuart_Mc12 start in 2 dead rubbers instead of the same, stale selections #6Nations #IRFU #Future

— Diarmuid Colfer (@DColfer20) March 10, 2016

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