Ireland v Bayonne
16th August (20:00 BST)

Ireland have put forward their strongest team to play French league side Bayonne. Only two first choice players, Shane Horgan and David Wallace will miss the match due to injuries.

So why has Eddie put out his strongest side to play a club rugby? According to E O’S,

You cannot replicate the same levels of intensity and physicality in training as you can in a match,
This will be a full-on match and will give the team the levels of contact we need.

There is no doubt that the French side will give it everything, this means there is a risk of injuries to key players, something Ireland cannot afford.

Look out for Ireland as they will be playing in blue jerseys as this game is not an International.

Ireland: G Dempsey; A Trimble, B O’Driscoll, capt, G D’Arcy, D Hickie; R O’Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, R Best, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, S Easterby, N Best, D Leamy.
Replacements: F Sheahan, B Young, M O’Kelly, A Quinlan, E Reddan, P Wallace, G Murphy.