Eddie O’Sullivan, former coach of Ireland, says Robert Baloucoune, Ulster’s wingman, has a “good shot” against Wales in the Six Nations opener.
The 24-year-old has already won two Ireland caps and is now aiming to make his debut in the Six Nations.
O’Sullivan said that Robert Baloucoune has a good chance of starting. “I think he’s played for his way in there,” O’Sullivan shared with Sportsound Extra Time.
“Baloucoune, however Andy Farrell may see it differently, is the form guy.”
He stated that Keith Earls was coming off an injury, and hasn’t had a lot game time. I believe Baloucoune has played his part in getting him in.
Farrell, Ireland’s coach, will name his team Thursday, two days before the Aviva Stadium match against the reigning champions.
O’Sullivan believes that James Hume from Ulster could be a participant in the tournament, as Ireland chases their first title since their 2018 Grand Slam victory.
The Irish have won their eight previous games and Iain Henderson is back in training on Tuesday. There are no injuries for the Dublin game.
O’Sullivan has chosen the Paris game against France 12 February as the key to Irish hope.
He said, “It’s an amazing squad, we’re relatively injuries-free and building on the success in the autumn – Ireland are really good.”
The Six Nations is a humorous animal. One factor is if it is an odd or even years. Because it’s an even year, we must go to Paris and Twickenham. This makes it more difficult.
“Wales up first is a difficult one, but not as complicated if it were in Cardiff. We have a solid record against Wales in Dublin. They also have injury issues. You would hope that we will be able to beat Wales if our form is good.
“But the biggest one is going to Paris if we beat Wales. This will be the end of our Six Nations, as we can win in Paris and we could potentially reach Grand Slam territory, if not championship territory.
I think Iain Henderson may miss this weekend due to his injury status. It is possible, if we have at least two wins against Italy, that there is some room for James Hume to get a run.
Click here You can listen to the entire interview with Eddie O’Sullivan over Radio Ulster’s Sportsound Extra Time