Ireland looking to the future

Favourable results would be a bonus but for the IRFU the fundamental benefit of the SANZAR Invitational Under-21 Championship in Buenos Aires, which starts today, is a cost effective screening programme of future internationals.

Basically the 28-man Irish squad is being evaluated in a competitive arena as to whether individual players have the capacity to progress to senior international status or more immediately compete for respective provinces in the European Cup. Players are playing for future contracts.

The IRFU required a high quality benchmark to assess individual progress and targeted this tournament as the ideal testing ground because of the Southern Hemisphere influence. The union is no longer content to use the Six Nations (on the inclusion of Italy) under-21 format as a barometer.

Ireland have traditionally performed excellently at this level against the Home Unions but the IRFU now feels that the SANZAR tournament is a better litmus test of players' ability. Two Southern Hemisphere sides, New Zealand and Argentina are grouped alongside Ireland in Pool A while there is a strong possibility, if results are favourable, that further contests against Australia and South Africa may be realised.

In essence, players will be judged against the best in the world, rather than the best in Europe. Ireland's young elite are aware that they are playing for their future in the sport over the next two and a half weeks. It is against this backdrop that Ireland open the tournament against France at the Buenos Aires Cricket and Rugby Club today (6.10 Irish time).

While acknowledging the bigger picture, the Irish management stressed the importance of performing well in the tournament. Team manager Eddie Wiggle sworth explained: "Our objective is to win every match we play. We are not just looking for a couple of good results, we want to be competitive in every match not just in some."

To progress to the semi-finals Ireland will need to win two of their three pool matches and in trying to accomplish that goal they have been favoured by the draw. After meeting France, they take on Argentina before facing New Zealand in the final game.

Ireland have already beaten France this season (at Musgrave Park) and despite the absence of eight players, the squad are confident of repeating that feat. Argentina reached the final last year, before being beaten by Australia, and will also be buoyed by the fact that many of their team hammered Ireland in an Under-19 FIRA Championship semi-final three years ago.

The Irish squad include several players who played in that match, albeit in completely different conditions from those that prevail: 90 plus degrees heat and high humidity three years ago undermined Ireland's challenge.

The New Zealanders have five players with Super-12 experience and a sprinkling of those who prevailed in this season's FIRA Under-19 World Cup final - they beat Ireland in the semi-final. The Irish management is hoping that by the time Ireland face the All Black Colts, two victories will have been secured and that they will be able to rest some of the top players.

The other pool contains South Africa, defending champions Australia, England and Wales who won all six matches this season, inflicting Ireland's only defeat. England, who share the same hotel as Ireland, are arguably viewed as the weakest team in the competition and they open their campaign against Australia. All four matches in the two pools take place at the same ground today.

Wales's clash with South Africa will be an interesting barometer for Ireland and the ambitions they foster. By the end of the competition in which each team will have played five matches, the countries will be ranked one to eight. A top-four place would constitute a fine achievement for the Irish given their depleted panel.

Ireland enjoyed a brief run-out yesterday, opting to rehearse lineout variations and allowing Jeremy Staunton and replacement out-half Mark McHugh the opportunity to practise their goal kicking. Coach Brian McLaughlin announced the replacements for today's match after confirming with the Argentinian Rugby Union the ruling regarding frontrow substitutes. He was informed that there was no need to have an entire replacement front row, providing five players could play there if required.

As a result two back-five specialists, Donnacha O'Callaghan and Des Dillon join Andy O'Brien (prop) and Adrian Flavin (hooker). Simon Keogh (scrum-half), Mark McHugh (outhalf/centre) and Bryn Cunningham (full-back/wing) constitute the backline back-up.