Ireland Fringe Players That Have Enhanced Their World Cup Claims

Dave Kilcoyne

The Munster prop played four games in the Six Nations under Declan Kidney but had to wait until this year's tournament to add to that total. He made five appearances off the bench as he finally replaced Jack McGrath as Ireland's second choice loose head, in the final months of Joe Schmidt's tenure. The Limerick man impressed with his powerfull ball carrying and scrummaging off the bench and his position in the World Cup squad looks assured at this moment.

Jack Carty

Surprising named in the Six Nations squad ahead of Leinster flyhalf Ross Byrne, Carty staked his claim for the third choice flyhalf role with a series of impressive cameos off the bench against Italy, Wales and Scotland. Making his debut during the tournament showed the faith placed in the Connacht star by Joe Schmidt as his style of play offers Ireland a different threat in the stand off position. There is every reason to expect him to continue as Ireland's third choice No. 10 coming into the warm up games.

John Cooney

Pre tournament injuries to Kieran Marmion and Luke McGrath saw the Ulster scrum half catipulted from fourth to second choice in the Ireland scrum half ranks. He made a very eye catching performance off the bench against England to create Ireland's solo try. His ability to cover flyhalf strengthens his case for World Cup inclusion as his place kicking is also a strong point in his game.

Ultan Dillane

The rampaging lock enhanced his position in the locking charts for Ireland with a couple of big impacts off the bench. His stint off the bench against France included six carries and a lineout steal in a 23 minute cameo. He made his third Ireland start against Italy which is a major positive as he missed out on selection for last year's tournament.