Winger warns of team’s determination amid leadership change as Ireland prepare to face Marseille
Ireland and Leinster winger James Rowe.Photo: Sports File
Ireland winger James Rowe has warned Andy Farrell’s side have a point to prove when they begin their Grand Slam title defense against France in Marseille tomorrow.
Lowe is included in the 34-man Ireland squad, captained by Peter O’Mahony, as Munster’s back-row contract turmoil continues.
O’Mahony, who is due to be released from his contract with the Central IRFU at the end of the season, remains a key part of manager Andy Farrell’s plans despite not yet being offered a new contract.
Conor Murray is in a similar situation with his future uncertain, but like his Munster teammate O’Mahony, the veteran scrum-half has also been selected for Ireland’s Six Nations squad.
O’Mahony, 34, will take over as Ireland captain from Johnny Sexton, an honor the Corkman said was “definitely one of the proudest moments of my life”, adding that La Rochelle’s No8 Gregory Aldritt did the same with France. Antoine Dupont will be absent and will miss the Six Nations as he switches his focus to Sevens ahead of this summer’s Paris Olympics.
The Ireland head coach’s inclusion of uncapped players, including Munster’s second/back-row Tom Ahern and tighthead Oli Jaeger, as well as Leinster’s 20-year-old out-half Sam Prendergast. Farrell opted to continue with a condensed team. He has been named a “training panelist” for next week’s Portugal camp.
Lowe, who just returned from a foot injury sustained in Leinster’s game against Stade Français last weekend, is expected to start on the left wing at Marseille as Ireland look to bounce back from their World Cup defeat.
“We and France were the two teams that were bitterly disappointed in the World Cup,” Lowe said.
“To get them, the first round in Marseille is very exciting for both teams and both have a bit of a point to prove.
“We’re looking forward to it, but obviously we (Leinster) are getting Welford Road at the weekend so that should be good.”