It’s September and right on cue, the Ulster centres are demonstrating once again how they’re vastly under-rated in the Ireland setup.
Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall were easily the best combination on show across the dozen clubs in the six URC games over the opening weekend. They were also individually better than any midfielders across the provinces where half-a-dozen centres misfired completely.
McCloskey and Marshall were unstoppable at Ravenhill as Ulster blasted past Connacht, for whom Tom Farrell and Tom Daly were left chasing shadows. McCloskey (30) produced a burst and lay-off for an early Marshall try.
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The Bangor-born star debuted for Ulster in 2013, has been Ulster Player of the Year twice, made the URC’s Dream Team twice, yet earned just six Ireland caps.
Marshall’s return from injury has been nothing short of heroic, having had one start and three sub appearances at the back end of last season 2021/22. That followed just four appearances in 2020/21 - a season cut short by an injury.
“Stuart McCloksey is ridiculously skilful,” said Ulster boss Dan McFarland. “In another man’s world Stu would have played for Ireland for the last five years but it is a competitive position, with so many Lions in there.
“I would love to see Stu wear the Ireland jersey. If called upon he would add another dimension to their play. Stu is not massively vocal but is a really good defensive leader and quietly goes about his business. The other players love playing with him.”
McFarland said of Marshall: “Luke is part of the heartbeat of the team. It’s the first game he’s started for a while but he’s so proud to wear the jersey.
“He looks exhausted after 30 minutes of the game but just keeps going and offers something different to Stu.”
It it is clear that if Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki are Ireland first picks. It is also clear the Ulster trio of McCloskey, Marshall and James Hume are next in line.
There were a number of the Emerging Ireland squad in action over the weekend. Back-three players Shane Daly, Stewart Moore and Calvin Nash looked the part while Nathan Doak was excellent at Kingspan; up front Josh Wycherley, Tom Stewart, Alex Kendellen, Scott Penny and Max Deegan looked the pick.
Leinster’s Ciaran Frawley, a potential Johnny Sexton replacement with Ireland, came from the bench after 53 minutes.
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