By turniphead
September 8 2022

The 22-23 Season sees Irish back with the 'Big Boys' in the Champions Cup. An exciting season no doubt but maybe a risk of being spread too thin?

Our recent attacking and 'never say die' style of play has meant that the rollercoaster of being an Irish Supporter has often see us end up with joy rather than despair but you can't help but feel that this is the season we need to kick on; take the 'never say die' element a step further and turn those 5 famous draws in wins this time out!

With some incredible talent at our disposal (excitingly much of it English and towards the start of their Senior careers) we certainly have the firepower to score no matter who we're playing. Can in mesh perfectly with the wizened old heads of Creevy, Coleman, Jackson and Simmons? Our two pre-season games have looked good (despite the nervy showing in the second half at Jersey). The Muster performance was especially exciting showing we're definitely not going to hide in our shells! There are definite grounds for optimism that's for sure.

That said, I'm concerned we haven't got the depth of resources to cope with Europe and the Prem; we're used to seeing a weaker team in the Challenge Cup giving the front-line names so rest but we won't have that luxury. It's going to be a real test!

Trying to predict the Gallagher Premiership is a mugs game! Genuinely anyone can beat anyone it seems and places 3/4 to 12/13 are very much wide open. Even 1st and 2nd are hardly foregone conclusions. As a reflex action, I would go for Tigers and Saracens to top things but how will Leicester fare following their summer reshuffles? Some big changes for them so who knows!

Likewise, it's easy to pin Worcester and Newcastle to the basement spots but as we've shown, no one is destined to stay down there. Saints and Gloucester look very interesting at the moment and of course there's Quins who (if they can manage missing their England lads) are also going to be there or there abouts.

Have Bath and Bristol sorted themselves out? Both faced very different challenges and ultimately massively underwhelmed last season. That leaves Irish, Wasps and Sale. How does it all fit together? Where will everyone end up after the wash?

Colours to the mast time… where do I think we'll end up? With some more consistency, I think top 6 should be on. If things really click, I'm not averse to ruling out sneaking into the top 4.

Enough fence sitting from me I feel!

Squad Changes