I just had a look at the 2011 squads, teams had either 4 or 5 props, depending on coaching choices and what was available to them. It would be nice to have an extra LH and TH but the cost would probably require Ireland to only include two wings or three centres and depending on a utility back for additional cover. As Joe picked Jones as 23 throughout the six nations this is a possibility, but then he didn't play Jones in every game. You're right that it won't be hard to send over cover but its hard to imagine that players on stand by in Ireland will be at the same mental and physical level of preparation.

phatguerilla wrote: There's a reasonable possibility that Joe will only pick 5 props: Church/McGrath/Ross/Moore, plus a back up like Bent or Rodney who can cover both sides (as he's unlikely to play this player outside of the minnows games), so Kilcoyne and Buckley may both be a ways off contention. I'd love to see him get that shot, I think there's still time for him to get full senior caps but maybe not at this world cup. It is amazing to think of the transformation he has made in his own game and attitude from a season or two ago. On the other hand, all things being equal Joe tends to pick the biggest player in each position, assuming they still possess the basics and skills required for the position, so this could be a mark against Buckley that would be hard to beat.

I assumed that the increase in squad size from 30 to 31 was to facilitate an extra prop now that there are 23 man squads, and therefore that 6 props would be mandatory, but maybe not.
In any case, with the RWC taking place so close to home wouldn't it be better to have all specialists and not bother with a versatile prop? In the event of injury, you can have a replacement out within hours.

There's a reasonable possibility that Joe will only pick 5 props: Church/McGrath/Ross/Moore, plus a back up like Bent or Rodney who can cover both sides (as he's unlikely to play this player outside of the minnows games), so Kilcoyne and Buckley may both be a ways off contention. I'd love to see him get that shot, I think there's still time for him to get full senior caps but maybe not at this world cup. It is amazing to think of the transformation he has made in his own game and attitude from a season or two ago. On the other hand, all things being equal Joe tends to pick the biggest player in each position, assuming they still possess the basics and skills required for the position, so this could be a mark against Buckley that would be hard to beat.

Would be great to see Denis get a shot at the Irish jersey.

Down side for us would be one more of our best players being unavailable for crucial Pro 12 games around the International games.

He's (hopefully) only going to get better too with age. With Jack McGrath dropping the knee so idiotically against the prone BaaBaas second row (Mikautadze?), Schmidt will have been reading him the riot act and reminding him that his place isn't nailed on just yet. To be honest, it's great to see depth - any depth - at both LH and TH.

His mobility, usefulness at the breakdown as an extra back-row and discipline have put him in the frame for Ireland, the fact that he's one of the most destructive scrummaging loose-heads in the country is an added bonus...

Following "Killer" Kilcoyne's abject and inept performance in Ravenhill on Saturday, there must now be a real chance of Buckley forcing himself into the RWC squad if he shines on the Emerging Ireland tour in Georgia.