Bernard Jackman feels there is a chance that Simon Zebo could play a part for Ireland in the 2024 Six Nations. The 33-year-old Munster back made his second appearance of the season on St Stephen's Day as his side lost 9-3 to Leinster at Thomond Park.
Zebo, who has 35 caps at international level, last played for Ireland during the 2017 summer tour of Japan. He was called up to the Ireland squad by Andy Farrell for the 2021 November series against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina, but did not make an appearance.
"Here's on for you: Could Simon Zebo force his way back into an Ireland selection?" Jackman told RTÉ.
"He was good again tonight. Obviously, we've seen so little of him but he's played two very intense games, one against Leinster in Dublin and one tonight. If he got a run of form... What's the pecking order behind Hugo Keenan? Jimmy O'Brien, but he could end up playing on the wing.
"I just think, for me, I'd love to see him get a run of games because I don't think we should write him off yet. He still is a class act. Whether time is on his side, and he will get that chance or not...
"Even, from a Munster point of view, if he gets a run of games for Munster, they are going to be a more dangerous team."
26 December 2023; Simon Zebo of Munster is tackled by Garry Ringrose of Leinster during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Zebo's former Munster teammate Donncha O'Callaghan added: "He is the type of player that Farrell would pick. We look at Mack Hansen, it's just a bit unfortunate for Simon Zebo that in his time when he was at his peak, it was a coach like Joe Schmidt who was looking for him to do different things.
"There's no doubting at any time that he is exciting. The last game, he steps around Garry Ringrose - he's still got it, it's just about being able to put it back-to-back as [Bernard Jackman] says. That's how you put your hand up for national level."
25 November 2023; Simon Zebo of Munster is tackled by Hugo Keenan, bottom, and Jordan Larmour of Leinster during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Munster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Jamie Heaslip, who scoffed when Jackman suggested Zebo has a chance to be part of Ireland's Six Nations squad, said Munster back row Tom Ahern is a candidate for selection by Andy Farrell.
"If I put my Ireland hat on here, you had people like Ahern who stepped up - and I know they weren't on the winning side - but a lot of players here were putting their name in the hat for Ireland for the Six Nations," said Heaslip.
"That's what you want to see. That's why it's important these games are so tightly fought, it brings out the best in these guys and they are basically trial games for the national side. We got a great trial game today."
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