Ireland will resume their Six Nations campaign this weekend, travelling to Rome to take on Italy on Saturday afternoon.
It is a game Andy Farrell's side will be expected to win, while the fixture could also provide an opportunity to give playing time to some of the more fringe members of the squad.
A number of players have been added to the extended panel ahead of that game, with the likes of Joey Carbery, Kieran Treadwell, and Scott Penny all coming into the camp. Cian Healy and Dan Sheehan have also been passed fit to play after their recent injury concerns.
The addition of Penny is an interesting one. He has often been a bit part player for Leinster over the course of his career, especially when their bigger names were available for selection. In fact, he only has one substitute appearance to his name for the province in the Champions Cup.
There is no doubting the 23-year old's talent, but some feel there are other players more deserving of a test call-up at the moment.
Munster fans complain about Scott Penny call-up
Of course, opinions on Scott Penny being called into the squad very quite a bit depending on your provincial loyalties. Whereas Leinster fans are delighted to see him be brought into the fold, some Munster fans are questioning how a backup player at Leinster is being selected ahead of others who have far more top level experience under their belt in recent seasons.
Quite a few Munster supporters took to social media to question the decision.
The majority of this Ireland side should feature Leinster players. Biggest population base, team playing well - I'm not arguing that.
I guess I'm saying that the process used to be - play well in the league, become a European regular, play well, shoot for a test place.— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) February 20, 2023
None of these selections are without consequence down the road, one way or the other.
When the perception is that you have to play twice as well for twice as long to get half the opportunities, that can be corrosive down the line.
I just hope we keep winning.— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) February 20, 2023
You misspelled Shocking. Player's at other province's have 10 starts in the Heineken cup but 5th choice Leinster player's Walk into the national set up ahead of them.
— D Finn Photography (@FinnPhotograph2) February 20, 2023
Scott Penny has played 10mins of ERC rugby in his career. He’s probably 3rd choice in each back row position at Leinster.
John Hodnett has been excellent in the ERC and URC this and last season. 🤷♂️— Barry Mullane (@BarryMullane1) February 20, 2023
Hodnett > Penny. There I've said it. #notblueenough
— Cooper Lynch (@NoiseIsHope) February 20, 2023
Scott Penny is a player of considerable pedigree, even if he has yet to nail down a spot at provincial level.
The back row was the top try scorer in the Pro 14 2021 and was also included in the Team of the Season that same year. He was also brought in to train with the Ireland squad during the autumn window last year, although he did not feature in a matchday squad on that occasion.
There is no doubt that he has the talent to play at test level, although his call-up to the squad at this stage has led to questions from some quarters.
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