It's been a strange year for Irish Rugby. Things were going well at the start of the World Cup, but one heavy defeat to Argentina seemed to de-rail a lot of players seasons.
Leinster were going strong in the league until the internationals started returning to action, and the disruption lead to further cries of an Irish Rugby crisis. That always seemed like an over-reactions, especially when there are so many young players playing so well. Perhaps it's time to let these young players play, and give the veterans a chance to rest, relax, and recover their form without the spotlight of the Six Nations.
I'm aware that the three players listed are all from Leinster. That's a coincidence but due to form, and their higher representation in the squad, and players from the other provinces playing well it's not meant to seem like an attack on Leinster.
Cian Healy
Injuries have ravaged Healy for the last 18 months to two years. We know he can be world class, but right now he's playing like a man who is feeling the pressure. A break to rest, let him gain his match fitness with Leinster slowly, which will help his confidence and effectiveness.
Jack McGrath has been superb in Healy's absence, and allowing him to continue his own development would benefit both players and give a chance to one of James Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Denis Buckley, or Kyle McCall who have been hammering down the door.
Rob Kearney
There's an air of truth about George Hook's comments regarding Rob Kearney, but I think it's more a case of form than ability. We've seen flashes of brilliance from Kearney, with 2009 being the highlight but he shone in the World Cup pool stages too.
Allowing Kearney time to figure out his form gives another chance to put Jared Payne or Simon Zebo at full-back, both offering more going forward than Kearney right now.
Ian Madigan
Ian Madigan needs some game-time, and it's painfully clear that he's not going to get enough of it with Ireland. Cathal Marsh has been handed the reigns at Leinster right now, and Madigan has had three starts in two months. He's had 20 minutes of game-time in the Six Nations.
It's time to give Madigan time to re-build his match fitness, and reward Jackson for his form.
