Hawkshaw a doubt for Musgrave Park clash
U20 Six Nations
Daire Walsh
Ireland U20s head coach Noel McNamara has revealed that skipper David Hawkshaw is a potential doubt for Friday’s Six Nations encounter with France at Musgrave Park (kick-off 7.15pm).
“We have a knock there, but we will just have to wait and see how that one pans out. It’s obviously very difficult to make a diagnosis now so we will just have to wait and see how the rest of the week goes for him,” said McNamara yesterday.
Aside from the obvious leadership qualities he brings to the group, Hawkshaw has developed a strong understanding with Liam Turner at the heart of the Irish midfield.
Nonetheless, McNamara has a plan in place if the former Dublin minor hurler is ruled out of contention.
“I think there are, obviously, options there. There are guys who have been on the bench. Sean French was on the bench covering the centre, Ben [Healy] and Rob Russell are the other two guys who were on the bench in the first couple of games. As I said, it is one that we will have to assess. It’s an opportunity for someone else to come in and show what they can do, if it does happen.”
Following three consecutive victories to date, Ireland will aim to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive against the reigning world champions.
Michael Milne has been ruled out of the game after picking up a knock playing for UCD at the weekend, but lock Ryan Baird remains in line for his first appearance of the tournament.
“Ryan has been back in. He has played two full games and a half for Trinity in the AIL over the last few weeks. He needed rugby, that was the long and short of it. He is pushing for involvement but it is a competitive position,” said McNamara.