Gavin Coombes must avoid CJ Stander pitfalls to earn Ireland role

Gavin Coombes was released from Andy Farrell's squad to link up with Munster ahead of their eagerly-anticipated clash with a South Africa Select XV in Cork. Head coach Graham Rowntree drafted the No8 straight into his starting line-up. Almost 42,000 Leesiders are set to pass through the turnstiles of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Ireland's backrow is an area of riches, but Coombes appeared capable of forcing the issue and breaking up the Leinster pecking order. He almost seamlessly filled the void at No8 left by the retiring CJ Stander and earned a seat on the Ireland flight to Auckland in the summer. But there is sense that Farrell and the management want more from Coombs. Caelan Doris, Jack Conan and Max Deegan are also pushing for further inclusion. Cooms needs to heed the lessons of his predecessor Standers. Ireland's high-velocity game plan demands a different set of skills. The Irish pack need to play more ball these days.