Ireland lock Devin Toner was the surprise omission from Joe Schmidt’s 31-man World Cup squad Monday, as Jean Kleyn edged out the experienced Leinster man less than a month after making his international debut.
A near ever-present throughout Schmidt’s six years in charge with 67 caps, Toner’s lineout abilities were sacrificed for Kleyn’s power up front after the South African-born lock qualified to play for Ireland just last month.
“I’ve coached Dev for 10 years and he’s not just a lineout champion for us, he’s such a good player and an absolutely quality person,” said Schmidt in a statement. “That was an incredibly tough conversation.
“With Jean Kleyn, we probably don’t have a specialist tighthead second row as such. It’s a balance we’re looking for across that squad of 31. Jean Kleyn fitted that and Tadhg Beirne gives you the versatility of both a second row and a back row.”
Schmidt was able to name a strong squad after no major injury concerns emerged since flankers Sean O’Brien and Dan Leavy were ruled out at the end of last season, meaning reserve flyhalf Joey Carbery travels while recovering from injury.
Luke McGrath was favoured to Kieran Marmion as backup scrumhalf, Rhys Ruddock pipped Jordi Murphy in the backrow mix and Will Addison was unlucky not to make it as a versatile option in the backs.
Ireland, who face hosts Japan, Scotland Russia and Samoa in Pool A, will complete their preparations against Six Nations champions Wales on Saturday before they open their World Cup campaign against the Scots on Sept. 22.