Tour Diary – Team Announcement 2

A down day yesterday gave the Ireland players a chance to recharge both mentally and physically. Today saw the announcement of the team to play the second Test against the Springboks.

Of course there’s always time for a bit of messing on tour as this Instagram post from Jordi Murphy proves:

Music is a big feature for the squad whether on the team bus or on arrival at training. This morning’s session kicked off with ‘The Boss’.
 

The weather took a turn for the better yesterday and while the warm winter sun was most welcome, it made for a tough training session this morning. It also meant the lads had to cover up with sun cream. Ian Madigan made sure to keep well covered.
 

Training is always a place to hone your skills but this flick from Eoin Reddan to Rory Best is an absolute peach.

Back at the hotel there was a recovery session at the pool with the dreaded ice baths to cool things down. Robbie Henshaw, Sean Reidy and Craig Gilroy take the plunge:
 

The team is announced just after lunch. There ten changes to the 23-man squad and three new caps included, and the player emojis are proving popular with the lads!

 
 
Conor Murray shows that he can focus despite the distractions thrown his way by the likes of Tadhg Furlong and Jack McGrath amongst others:

The non-starting players hit the gym while the team work on some analysis with group meetings for backs and forwards.

The evening finishes on the balcony of the team hotel where the chef serves up a serious ‘braai’.

We’re in match mode now. Roll on Saturday.

Tour Diary Week 1: Cape Town

Arrival In Cape Town – A warm welcome and a dip in the sea

Training Day – An intense session against an incredible backdrop

SharkCopter – A day of rest with great white sharks

Team Announcement Day – the team for the first test is announced

Captain’s Run And Coaching Kids – Last run-out in Newlands and a school coaching session

Match Day & History – Ireland beat the Springboks for the first time in South Africa

Travel Day – Farewell Cape Town, Hello Johannesburg

Tour Diary Week 2: Johannesburg

Making A Splash – A pool recovery session and watching the Euros

Altitude & Joost – Training at altitude and a chance to meet a legend and hero

Team Announcement 2 – 10 changes and three new caps for the second Test, and some serious skill from Eoin Reddan