Joe Schmidt’s decision to select uncapped Mike Haley in his 44-man Ireland training squad raised eyebrows in some quarters, including those of Donal Lenihan.
Haley, along with provincial team-mate Jean Kleyn, were the two uncapped players in the extended World Cup squad, which will be whittled down to 31 before departing for Japan.
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Ulster backs Will Addison and Stuart McCloskey, and Connacht’s in-form Tom Farrell, were among those to miss out, while Schmidt conceded that others could be added at a later date depending on injury updates.
The selection of Haley, who joined the province from Sale last summer and is eligible for Ireland through his Kerry-born grandmother, was one of the biggest talking points and the RTÉ Rugby analyst admitted he hadn’t foreseen his inclusion.
"I was surprised. I didn’t think he had done enough to warrant inclusion in the squad," Lenihan told 2fm’s Game On.
"I think Haley is there more to have a number of players who play at full-back every week as part of the training squad. I don’t see him making the final cut of 31, regardless of what happens.
"There are so many options for Joe Schmidt within the back three. Come World Cup, if Rob Kearney had an injury, he’d be adequately covered by the likes of Andrew Conway or Jordan Larmour."
The omission of Addison in particular was eye-catching as far as Lenihan was concerned after getting his chance to impress in green last November.
"We know he had back surgery and there is a suggestion he may recover over the next two months and could be added to the squad.
"You go back to the Autumn internationals and he was a guy that could cover so many positions. I would have thought he was a certainty to be included, but we’re not privy to the exact details around the injury."
This week has seen Rob Kearney put pen to paper on a contract extension with Leinster with a short-term deal.
There was speculation that the 33-year-old may be headed for pastures new, but Lenihan has welcomed his decision to stay.
"Thankfully it’s sorted out now. It makes more sense for him that he finishes the season with Leinster. It would be difficult for him to move after the World Cup. He has a decision to make then, does he feel up to going abroad? He will be 34 then and has played all his rugby with Leinster.
"At least he can make that decision in the fullness of time."
As far as the former Ireland international is concerned, the 90-cap Kearney is one of those players whose true worth is only appreciated when he’s sidelined.
"Kearney is one of these players who seems to be taken for granted. It’s only when he’s not there that people are forced to reconsider.
"I think he will remain Joe Schmidt’s first choice for the World Cup."
