Aston relishing Ireland’s chances of glory

Ireland coach Mark Aston is in typically upbeat form ahead of his team’s vital clash with Wales in Bray this weekend.

The Irish, just as in last year’s tournament, go into their final game with an outside chance of the title, if they can beat Wales by a sufficiently big score.

If they win, then they must hope that France either lose to Scotland in Avignon, or fail to beat the Scots by a wide enough margin.

Calculators are sure to be needed if Ireland and France do win.

“Here we are again in the same position as last year, needing to beat Wales by a big score to win the Championship,” said Aston.

“We hope the Scots can do us a favour and keep the target low but at least we’ll know what we have to do by the time we kick off. 

“Wales are a tougher proposition than last year and we’ll need to be on our best form to pull it off but I’m confident the boys will dig in and go for it – it should be a great occasion.”

IRELAND SQUAD

Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Elliot Cosgrove (Batley Bulldogs), Oliver Roberts (Bradford Bulls), Haydn Peacock (Carcassonne), Liam Finn (Castleford Tigers), Callum Mulkeen, Graham O’Keeffe (Gloucester All Golds), Luke Ambler, Ben Johnston (Halifax RLFC), Scott Grix (Huddersfield Giants),  Rob Mulhern (Leeds Rhinos), Bob Beswick (Leigh Centurions), Joe Keyes (London Broncos), Casey Dunne (Longhorns RL), Will Hope (Oldham RLFC),  Clark McAllister (Portadown Pumas), Brad Hargreaves, Danny Bridge, Matty Hadden